Miho Morita (Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, 2nd year* at the time)

The Laos training program was full of new experiences for me. What remains particularly memorable are the homestay in Non Chong village and the health education at the elementary school. We conveyed the importance and correct method of handwashing using dance, kamishibai (picture-story shows), and coloring books. Even now, three years after the training, I vividly remember preparing teaching materials and practicing while brainstorming ideas with students from various years across the three medical-related faculties, and seeing the local children learn with enjoyment. During the homestay, I was welcomed by a warm family, and despite the language barrier between Lao and Japanese, I was able to have a meaningful time.

One of the reasons I wanted to participate in this training was that I was attracted to the fact that it was a joint program for the three medical-related faculties. During visits to medical institutions such as hospitals, I learned about the differences between Japan and Laos from the impressions of students from other faculties who had already gained practical experience in clinical settings. I am grateful for the fulfilling time I had, inspired by the broad perspectives and values of everyone who participated with me. I participated as a second-year student at the time, and precisely because my knowledge was insufficient, there was much to learn, and it was also a time when I became aware of my own challenges. I have no regrets about participating as an underclassman, but I feel that if I had participated after moving up in years and accumulating knowledge about Japanese healthcare and pharmaceuticals, I might have seen things from a different perspective.

I think there may be some points of anxiety when deciding to participate. Since it was my first time traveling abroad, I had many anxieties from before applying until I actually went there. Nevertheless, I'm truly glad I took the plunge and participated. If you are hesitant, I strongly encourage you to take a step forward and apply.