How Thailand’s Nursing & Medical Industry is Making Global Impact
Studying abroad isn’t always easy for nursing students, who typically must participate in clinical rotations as a requirement. However, the nursing program at Linfield University has been able to capitalize on their January term programs to allow their nursing students to travel around the globe to gain perspective on the healthcare industry outside of the United States.
In January 2025, a group of nursing students from Linfield landed in Bangkok, Thailand, where we were able to connect the group with Thammasat University and Hospital. The group was welcomed by Dr. Pregamol Rutchanagul, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, and Professor Priyoth Kittiteerasack, Head of LGBT Research Unit; as well as a cohort of Thammasat University nursing students. Here students had the opportunity to learn similarities and differences in the nursing student experience in Thailand in contrast to their own. The students concluded their time at the University by exchanging social media information over lunch before continuing to a tour of the University Hospital. At the hospital they group was able to visit various different departments and was even able to shadow doctors in the operating room during surgery.
The program then expanded to Chiang Mai and Phuket, offering further opportunities for cultural immersion and professional development. Students participated in a cooking class, explored the stunning Hong and Phi Phi Islands, and experienced the charm of the Mae Kampong village.
Students returned with a broadened worldview, enhanced cultural competency, and a deeper understanding of global healthcare disparities. They developed resilience, adaptability, and a newfound appreciation for diverse perspectives, becoming more empathetic and well-rounded healthcare professionals. The experience ignited a passion for global health and empowered them to advocate for equitable healthcare practices in their future careers.
