Thailand: Speech, Occupational & AAC Adventure

I have nothing but great things to say about my time in Chiang Mai! This opportunity was a nice mixture of clinical observation, hands-on learning, and cultural immersion. I will never forget the partnering foundations and families we had the privilege of working with, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and openness they shared with us. This program pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow not only as a future clinician but also as a person. Every day was intentionally designed and filled with meaningful experiences. While the schedule was often physically and mentally demanding, I truly believe this intensity allowed us to make the most of every opportunity and fully engage in all that the program had to offer. I am also extremely thankful for our local facilitator P Pann, whose organization, knowledge, and passion made this trip run so smoothly! Overall, this trip was unforgettable and something I will keep with me throughout my future career.

This Therapy Abroad Trip brought so many positive things to my life. I got the chance to practice my clinical and interdisciplinary collaboration skills, got to immerse myself in a completely different culture than my own, and I made some amazing friendships that I will cherish long after my time abroad. Everything down to the food and transportation was arranged and thoroughly organized (thanks to our local program facilitator P Pann!), which made it easier for us students to enjoy every aspect of the cultural and clinical experiences.

My time studying abroad in Thailand was truly unforgettable and deeply meaningful. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a culture filled with warmth, compassion, and connection. Through this experience, I was able to observe Occupational Therapy in real-life settings, work with children, and witness the impact of care across different cultural perspectives. Every day challenged me to grow, not only as a student, but as a person. Living abroad pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me gain confidence and independence, and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. The friendships I formed, the lessons I learned, and the moments I shared will stay with me forever. Thailand didn’t just teach me about OT, it helped shape who I am becoming.