The OTD Class of 2026 Embarked on an International Level 1 Fieldwork Experience
October 31, 2025
Xavier University’s occupational therapy doctorate students in the Class of 2026 embarked on a 9-day international Level 1 fieldwork experience in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The Level I fieldwork course, taught by Dr. Stacia Galey, prepares students to practice as ethical, competent, and caring professionals using cultural humility, critical, creative, and reflective thinking as lifelong learners during an international fieldwork experience. Xavier students, OTD faculty member Dr. Marnie Renda, Sara-Ruth Strain-Riggs,occupational therapist at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, and Lenine Rukebesha, Xavier OTD graduate in the Class of 2023, partnered with Guatemala OT/PT students from Rafael Landivar University, a Jesuit University, at their fieldwork sites of La Esperanza, Xecam Cantel, and CREAD. The fieldwork sites, respectively, were a rehabilitation center, a community-center, and a home for adults with developmental disabilities. Students from both universities were able to collaboratively treat clients across the lifespan, free of charge for the Guatemalan community. Following mornings at fieldwork, Xavier OTD students were immersed in several cultural experiences including back strap weaving, learning about medicinal plants and using a temascal (hot sauna) for health benefits, exploring Guatemalan markets, visiting Mayan ruins, and participating in a traditional Mayan ceremony. During the week, students lived with local families allowing full immersion into the Guatemalan culture. This international fieldwork experience allowed Xavier students to navigate occupation-based co-treatments with Guatemalan peers. This experience will be remembered and the lessons learned will be carried forward throughout their careers!
Here are several student perspectives from their experiences:
Student 1: “We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a variety of culturally significant experiences while in Guatemala. Our group truly experienced Guatemala's rich cultural diversity and traditions while there. We took part in a Temascal, a traditional Mayan steam sauna, which gave us a better understanding of the healing and spiritual rituals that are deeply rooted in Mayan culture. At TRAMA, we also took part in a backstrap weaving workshop taught by Mayan women, where we learned about the skills and cultural significance of their beautiful textiles. A highlight was living with host families and getting to eat traditional Guatemalan foods. The fieldwork experience deepened our understanding of the community values, creativity, and resiliency that influence Guatemalan daily life.”
Xavier OTD students participating in backstrap weaving at TRAMA.
Student 2: “The opportunity to work at Xecam Cantel with students from Landivar (Jesuit) University has been extremely impactful. This experience has helped us to learn so much about our profession and share the knowledge we have gained throughout our time at Xavier. Not only have we grown in our hands-on skills, but also in our ability to communicate, use cultural humility, and appreciation for Guatemala and its people. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be immersed in Guatemalan culture and to feel so welcomed by both the students and patients.”
Xavier students partnered with Rafael Landivar University students at Xecam Cantel.
Student 3: “At CREAR - a rehab out-patient facility, we had the opportunity to work alongside staff members and PT/OT students to deliver interventions for children and adolescents with disabilities. We supported children’s participation in ADLs, IADLs, and education. As we learned from the director of the clinic, anything is possible in the right hands. We learned to be creative with interventions, always bring our best foot forward, and how community can shape therapy. We are grateful for the experiences we had and the relationships we made during our time at CREAR. “
Xavier OTD (gray shirts with Xavier logo) and Rafael Landivar OT/PT (some in gray, some in blue, without Xavier logo) students working with children at CREAR, a school for children with developmental disabilities.
Student 4: “La Esperanza means hope and treats many patients who have orthopedic concerns, focusing on pain management through the use of TENs and heat/ice modalities. In addition, they serve patients who have experienced strokes and children who live with Cerebral Palsy. It was exciting to bring the occupational therapy lens by focusing on functional activities with the clients. Some of the interventions we brought to the site were positioning for Cerebral palsy, lower body dressing, education, ulnar nerve exercises, scapular mobilization, kinesiotaping, weight shifting, and education on correct ergonomics.”
Xavier OTD students and faculty member, Marnie Renda, outside the clinic at La Esperanza.