Increasing Cultural Competence: Implementation of Study Away/Abroad in an Athletic Training Program

Abstract

Context:Traditional athletic training programs (ATPs) typically use a cohort model, which may create difficulty in integrating a study away/abroad program or international experiences into the model.Objective:To propose a model of study away/abroad and international opportunities embedded within the current athletic training curriculum.Background:Cultural competence (CC) became a component of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education 5 years ago in the fifth edition competencies. The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education-accredited ATPs, however, struggle to teach this concept effectively to students. The implementation of study away/abroad models in the athletic training curriculum may maximize students' exposure to other cultures.Synthesis:A review of the current study away/abroad programs and international opportunities, as well as educational values of short-term study away/abroad programs in athletic training education.Results:Study away/abroad/international experiences may provide opportunities for athletic training students to increase cultural awareness.Recommendations:Professional ATPs should consider integrating study away/abroad and international experiences into the athletic training curriculum and offer both didactic and clinical experiences internationally.Conclusions:The curricular integration of study away/abroad and international experiences provides athletic training students the opportunity to increase cultural competence with a programmatic and efficient approach.