On Friday morning (South Africa time), we checked out of Aquila and made our way to Blaauwklippen Winery for one last group meal. Surrounded by stunning scenery, savoring delicious food, and sharing laughter with a group that has truly become an OT family—there was no better way to wrap up this unforgettable journey. It was the perfect moment of calm and connection before boarding our 16-hour flight home!
We landed back in Birmingham around 9 a.m. on Saturday, gaining back 8 hours along the way. Please bear with us as we try to remember what day it is in the coming week!
The vision for UAB OT study abroad reaches far beyond the faces in these photos. It’s part of a dream that began in 2019—a vision to expand global learning opportunities for OT students. As this trip comes to a close, we are deeply grateful to everyone at UAB who made it possible. Special thanks to Dean Butler for championing this journey and encouraging both our students and faculty. Special thank you to Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Dickson-Clayton for the countless hours spent on paperwork, planning, and logistics. And a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Tucker, who helped shape the original vision for this program.
We’d love to leave you with some final reflections from our students on what this experience has meant to them:
Macy Montgomery: “A trip of a lifetime does not even begin to sum up my experience in South Africa. The connections that we made not only with each other, but the people in South Africa are truly special. I cannot thank UAB OT enough for creating this opportunity for me to learn and grow in my future as an OT.”
Bethany Graham: “I am so grateful that UAB OT gave me the opportunity to do this! It wouldn’t have been possible without my classmates and professors. Our professors made this a stress free, enjoyable trip. It’s sad to leave! I would encourage anyone who likes traveling, adventures, and new experiences to go on this trip. OT can be anywhere and this trip has increased my confidence in that fact. I will remember things from this trip for the rest of my life and look forward to traveling more places in the future! I am filled with so much joy and gratitude and will forever be thankful for it.”
Anna Kate Adkins: “This trip has truly been an unbelievable experience! The beauty of South Africa was seen everywhere we went in the landscape, the conversations, and the people. Every person and organization we met welcomed us with incredible generosity and taught me so much about what it means to be in community with one another, and how occupational therapy can fit into that space. This experience has expanded my knowledge of what OT is and what it can be, and it is something I will remember forever. I am so thankful for UAB OT for this opportunity and the amazing group of friends and faculty that made this trip unforgettable!”
Laura Beth Connell: “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to South Africa and see this breathtaking country! All that I learned, everything I saw and experienced, and the connections we formed along the way will all impact me in my future career and relationships. Thank you, UAB OT, for providing this unique and enlightening opportunity to expand my worldview and discover what OT means to me! I have made memories that will last a lifetime!”
Mattie White: “This trip and this group of people have truly been the best! I’m grateful for UAB OT wanting to partner with others and allowing students to go and experience what OT looks like in other parts of the world. I’m also grateful for the professors and my classmates that were all so passionate about this experience so that it could happen!”
Emily Gray: “Thank you so much, UAB OT, for providing me with the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa! The people we met and the things we learned from experiences visiting places like Athlone School for the Blind, Cipla, and GAPA have expanded my view of what is possible in occupational therapy.”
Madeline Fleming: “Thank you, UAB OT, for this beautiful and transformative experience! I will be forever grateful for this time spent with my fellow friends and faculty. South Africa is a place that I will never forget because of the beauty in not only the landscape, but the people and their culture and their welcoming generosity.”
Bentley Winsett: “Thank you, UAB OT, for making this trip possible! We had the opportunity to see and experience so many things that I never thought were possible. I am so grateful for all of the people that we met throughout the trip that made South Africa a place that I will remember forever. The people there are so kind and welcoming, and I hope to have those qualities when I am interacting with my future patients. This trip allowed me to see occupational therapy in a new way—one that can change the world.”
Lauren Cole: “Thank you so much to UAB OT for allowing me to experience this trip of a lifetime. This trip truly opened my eyes to the opportunity OT has to offer and I am so excited to take what I have learned into my Level IIB fieldwork. I am truly thankful for my family for always supporting me, encouraging me, and loving me. I would not be where I am without them.”
Allie Claire Meeks: “Thank you so much, UAB OT, for providing me with this opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa. This trip has further broadened my view of the profession of occupational therapy and the many ways we can work to empower society on individual, group, and community level. I will always hold with me the impact CIPLA, Athlone, and GAPA have made in the many lives of those living in South Africa. This trip is one I will look back on often, and I am grateful for this experience.” Education of the mind is fleeting, but education of the heart is here to stay. – A grandmother at GAPA
