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JRCERT Update
pandemic travel restrictions, will continue as a yearly
event, exposing a larger number of students from more
disciplines to study abroad, some of whom cannot par-
ticipate in the travel program for various reasons. The
summer 2023 virtual study abroad excursion explored
the medical history of Paris.
There is considerable interest from London
colleagues in reciprocal opportunities. In summer
2023 an emergency medical services student visited
Columbia State as a component of a master’s degree
program course. Faculty are assisting in arrang-
ing experiences with classes, service providers, and
certification boards, along with cultural excursions.
Emergency medical services faculty at the host institu-
tion in London are already working on clearing the
way for students to be allowed to ride along on an
ambulance shift in 2024.
Figure 2. Students enjoy a guided tour of the National Gallery in Implementing Study Abroad Programs
London focusing on the history of medicine in art. Photo courtesy of When considering implementing a study abroad
the author. program, a few factors to address are:
developing selection processes that prioritize
question-and-answer sessions in which hosts and guests participation by relevant target populations for
share experiences and learn from one another. Other the sponsor institution (eg, minority race and
program requirements include journal entries and sex by discipline, economically disadvantaged
individual video reflections. Students complete surveys students, nontraditional students, veterans, and
after travel and provide invaluable feedback to help fac- first-generation college attendees)
ulty plan future programs. A focus for planning involves exploring alternative funding sources and advance
gradually expanding the program to more disciplines. planning to reduce or alleviate financial barriers
Meetings with the emergency medical services lead fac- finding convenient public transportation or
ulty member during the 2020 program led to options to walkable locations
add paramedic students to future offerings. developing safety and communication
During the 2020 program, COVID-19 began
appearing around the globe. Despite the restricted Conclusion
travel requirement that followed for the next several Short-term clinical experiences abroad are a win for
years, faculty were determined to create a valuable students, faculty, and institutions. Careful planning
cultural learning experience. During summer 2022, and implementation create experiences that future
Columbia State Community College hosted a virtual employers value and that are proven to contribute to
study abroad day for radiologic technology, emergency student success and program completion.
medical services, and medical laboratory technology
students and faculty. The medical historian provided a
live synchronous tour of London. Catered high tea was Kae B Fleming, EdD, R.T.(R), serves as second vice chair
served at lunch, complete with a brief explanation of the for the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
associated history and traditions. The wildly success- Technology board of directors and is dean of health sciences
ful virtual study abroad day, conceived in response to for Columbia State Community College in Tennessee.
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, September/October 2023, Volume 95, Number 1 73
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2023. All rights reserved.
