Pivoting an international experience preparation course during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This case study describes the adaptation of a small group interactive course, originally designed to prepare student pharmacists for an international Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE), to a hybrid virtual course designed to prepare students to work across cultures and in many different professional environments. As the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted planned international experiences, a strategic pivot in delivery and content was necessary. The course content was changed to enhance student skills in cross cultural communication and humility, working through conflict, personal emotion regulation, and appropriately engaging with other cultures.