JCPSLP November 2017

Phase 1. Preparation Student attributes Reflection before action Clinical preparation Cultural preparation Educator support

Cultural responsiveness Sustainability Partnerships Capacity building

Phase 3. Debrief & dissemination Debrief Reflection in action Competency assessment Dissemination Graduate attributes

Phase 2. Placement Environment Language lessons Competency assessment Reflection on action Supervision

Figure 2. NUSpeech: A model for international clinical placements in speech-language pathology

Cultural preparation and language lessons During the orientation program students complete four hours of language and cultural lessons by native Vietnamese speakers. This allows the students to begin to familiarise themselves with the culture, learn common greetings and key words, and focus on understanding the segmental and suprasegmental (tones) features of the language. Students experience the complexities of learning about communicating in a foreign language, interpretation and translation. Students also begin to learn about the culture of Viet Nam and the importance of delivering a culturally appropriate service. This is vital if the work delivered by the students is to be meaningful, accepted and sustainable (Atherton et al., 2013; Wylie et al., 2016). Clinical educator training and support The university clinical educators are an important stakeholder in the model, to maintain relationships, build trust and enhance the sustainability of the placement and practices. Therefore, preparation, extensive handover and debrief on-shore and off-shore is essential. It is the observation of the authors that local introduction to key stakeholders, the environment, and the caseload are integral to the creation and maintenance of partnerships. Therefore, in the NUSpeech model, in each placement one experienced clinical educator is involved to easily manage transfer of knowledge, maintain relationships, and understand the organisational needs. One of our partner organisations has changed remarkably since the

partnership was established and many of the intervention practices that the placement has promoted over the past four years are now considered routine. The sustainability of practices is very strong, and there is clear indication that the organisation values the partnership. The importance of partnerships Key features of a sustainable activity, according to the World Health Organization (2016), include integration into available services, community ownership, and use of resources mobilised by community and government. Establishing trust, developing relationships and building meaningful partnerships are processes essential to the success of NUSpeech. Academic staff, clinical educators and students alike spend specific organisational directors, teaching staff, clinical staff, caregivers, the children and other members of the local communities (hotel staff, taxi drivers, restaurant owners) and government departments. For international placements to be successful it is important to have at least one in-country “champion”. This person is the linchpin to all other key stakeholders; they provide knowledge and support for managing local politics, processes and paperwork, as well as assisting to establish new relationships and nurture existing ones. time and energy developing relationships and connecting with key stakeholders, including

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JCPSLP Volume 19, Number 3 2017

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