Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The visiting U.S. scholar will play a vital role in the delivery of graduate-level courses in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. The scholar will be responsible for teaching Therapeutic Process & Performance Lab I, which focuses on essential clinical skills such as physical dysfunctions for adults, mental health interventions, and be skilled in adult interventions such as splinting techniques, transfer methods and more.
Additionally, the scholar will teach Topics in Occupational Therapy, which requires expertise in a specialized area of practice relevant to adults, with a particular emphasis on the Caribbean context. The scholar is expected to provide comprehensive materials for these courses, ensuring they are culturally relevant and evidence-based, while fostering critical thinking and practical application. Specialization in adults is essential, as these areas align with the program's mission to address the unique needs of diverse populations in the Caribbean region.
Course/s:
Course name-Therapeutic Process & Performance Lab I
Teaching hours per week – 6 hours per week
Level of course – Graduate
Materials required -mental health, splinting, transfers,
Course name- Topics in Occupational Therapy
Teaching hours per week – 3 hours per week
Level of course – Graduate
Materials required - A specialized topic in adults that would be beneficial to the Caribbean context
Other activities may include:
Community Outreach
Student-run Clinic Support- Twice a week
Curriculum and Program Development
University of the Southern Caribbean, Maracas St. Joseph
The scholar would be needed for a period of 6 months due to the unique structure and needs of the program. The university has three semesters for the MSOT program. Grant Period would be from January to July 2026.
The visiting U.S. scholar will play a vital role in the delivery of graduate-level courses in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. The scholar will be responsible for teaching Therapeutic Process & Performance Lab I, which focuses on essential clinical skills such as physical dysfunctions for adults, mental health interventions, and be skilled in adult interventions such as splinting techniques, transfer methods and more.
Additionally, the scholar will teach Topics in Occupational Therapy, which requires expertise in a specialized area of practice relevant to adults, with a particular emphasis on the Caribbean context. The scholar is expected to provide comprehensive materials for these courses, ensuring they are culturally relevant and evidence-based, while fostering critical thinking and practical application. Specialization in adults is essential, as these areas align with the program's mission to address the unique needs of diverse populations in the Caribbean region.
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is uniquely positioned as the only institution in the Caribbean offering a master’s program in occupational therapy (OT). This specialization addresses a critical gap in the medical field in Trinidad and Tobago, where the demand for OT services far outweighs the availability of qualified professionals.
In 2022, Fulbright Scholar Dr. Coker-Bolt collaborated with USC to enhance its OT curriculum and launch a community clinic aimed at serving vulnerable populations. This successful engagement marked a significant milestone for OT education and service delivery in the region. However, the program now faces an urgent need to expand its capacity by equipping students with advanced clinical skills to meet the growing demand for qualified practitioners.
Currently, there are only a handful of OT professionals in Trinidad and Tobago, and the country lacks any PhD-level academics in the field. The absence of a robust pipeline for highly skilled professionals hinders the development of this essential yet underserved area of healthcare. Expanding and strengthening USC’s OT program is not only crucial for addressing these workforce gaps but also for fostering innovation and sustainability in the field.
This program represents a transformative opportunity to elevate OT education and services in Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring access to much-needed care for communities that are often neglected.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The letter of invitation can be addressed to:
Len Archer, Provost of the University of the Southern Caribbean
Kimarah Reefe, Acting Director of the Occupational Therapy Department
occupational.therapy@usc.edu.tt
Ph (868) 612-4872 Ext. 2758
The ideal candidate must hold a degree in Occupational Therapy, with a doctorate in Occupational Therapy or a related field strongly preferred. The candidate should have at least five years of teaching experience in a higher education setting, demonstrating expertise in adult occupational therapy, as well as mental health. An academic rank of Assistant Professor or higher is desirable. While academic credentials are prioritized, consideration may also be given to experienced professionals with significant clinical expertise and a proven record of contribution to the field. Candidates should have a strong commitment to culturally responsive teaching and the ability to design and deliver content relevant to the Caribbean context.
Len Archer, Provost of the University of the Southern Caribbean
Kimarah Reefe, Acting Director of the Occupational Therapy Department
occupational.therapy@usc.edu.tt
Ph (868) 612-4872 Ext. 2758
$2,750
$1,000 books and educational materials allowance for teaching grant; these materials should be donated to the host institution or other entity upon grantee's departure.
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependent. These amounts range from $200/month to $400/month.
In addition, travel allowances are provided for up to two dependents. These amounts range from $1,400 - $2,800.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
The pandemic has caused a significant increase in food prices and the cost of services and other amenities including transportation.
Average cost of living in U.S. dollars Is $3,000 per month. You may use an online cost-of-living calculator to compare the differences.
This initiative will significantly enhance occupational therapy (OT) education and services in Trinidad and Tobago, addressing a critical shortage of qualified professionals in this essential medical field. By expanding the University of the Southern Caribbean's OT program and equipping students with advanced clinical skills, it will bridge workforce gaps, improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations, and foster innovation in a neglected area of healthcare. Ultimately, this initiative will build local capacity, support community well-being, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of OT services in the region.
During their grant period, Fulbright U.S. Scholars in the Western Hemisphere (WHA) region may apply for a short-term regional travel grant for activities such as workshops, seminars, presentations, lectures, performances, exhibits, curricular advising and similar projects at institutions in eligible WHA countries. (Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay).
The Regional Travel Program covers travel to and from the destination; lodging may be offered by the host institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant. Scholars who apply for the Flex award are ineligible for the Regional Travel Program. Additional information can be found on the Regional Travel Program website.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Trinidad and Tobago is a diverse country with a population of approximately 1.3 million people. Although small, it is a developing country with an emphasis on education and training. There are four popular universities that offer multiple degree programs, some of which are newly introduced programs. The culture is warm and inviting with students from Trinidad as well as across the Caribbean region, who are excited to learn from US experts. Visitors can come to Trinidad and Tobago for up to 90 days without a visa, which makes it easy for scholars to have their family visit while in Trinidad. Public health facilities are available at no cost to visitors if needed and there are also efficient private hospitals that visitors can also access for a cost.
If visitors come during the January-to-May semester, they will get to experience the very popular Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in February. Scholars can also visit beautiful beaches on the twin island Tobago which is a 15-minute flight from Trinidad.
At most universities, the first semester is from late August to mid-December and the second semester is from late January to mid-May. An MPhil or Ph.D. is preferred for all awards. In some cases, requested grant lengths may be adjusted at the discretion of the Fulbright Program. Short-term Flex grants are available upon request.
As you prepare your Fulbright application, we encourage you to read the information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
For more information on the Fulbright Program in Trinidad and Tobago, please email Public Engagement Specialist Kervelle Durant-Julien at: Durant-JulienKA@state.gov.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.