Graduating Senior Returns from South Africa Internship

Not all East Stroudsburg University students study at Kemp Library, grab a bite to eat at the University Center or attend lectures inside of Stroud Hall. ESU senior Christine Munsell wasn’t even in the same time zone this academic year. Munsell, a rehabilitative and human services major, was studying 7,000 miles away at the Sarah Fox Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

Munsell transferred to ESU in the spring of 2014. Her passion for working with students flourished after getting a job as a resident advisor at University Ridge. Last year, Munsell made the bold decision to apply for an international internship.

“I love being able to help people,” she said. “My professors suggested I might get more experience outside of the United States.”

Munsell started researching in October of 2015. ESU’s office of international programs helped her gather information about internships and what to expect after crossing borders. She came across a program sponsored by the Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC). After submitting her information, experiences and interests, Munsell waited for a response.

“Unlike other international programs, VAC helps its interns obtain flights, housing and vaccinations,” she said. “They provided me with information that I had not previously thought about. It was something that I really wanted.”

Later that year, Munsell was notified that she was accepted, and she was unable to contain her excitement.

“I absolutely love kids and have always wanted to travel,” Munsell said. “What more could I ask for?”

Immediately after getting accepted, she began preparing for her departure.

“Reality set in and I realized that there was a lot that needed to be done before I left,” she said. “I was going to be gone for three months. It was a hectic time.”

Munsell traveled to Cape Town before the spring 2016 semester started. After her arrival, she immediately noticed how privileged she was to live in the United States. Nurses rarely wore gloves and hospital supplies such as towels and clothing were extremely scarce.

“The hospitals in South Africa do not have as much funding as we do back home,” she said. “Children bathe once every two days. It was definitely a culture shock.”

As expected, Munsell faces a language barrier with the locals. Xhosa is primary language of the region. Though she has learned the basics of the language, there are still daily struggles.

“Most of the children do not speak English, making it difficult to communicate,” she said. “Other times, the nurses can be difficult to understand but I am working on it.”

A typical day at her internship consists of caring for ill and disabled children and newborns. Every week Munsell has a meeting with doctors, therapists and social workers in order to evaluate the needs and progress of the patients.

“Having the opportunity to work with children one-on-one has given me so much patience,” she said. “My appreciation for individuals in the rehab and occupational therapy field has grown immensely.”

Though her experience in South Africa hasn’t been the easiest, Munsell’s day-to-day interactions with the children have been more than rewarding. No two children are alike, making the therapies provided to them limitless.

“Seeing a child who suffered a brain injury walk after a month of therapy and rehab really touches the heart,” she said. “The feeling I have knowing it was me who helped cannot be put into words.”

Munsell is expected to return to the United States at the end of this week. On May 7, she will graduate with her Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school and studying pediatric occupational therapy.

“This experience has made me realize how much I enjoy traveling and helping others,” she said. “One day I hope to be able to do outpatient occupational therapy work all over the world.”

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