Occupational Therapy in South Africa

What is the Occupational Therapy in South Africa all about?

Occupational Therapy in South Africa is a significantly growing field as in other parts of the world. Locally, the project is run within different types of setting in Cape Town which aims to support children and elders including hospitals, rehabilitative settings, special-needs schools, NGOs, and geriatric centers.

Depending on your background and interest, you may choose between rehabilitative occupational therapy, pediatric occupational therapy, mental health occupational therapy or geriatric occupational therapy.

During the occupational therapy internships, you may be involved in 1:1 sessions, integrated health group sessions, experiencing staff meetings, being involved with the assessments of patients, contributing to problem-saving sessions, assisting in individualized intervention programs, amongst many others. This will depend on your background, level of studies as well as the need of the projects at the time of your placement.

Occupational therapy internships can be a great way to learn about the healthcare system and key limitations in the African context. Through a South African internship, participants can gain daily exposure to health issues that affect children and adults health.

Why choose this Occupational Therapy in South Africa placement?

• Work alongside professional South African occupational therapists and gain practical experience and insight that can support your future career.
• Bring meaning to the lives of individuals and having a positive effect on their health and well-being during your time with them.
• Advance your leadership and interpersonal communication skills in a multicultural environment

Role of the therapist intern

As an occupational therapy intern, you will have the opportunity to work alongside qualified therapists and teachers and observe how they go about their duties while helping them assess patients and off guidance on how they may improve their daily life. In some instance, you might be able to be involved with a full team of therapists made up of physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists as some of the students have physical disabilities. The therapists’ team will help the teachers set goals and implement different therapeutic practices in the classroom.

As an intern on an occupational therapy placement abroad, you will be under the supervision of a local occupational therapist who will guide you and play the role of a mentor. As an Occupational Therapy in South Africa intern, you will also be asked to deliver workshops and pieces of training for the community members to ensure the well-being of the collectivity.

What skills do I need to be an Occupational Therapy Intern in South Africa?

Experience in healthcare is a plus since it would allow you to take a more active role. Students with previous experience working and studying physiology, anatomy, developmental psychology or other experiences in rehabilitative centers would be great assets for this placement! Other soft skills like willingness to learn, dedication, patience and passion to help children and the elderly is a must. As you will be living and working in a different country than your own, you will need to be adaptable, flexible and somewhat outgoing. Also, note that because resources are already scarce, a good comment of the English language is a must. 

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