International Humanitarian Work from the Student Perspective

Are you interested in getting involved in international humanitarian work? Read this short interview, conducted by Molly Mochel, and learn about our student members’ experiences.

 

Sara Brooks Weems, 4th year AuD student from South Alabama University

1. What international audiology humanitarian work have you been involved with? In other words, what was the trip, who was it with, what were the broad goals of the trip?

I went on an audiology trip to Durban, South Africa with eight hand-picked students from the University of South Alabama Audiology Department. Our professor is originally from Durban and she was able to get in touch with the director of the Speech and Language/Audiology Department at the University of KwaZulu Natal. On this 14 day excursion, we worked with the University’s ENTs and other clinicians to research hearing loss and sound levels in the daily market places. We performed hearing screenings and made referrals while out in the marketplace. Additionally, our goal for the trip was to experience, observe, and participate in the different fields of audiology (public hospital, ENT, and private practice) as well as become involved with community and culture. 

2. What were the main takeaways you had from the trip and how was your experience?

I loved this trip. South Africa is considered a developing country. Therefore, just being a part of the community and experiencing the culture is a learning experience in and of itself. 

3. Would you encourage other AuD students to get involved with international humanitarian work? If so, why?

I highly recommend going abroad to see how other audiologists and professionals work in their field. Experiencing the field through another country’s and/or culture’s perspective, especially in a developing country, will make you a more empathetic audiologist and will prepare you for all types of patients that you may come across in our own country. 

 

Meredith Klinker, 3rd year AuD student from Purdue University 

1. What international audiology humanitarian work have you been involved with? In other words, what was the trip, who was it with, what were the broad goals of the trip?

I participated in a study abroad program that traveled to three different cities in India with two faculty members and a group of nine undergraduate and graduate students from Purdue University. We partnered with two different nonprofit organizations there to work with their volunteers to provide school and community-based hearing screenings, but the main goal of the program was cultural education and exchange. We also spent a week shadowing students and learning from faculty at the National Institute of Speech and Hearing, and throughout our time, we were able to see similarities and differences with our own experiences in the ways that healthcare services are provided in our two countries. Cultural competency is a major goal as we progress towards becoming independent clinicians, and spending time with patients and providers from a different cultural background helped me to better reflect (and hopefully learn from) on my own cultural experiences in the clinic.

2. What were the main takeaways you had from the trip and how was your experience?

I had a great experience in India and learned a lot through our preparation prior to the trip, as well as both clinical and more recreational experiences there. I think one of my main takeaways was the importance of flexibility and being creative in testing and communication in clinical settings. Preparation is important, but appointments will not always go as planned.  It’s really important to prioritize patient needs and work to accommodate them in whatever ways you can. If communication is challenging due to language barriers, cultural differences, or a hearing loss, get creative! Be willing to come up with workarounds and different methods to accomplish the tasks you need to, working to improve your patient’s experience and outcomes in spite of any challenges.

3. Would you encourage other AuD students to get involved with international humanitarian work? If so, why?

I would definitely encourage AuD students to participate in an international program. While we were able to provide hearing screenings to people who needed them, the opportunity to observe healthcare provision in a different country–aspects like communication between patients and providers, the structure of appointments, etc.–is a really valuable experience that can help inform your own practice. As we work towards cultural competency in our clinical services and communication, working with people from different cultural backgrounds than our own is an important step towards getting there.

 

Brooke Flesher, 4th year AuD student from Purdue University

1. What international audiology humanitarian work related to audiology have you been involved with? In other words, what was the trip, who was it with, what were the broad goals of the trip?

I went to Cairns, Australia along with Northern Illinois University (NIU)  students, to work with the National Acoustics Laboratory (NAL) on a research project and provide audiologic care to Aboriginal children. 

2. What were the main takeaways you had from the trip and how was your experience?

My experience was wonderful! It was such a unique opportunity to work internationally and provide services to those in need. 

3. Would you encourage other AuD students to get involved with international humanitarian work? If so, why?

ABSOLUTELY! We are in this field to improve the lives of our patients and to do this across the world is such a powerful and rewarding experience! 

 

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in humanitarian audiology locally and internationally. Need more information? Contact Maribiliz Irizarry to learn more about how to get involved with humanitarian based service.