Panel Discussion

The presentation will describe academic partnerships/cultural immersion experiences in Mexico; present research findings related to adjustment, language acquisition and cultural learning in short term cultural immersion; and examine implications of a model for studying other cultures.

Session Objectives: Upon completion of the session the learner will be able to: 1) Describe the purposes and outcomes of cultural immersion experiences and academic partnerships in preparing health care workers to develop cultural competence. 2) Identify the levels of personal adjustment, language acquisition and cultural learning which can be obtained in short term cultural immersion. 3) Discuss the potential impact that cultural immersion experiences can have on the health care needs of a particular population.