A Journey of Service, Shared Learning & Cultural Exchange
At Exxat, we believe that every culture, every community, and every healthcare team has something valuable to teach us.
Why "Exxat Cares"
Exxat Cares is Exxat's global outreach initiative, bringing together faculty, students, academic institutions, and healthcare partners through meaningful service-learning experiences.
Since 2017, through Exxat Cares, faculty, students, academic institutions, and healthcare partners from the United States and India have come together to build lasting partnerships through service, shared learning, and cultural exchange.
Healthcare education extends far beyond the classroom, and some of the greatest learning happens when we work alongside one another.
The Exxat Cares Experience
During the week, you will:
- ENGAGE – Participate alongside local healthcare teams during rural medical camps, observing patient care while assisting with basic health screenings and rehabilitation activities, where appropriate.
- COLLABORATE – Exchange knowledge with physicians, therapists, nurses, and healthcare professionals at Smt. Kausalya Karad Rural Hospital through educational presentations, clinical discussions, and shared learning.
- LEARN – Gain insight from our hospital partners as they present their community health initiatives, research, and emergency response experiences.
- CONNECT – Spend meaningful time with the children of Apalaghar Orphanage through activities that foster friendship, encouragement, and cultural exchange.
- IMMERSE – Experience the rich culture, traditions, and hospitality of India while developing a broader perspective on global healthcare and leadership.
Participant Contribution
Participants selected to join Exxat Cares are asked to make the following contribution toward the program:
- Faculty: $1,000
- Students: $3,000
Together with Exxat's support, these contributions help cover accommodations, meals, and all in-country transportation throughout the program.
Participants are responsible for airfare and lodging to and from the designated departure/return hub (JFK or EWR), visa fees, recommended vaccinations, and any personal expenses.
Departure/Return Hub: New York (JFK) or Newark, New Jersey (EWR)
Come Join Us
Applications for Exxat Cares 2027 are now open. Participation is limited to 10 participants, allowing us to create a meaningful and collaborative experience for everyone involved.
You can apply for the Exxat Cares Trip 2027 here.
Complete the Exxat Cares 2027 Application Form by September 30, 2026.
Our Shared Commitments
- Honor the culture and communities we serve.
- Approach each experience with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from one another.
- Support each other with kindness, respect, and teamwork.
- Remain flexible and adaptable, recognizing that plans and conditions may change.
- Respect the privacy and dignity of patients, children, residents, and community members.
- Maintain a healthy, positive, substance-free environment (no alcohol, drugs, or partying).
- Prioritize safety and professionalism by following the guidance of trip leaders and our local partners.
Our Journey Together
Since its inaugural visit in 2017, Exxat Cares has continued to strengthen its partnership with Apla Ghar and Smt. Kausalya Karad Rural Hospital in Pune, India. Each visit builds upon the last, creating meaningful opportunities for service, shared learning, and cultural exchange.
During the Exxat Cares 2024 trip, participants worked alongside local healthcare professionals during rural medical camps, assisted with outpatient care, trauma cases, and surgeries, supported residents at the senior care home, and spent meaningful time with the children of Apla Ghar through activities that fostered friendship and cultural exchange.
During the Exxat Cares 2026 trip, the partnership continued to grow through a greater emphasis on educational exchange. Faculty and healthcare professionals from the United States shared presentations on practical clinical topics, including CPR, first aid, wound care, post-operative care, and rehabilitation, while our hospital partners presented their community health initiatives, research, and emergency response experiences. This two-way exchange of knowledge created valuable learning opportunities for everyone involved and reinforced our commitment to learning from one another.
Beyond the clinical setting, participants spent meaningful time with the children of Apla Ghar through activities that fostered friendship, encouragement, and cultural exchange, while also supporting residents at the senior care home.
Each Exxat Cares journey brings new perspectives and reminds us that compassion, human connection, and shared experiences can be some of our greatest teachers.
Together, we serve, learn, and grow alongside one another.
Serving, Learning, Connecting:
Firsthand Perspectives
This experience has been life-changing. As someone new
to occupational therapy, learning from professionals
in this unique setting has been invaluable. Connecting
with patients from a different culture, making them
feel comfortable, and contributing to their quality of life,
even briefly, is something I will carry forward in my practice.
Meghan DeHerrera,
Student OT, Colorado Mesa University
Working alongside PTs, OTs, PAs, nurse practitioners,
and doctors at Apla Ghar brought interprofessional
collaboration to life beyond the classroom. This
experience reinforced the importance of learning from
each profession and communicating as a team
for the best patient care.
A'lanne Conrad
Assistant Clinical Professor of Physician Assistant Studies,
Director of Clinical Education, Colorado Mesa University
One of the things that caught my attention was how medicine
here blends science with spirituality – integrating Eastern
and Western approaches, treating patients not just medically
but as fellow human beings in need of care. It highlights
how we can work together to take the best from each culture
and truly capitalize on the humanistic aspect of care.
Letha B. Zook
Chair of PT program and Academic Director of
Department of Physical Therapy, Franklin
Pierce University
Moments From Exxat Cares
Exxat Cares Trip 2026
Exxat Cares Trip 2024
Exxat Cares Trip 2017
