It was easy to access the course venue from the airport.  Directions were clear.  Accommodations were provided and were of appropriate standard. Accomodations were comparable to hostel although faculty had own rooms or shared with another person.  Given costs this was a valuable asset to the program.

Language of instruction was in English.  English was a second or third language for the majority of students, and for some nearly impossible to communicate in "English."  However, in cases were verbal communication was difficult, both students and faculty were able to communicate using other methods such as visual methods or body language. There were also faculty and students that could help with translation when needed. Cultural clashes will always arise in these types of diverse settings (I think). However, in this case, the "clashes" were more like thresholds of understanding where it facilitated humor and friendship, something also important in the learning process. 

Social activities included "cultural evening," "gala dinner," and student led bar nights.  

Nothing further

I had the opportunity to meet with other faculty from around Europe and discuss ideas for collaboration as well as share ideas about developing educational programming.  

I received information about the "workshop in creativity within occupational therapy" through strategic planning days and pedagogical development at Karolinska Institutet.  There was a possibility to build upon ongoing work to evaluate this workshop from the perspective of student learning, where my role was to conduct focus groups together with students.  In addition I also conducted a survey.  My preparation thus had to do with preparing recruitment information, letters of informed consent, focus group questions, and a survey. 

There are many reflections to share.  Most will come in the form of a report later.  In terms of maintaining contact I believe that the contact between our programs will remain strong.  As a result of participation during these days I have had new ideas about how to incorporate alternative methods of teaching in the classroom and ways of incorporating more hands-on activities.  Moreover, I have also had ideas about new courses that could be of value on both undergraduate and graduate levels. There will be many possibilities to share experiences with faculty and students at KI. In fact, undergraduate students have already been connected to this project through thesis work and other collaborations. 

The structure of the workshop built on hands-on work where students had a combination of inspiration lectures, group work, art studio, workshops, hands-on practice with children (both with and without disabilities), and where events were organized and student driven.  Although the modalities were familiar, there were much more dynamics incorporated in this course venue and students were able to bring in more of their own perspectives in the learning activities. From my perspective, the students had a high degree of participation in learning.  Something that is not always achieved to the same degree in general classroom contexts.  

My assignment was not a traditional teaching assignment but involved group work with students in several different contexts over a 4 day-period.  In total time in this respect was approximately 10 hours.