During my remote placement as a psychology student, I was exposed to a variety of indigenous clients from different cultural and language groups. This was my first-time working cross-culturally with indigenous people, and this placement allowed me to learn skills with the advice and support of indigenous practitioners and cultural support practitioners.
Being in a remote placement taught me resilience and flexibility. It was crucially important to “roll with things” given I was in a new and unfamiliar environment. At times, it was hard being away from home – however I socialised with a number of other allied health students from different disciplines and explored the surrounding gorges, waterholes and mountains. I met some amazing practitioners and was able to learn from cases that had significant social and psychological elements and required working within a multidisciplinary team.
The ACEN scholarship has given me the skills to work cross-culturally and within new and unfamiliar environments. This has increased my flexibility and resilience as a practitioner, and I believe my learnings from placement have made me a more effective clinician.
Working within an indigenous environment has taught me to think critically and question biases and assumptions. I have learned slow down and see culture. I have learned that it is important to take the time with clients to ensure a proper understanding of the client’s presentation, and to ensure use of appropriate assessment tools and culturally suitable therapeutic modalities.
I would encourage anyone to consider going on a remote placement – as going remote can offer high quality and unique learning experiences.
