Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: A Cross-cultural Examination of Health and Well-being

Photo of Brito Sara

Sara Brito was born and raised in Indianapolis and completed her undergraduate studies at Butler University. She then moved and lived for 25 years in Australia (lived in 5/8 states and travelled extensively) making her intimately knowledgeable about the country and culture. She is an avid traveler and in addition to her extensive travels in the US and Australia has been to many countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region (southeastern Asia, New Zealand, Tahiti) and Africa (mostly eastern and southern).

Sara Brito is an Associate Professor in the College of Health Science at Eastern Kentucky University. She has previously worked as a professor of Occupational Therapy at two Australian Universities in Victoria. Sara has experience teaching a range of both occupational therapy and inter-disciplinary health classes – including multiple courses that had significant focus on the concept of cultural competency and cultural humility with focus on Australia’s First Nations People. Prior to teaching at university, Sara’s clinic experience was in hand therapy and general rehabilitation in both hospital and clinic settings.

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Faculty:
Dr. Sara Brito (More Info)

Course:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: A Cross-cultural Examination of Health and Well-being

Program Dates:
May 18, 2025 - June 8, 2025

Honors Credit:
None

WKU Course:
TBA

Discipline(s):
Public Health

Course Description:

Discover Australia through a fresh lens as we dive into the rich cultures and unique perspectives on health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This course offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for American students to compare their own beliefs with those of Australia’s First Nations peoples. You’ll journey through vibrant urban centers like Melbourne and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of regional Queensland.
Through hands-on experiences—visiting museums, exploring cultural centers, and directly engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—you’ll gain invaluable insights into the diverse traditions that shape Australia’s health and wellness practices. This immersive learning experience promises to broaden your worldview and challenge how you think about culture, health, and community.


Prerequisites:
Be enrolled in a health science degree (e.g., allied health, psychology, nursing, pre-medicine, public health) and have completed 48 college credit hours or with the consent of the instructor.

Physical Activity Requirements:
Participants should be prepared to walk 3-5 miles on rough or uneven pavement each day, climb multiple sets of stairs, and spend extended time standing. Some days, we will be standing and walking for long periods. While there may be some opportunities for sitting, they may not always be available when navigating museum exhibits or walking from public transport to destinations. These distances may sometimes be up to 5 miles at a time.

Course Highlights:
Coming soon