Khon Kaen University, Yu Sakamoto (6th year, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy *at the time)

I participated in a five-week practical training program at Khon Kaen University in the Kingdom of Thailand. I mainly engaged in shadowing and case discussions in the oncology ward of the university hospital. Additionally, alongside pharmacy students from Khon Kaen University, I attended lectures in the Division of Pharmacotherapeutics and experienced traditional Thai medicine.

Through the practical training, I frequently encountered situations where treatment options were chosen based on differences in insurance systems. In Thailand, there are insurance plans that allow for general treatment for 30 baht (about 120 yen) and others that are fully covered by the government. I felt that there was a disparity in the available treatment options, especially for cancer, which made me newly appreciate the positive aspect of Japan's system, where everyone can receive medical care equally.

I also experienced the differences in pharmaceutical education. Students in Thailand spend over 2,000 hours on practical training, more than double the time spent by students in Japan. At the pharmacy, I was impressed to see pharmacy students proposing appropriate medications to patients through counseling, demonstrating their practical knowledge.

After classes and on days off, I learned about Thai culture by visiting food stalls, shopping malls, and temples with Thai students who had been exchange students in Japan. Since I live with my family in Japan, this was my debut living alone, and it happened to be in Thailand. However, with the support of my Thai friends and the university's international exchange staff, I was able to complete the five weeks without any issues.

The practical training in Thailand presents a language barrier with Thai in addition to English, but everyone I met there was kind and showed interest in Japanese culture. I decided to participate in this advanced overseas practical training seeking an English-speaking environment, but I was given the opportunity to train at Khon Kaen University and gained an experience that exceeded my imagination. I am truly glad I participated.   

For anyone even slightly interested in this program, I highly encourage you to take on the challenge.