The Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions is planning a return trip to the University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule) Osnabrück (UAS Osnabrück) in Germany, May 6-17, 2027, giving USI students a unique opportunity for collaborative study, health facilities tours and cultural experiences.
“The success of this program is based on merging U.S. and German students together in terms of discussion and intercultural experiences," says Dr. Erin Reynolds, Associate Professor and Chair of USI’s Health Administration and Community Health program. “This trip coincides with their university’s ‘Block Week,’ which is when the course material is condensed over consecutive days instead of being spread out over a semester. We compare the German and U.S. healthcare systems, discussing public health disparities, healthcare inequities and more.”
The deadline to apply is December 15, 2026. For more information, complete the 2027 Interest Form, below.
“My time in Belize is something that I will cherish forever. It was a big culture shock at first, but overall, a very beautiful and eye-opening experience. I feel like I was able to grow not only as a student and future occupational therapist, but also a person because of the relationships and memories made.”
"As someone who signed up for the Germany trip without knowing anyone else prior, I would say that I had an enjoyable experience and made so many lasting friendships."
"All all of my experiences in Germany were positive and made me so much more knowledgeable about different lifestyles."
"It has made me more confident in my ability to travel internationally and navigate situations with people that I may not speak the same language as!"
OT Students Return to BelizeDuring the Fall 2025 semester, the USI Occupational Therapy Program took learning beyond the classroom with an international service trip to Belize with Therapy Adventures, a Chicago-based non-profit organization dedicated to delivering pediatric therapy services to underserved communities worldwide. Led by Dr. Jessica Mason and Dr. Stephanie Rexing, second-year MSOT students Kate, Izzy, Cassidy and Grace provided hands-on care to children and families.
All OT students are required to complete three, one-week level 1 fieldwork rotations as part of OT 695: Professional Practicum Seminar A and B. Mason says the experience in Belize helped raise the USI students’ level of cultural competence.
