Career exploration in health & hospitals internship: A life-changing experience in Thailand

This summer, I packed my bags and boarded a plane for Thailand to participate in the Career Exploration in Health & Hospitals Internship, a three-week program organized by Global Leadership Adventures (GLA). The 21-day experience was a combination of medical shadowing and cultural immersion.
When I arrived in Chiang Mai, I was greeted by GLA staff and immediately immersed in Thai culture. My first days involved exploring local markets and taking part in a hands-on cooking class where we learned how to make traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai. These activities provided an introduction to the culture of Thailand while also allowing me to form friendships with other students on the trip all from different parts of the US and Canada.
The medical part of the program began with an introduction to the healthcare system in Thailand. I had the opportunity to shadow medical professionals in both community hospitals and larger teaching hospitals. In Chiang Mai, I rotated through various departments, including the emergency room, operating room, physical and occupational therapy units, and even traditional Chinese medicine clinics. In the larger hospitals, I observed specialists in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, psychiatry, and surgery. It was incredible to witness firsthand the wide variety of medical fields in practice and see how each department operates within the healthcare system.
The hands-on experiences continued as we rotated through different medical settings, including nurseries, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory units. I even observed both minor and major surgeries. These rotations deepened my understanding of healthcare, as well as the difference between western medicine and traditional practices that are still used in parts of Thailand.
In addition to hospital rotations, the program also provided the opportunity to serve and engage with the Thai community. One of my most memorable days was at an elementary school in Chiang Mai, where we led health education activities for 5th and 6th graders. We taught them about basic hygiene and how their bodies function through fun and interactive activities. Later, we participated in a cultural exchange with high school students, where I learned more about Thai culture from local students my age while also sharing about American culture.

The program gave us even more opportunities to experience more of Thailand’s culture and traditions. One of my favorite days was spent at an ethical elephant sanctuary. There, I walked alongside elephants, fed them, and even bathed them. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to learn about the importance of preserving these animals in their natural environment. In addition to this, we explored famous temples, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and the Grand Palace and Wat Arun in Bangkok.
Another highlight of the program was our weekend retreat to Koh Samet, an island in southern Thailand. I snorkeled above coral reefs, swam alongside fish, and experienced the sting of jellyfish. Despite the fun and adventure, we also took time to visit local clinics, which gave us insight into healthcare on the island, showing me how healthcare systems vary even in small, remote communities.
Once we reached Bangkok, we continued our hospital rotations in the city, shadowing specialists in emergency medicine, general surgery, and other fields. This part of the program allowed me to compare and contrast healthcare practices in both urban and rural settings, giving us a fuller picture of how healthcare is delivered in Thailand. In addition to the rotations, we also explored Bangkok’s culture, visiting temples, markets, and the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Another impactful day was spent volunteering at a boys’ home in Bangkok, where we assisted with daily activities, including painting, paper crafts, and games. It was a deeply rewarding experience, and we were able to connect with the boys through meaningful conversations and activities. In the afternoon, we explored the markets, practicing our bargaining skills and picking up souvenirs for ourselves and loved ones back home.
On the last hospital day we each presented on a topic shared our insights and ideas for improving healthcare systems, from everything we had learned during our rotations and cultural experiences. This was an opportunity for all of us to come together and share what we had learned in just three weeks, as well as to think about the future of healthcare.
On the last day, we said farewell to Thailand with a traditional thank-you ceremony to the hospitals and communities that hosted us. As I now reflect on the program, I learned valuable lessons about healthcare systems, built meaningful friendships across cultures, and pushed myself beyond my comfort zone in ways I never expected.
Through going on the trip and participating in the internship I received the “Intern of Merit” award, 24 hours of community service, and college credit. None of this would have been possible without the anonymous donor whose generosity made this life-changing experience possible. Also, thank you to Mrs. West for also helping to make the trip possible and for being a great Spanish teacher the last 4 years. Thank you for encouraging my desire to learn about other cultures and places around the world. I am forever thankful for the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow in ways that will continue to shape my future. I will cherish this trip and memories for the rest of my life and hope that everyone gets an opportunity like this at some point in their lives.