Occupational therapy and sports science students from St Louis University (SLU) have completed a two-week study visit at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle, gaining firsthand experience of Australia’s healthcare and community service sectors.
Study visit highlights
During their stay, the SLU students worked alongside academics and researchers in Sydney and Perth. They also undertook a project with Ruah Community Services, examining the organisation’s work with individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
The cultural program included visits to Rottnest Island and attendance at an AFL match, giving the students a broad taste of Australian life.
Partnership benefits
Notre Dame vice-chancellor Julian Smith expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating, “Our partnership with SLU is creating unique opportunities for students from both institutions to learn from one another.” He added, “We’re excited to continue building this partnership and look forward to welcoming more students in the future while also giving Notre Dame students the chance to learn abroad.”
Professor Anthony Breitbach, SLU’s director of interprofessional education, highlighted the value of the collaboration: “Collaborating with the University of Notre Dame Australia and Ruah Community Services to co-create these interprofessional experiences has produced personal and professional opportunities that go far beyond the classroom and impact the care they provide as future healthcare providers.”
Future exchanges
A cohort of Notre Dame students is scheduled to travel to SLU’s campus in Missouri next semester for a return visit, further strengthening the ties between the two institutions.
