Story by Emily Bord
With new friends made, new perspectives gained and a reconnection of long-standing relationships, this visit like many others began with a whirlwind of excitement and ended with tearful goodbyes. Each year the Department of Occupational Therapy students and faculty look forward to welcoming their Japanese guests from Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences for a few days of educational and fun activities.
In addition to visiting the department at Colorado State University, our visitors experienced a piece of Fort Collins by playing pinball in old town, roasting goodies in a backyard barbeque, playing music and games at Horsetooth Reservoir among other exciting adventures. Occupational therapy in different cultures was exchanged as our YPUHS guests visited classes and labs, toured occupational therapy facilities in the area, attended faculty presentations and presented their own research to faculty and staff at CSU.
The occupational therapy department has appreciated this cultural exchange with the students and faculty from YPUHS since the partnership was established in 2002.
The Department of Occupational Therapy is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.