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Mkoba E.M.1,2, Sörlin A.2, Sundelin G.2
1Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Physiotherapy Dept., Moshi, Tanzania, 2Dept. of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå, Sweden
Background: Interest for internationalization between countries among teachers and students in physiotherapy education has increased in recent years. Through an International Exchange Program, called Linnaeus-Palme in Sweden, Umea University started teachers and students exchange with the Physiotherapy Program at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), in Moshi, Tanzania in 2008. The physiotherapy program at Umea University includes bachelor, master and doctoral level while the KCMUCo includes only diploma and bachelor programs.
Purpose: The purpose of the collaboration was to develop an inspiring and effective cooperation tie to bridge knowledge and culture between the two parties. Furthermore, the aim was to enhance scientific and pedagogic development in physiotherapy in the two parties.
Methods: Self-assessment for the collaboration prior to a request from the two universities administrations was made earlier on in 2008 by the two parties. Grants were obtained from the Linnaeus-Palme for seven years (2008-2015). This enabled 2 teachers and 2 students from Tanzania to visit Sweden each year throughout collaboration period for teaching and studying. Two teachers and 2 students from Sweden also visited Tanzania for the same purpose. Each visit lasted for a period of up to 3 months.
Results: During the whole period of exchange a total of 12 teachers and 14 students from both parties were involved. During this period the collaboration was further extended by providing possibilities for four Tanzanian teachers to pursue a sandwich course program which successfully ended up into Bachelor of Medical Science in Physiotherapy. Later during the program period, the collaboration was further strengthened to pursue further education through sandwich courses on Master level for three Tanzanian teachers. More advances as an extension of the collaboration have been registered at Umea University, supporting 2 more teachers to pursue doctoral education in physiotherapy.
Conclusion(s): The collaboration envisages continuing collaboration in education and research and cultural exchange. Plans are also underway in Tanzania to introduce Master education in physiotherapy at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo) of the Tumaini University Makumira.
Implications: The opportunity to expand the training of physiotherapists in Tanzania, has become possible. We keep on collaborating and believe that the sky is the only limit in our Global collaboration.
Funding acknowledgements: This program was made possible through financial support from Linnaeus-Palme program in Sweden
Topic: Education
Ethics approval: Not applicable for this international student and teacher exchange
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
