Lessons about international collaboration and development of an online Student Summer Course

An increased need to explore new methodologies of teaching online emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this presentation, we share our experiences with organising an international summer course considering students’ perspectives in the course development, as well as some of the challenges we faced. The course has been developed between three partners Universities together with ENOTHE members and SPOTeurope. We hope to create new institutional partnerships to continue developing this course. Using a virtual platform, we delivered a 4-day course for occupational therapy students across Europe (in the summer editions of 2021 and 2022) focusing on digital and community perspectives to bring innovative solutions to occupational therapy practice. Methodologies included lectures following an evidence-based approach, discussion sessions, case-based learning, and supervised project-based learning to enhance students´ learning experience. Students´ feedback pointed out how a virtual environment enhances occupational therapy competencies, including creative and critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning and teamwork skills. Notably, students valued discussions with other students and experts from various European countries. As such, this educational project is innovative since it includes students’ perspectives and international collaboration. These aspects have been fundamental to facilitate invaluable intercultural dialogue sharing practical occupational therapy models and experience in diverse social contexts. DDEUIT