Study Abroad Programs as a Method for Teaching Narrative Concepts and Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Narrative therapy is a powerful perspective to apply when learning to engage in client care in helping professions. Additionally, engaging with indigenous views of health, healing, and family can open students’ minds to ways of applying care. A study-abroad class for one month in Australia and New Zealand did both these things. The purpose of this article is to describe the class and demonstrate student learning and outcomes through insights and quotes from their reflection assignments. Learning in an international context is a powerful method for teaching narrative concepts and cross-cultural perspectives on health, family, and healing.