When I first arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, I was a little nervous to adjust to an entirely new city and meet new people who did not share the same language as me. However, as I became acquainted with the city and was introduced to the students at Mahidol University who were hosting us, I quickly overcame those nerves. I think my favorite thing about my host country is the people. Everyone I have met has been so kind and welcoming! In Thailand, I am shadowing at Ramathibodi hospital and visiting Mahidol University to understand the Thai nursing program and healthcare system. I have noticed that the hospitals in Thailand are very big on innovation, and they actively encourage all of their staff to develop new technology that would improve their workplace. A lot of the devices they use are things that nurses and doctors have created themselves; we have seen innovations such as virtual reality headsets that allow you to really see how human anatomy works, as well as simple solutions such as QR codes to provide family education.
On our first day, we gave presentations about the United States and the University of Alabama to the Thai nursing students. It was so much fun to see them engage with our content and culture and get to meet everyone there after! We were able to learn so much from each other as we talked about similarities and differences between nursing and college culture in the US and in Thailand. While we spent most of our time learning in the various hospital and clinical settings, we also ventured out into the city on our free days with our Thai buddies. Through this, we became immersed in the local culture, and they were so excited to be able to show us the highlights around the city. We went shopping, tried street food from local vendors, visited Buddhist temples, took the ferry across the river, and explored China Town. I think one of my favorite excursions was when all of the UA nursing students and our buddies visited the Wat Arun temple and dressed in traditional Thai clothing. It was so much fun to bond with our new friends and engage in the history and culture! I learned that even though there are some differences between American and Thai students, for the most part we are very similar. After working hard towards our nursing degrees, we all enjoy having fun and unwinding after school.
Even though the local language is Thai, most people here do also know at least a little bit of English. It was helpful to have our paired buddies explore with us, as they were able to help us translate as needed. Before arriving in Thailand, I learned a few basic phrases such as how to say hello and thank you, which I frequently used in restaurants and while travelling around the city. The Thai students were also excited to teach us new phrases.
As I prepare to return home, I am glad to see my friends and family again soon, but I will miss the friends that I made here. I definitely do want to come back and see them again sometime, and I’m sure we will keep in touch over WhatsApp and social media. I have collected a backpack full of gifts for friends (and myself) consisting of clothes, local fragrances, and snacks. I am so grateful for this opportunity to have learned and experienced so much!
