Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JULY 17
Sawasdee krub (Hello) from Chiang Mai, Thailand!
After a long day of travel, we’ve all arrived and begun to settle in with our roommates. We started to learn about each other, Thailand, and the program to come.
We’re looking forward to exploring Thailand from north to south and learning about the nature of the medical field here and back home. We’ll immerse ourselves in the rich culture of Thailand, exploring ancient temples, trying delicious Thai cuisine, and discovering a different way of life.
We’re all so excited for tomorrow and the next three weeks together.
From Ben and the whole team here in Thailand
ขอบคุณค่ะ/ครับ (Thank you!)
BLOG POST FOR JULY 18
Sawadee ka from ChangMai!
It was our first day getting to enjoy a full experience of Thai culture.
The breakfast call was at 7:15 where we got to eat our pick of meal we choose the day before as we enjoyed our lovely mentor went over the schedule with us.
We gathered as a group and learned about Thai culture. The local Thai staff gave us an abundance of information, we learned that Thailand means the land of smiles. We also got to learn some Thai which we have been practicing with our van drivers! We also enjoyed our snack bags full of Thai snacks that most of us have not tired before.
The group then went out to lunch. Thai food is so in conic and most of us were obliged to try Thai dishes. A very popular and traditional Northern Thai dish is khao soi which many people got and enjoyed.
The temples of Chang Mai where our next destination, immersing ourselves in the culture as the local Thai staff explained the history of each unique temple.
We had an hour of free time at Chotana (our villa) where we had dinner. Afterwards we went over the internship goals and came up with some ideas on how to make this trip as amazing and memeorable as possible. We ended our night by having our first mentor group and then we went swimming!
It was a busy and wonderful first 24 hours!
Gage and Alex and the Thailand Med Team
BLOG POST FOR JULY 19
Hello readers!
Today the interns dabbled into many areas of Thai culture including food, medicine, and a window into the modern Thai existence of shopping.
First we learned about the medical field that we will get to experience in the coming weeks. Then we went to one of the most grand malls in all of Chiang Mai. The students got many things ranging from clothes not found in America to wacky trinkets! After, the students engaged in a culturally immersive culinary experience with 6 courses! Many students enjoyed the pad thai while others couldn’t get enough of the delicious mango sticky rice. The chefs and staff were extremely warm and welcoming, making the students feel encouraged and motivated through the day. To end, the students played a very intense mafia game which was very productive in making the interns even more comfortable with the environment. Overall, this day can be considered productive because it was culturally immersive, prepared students for the healthcare system, and made them feel even more warm in the new country!
From Gage and Alex!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 20
Saa was di kaa (Hello)
Today was our first day of hospital rotations! We split into groups to do rotations in pediatrics, orthopedics, general nursing, and specialized medicine. We saw many interesting cases, ranging from motorcycle crash victims to stroke rehabilitation. After our first rotation we had lunch at the hospital canteen with all the doctors and nurses! After our second round of rotations we went back to the hotel to listen to a guest speaker. Our speaker, a family medicine doctor, provided us with a realistic perspective into the medical world. Finally, we had dinner and brainstormed ideas for our cultural exchange with a highschool and our health camp with younger students. We ended our night with mentor groups and we’re excited to explore more rotations tomorrow at our next hospital!
Love from Sera and Sara!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 21
Sawat-dee Khrap!
Today, we traveled to Rajavej hospital to do our morning rotations. Some of the highlights included the caring labor room, physical therapy, and the emergency room. Afterwards, we picked up some coffees and pastries at the local hospital coffee shop, Bellinee’s. Feeling hungry, we then went to lunch at Aruntara, and enjoyed some delicious food including fried rice, pad thai, and other local dishes.
Next, we took professional photos at the hospital, ready to start our second rotations. To wrap up the busyness, we engaged in a public health presentation from Dr. Nid, a local public health and safety specialist, and learned about common mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. Tired from our day, we headed to a Michelin-star restaurant for dinner (with a surprise Muay Thai demonstration)!
And to wrap up, we headed home to prepare a future cultural exchange/educational and finally went to our rooms around 9.
Mason and Max and the Med Team
BLOG POST FOR JULY 22
Sa wat dee ka!
Today started with a wonderful breakfast at home base and then got ready for the day. We headed to the elementary school where we we split into groups and played interactive games with the children— which were hygiene themed games. Afterwards we thanked the staff and then went to a beautiful restaurant. Piper had to switch out her meal since it was too spicy (we are all adjusting to the new level of spice here, she got the spiciest dish)— even to her. We drove to a cafe and Maxson played the piano for us, which was beautiful. They also had great iced coffee.
After we finished at the cafe, we went to Dara School, where we each got pared with Thai student and they each gave us gift bags. They consisted of jewelry, art, snacks, and a variety of thai culture items. We took turns in rotations viewing the school museum and then painting on paper fans. We then played kickball as our culture exchange for them, and they sang two amazing songs for us. It was such a cool experience.
Once we got back to home base, we had some free time, and then got ready and headed to dinner. We sat at a long table over looking a river, and ate delicious food. After dinner, we gathered at homebase and discussed our Strengthfinder test results. It was so cool to hear about everyone and who they are as people. We then wrapped up the night, and have an exciting today waiting for us tomorrow!
Rowan and Piper and the Med Team.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 23
Sawasdee Krub, Hello,
Today we slept in a little later and we had a later breakfast at 8:30. After breakfast, we all got in the pool and hung out before getting ready for our guest speaker, Dr. Paul. He told us about the healthcare system in Thailand and how it compares to the rest of the world and told us about his journey about what it takes to become a doctor.
After our guest speaker, we ate lunch and had some chill time before to a Muay Thai class. We learned about the different moves and traditions of Muay Thai. We had a ton of fun and has been a highlight so far!
When we got back to our homebase Chotana, we prepared for our second guest speaker Todd. He told us about how the health system in Thailand is different from the rest of the world and how it is effective and ineffective. He also gave us ice cream. We got to try a Thai Tea flavor which was very delicious. Next we got to have dinner which was extra special today because it was our mentor Ali’s birthday so we got to eat pizza. We then sang happy birthday and had cake as well. In the evening we went with our mentor groups to 7/11 and Lotus to buy some snacks and hang out with our friends. When we got back we stayed to talk with our groups and share some snacks. It was a chaotic and very fun day.
From Gabe, Connor and the Med team
BLOG POST FOR JULY 24
We started off our day bright and early at 7am for breakfast, after which, we headed to Lamphun hospital for rotations! We had the INCREDIBLE opportunity to “scrub in” and observe exciting procedures in the OR! These included a tumor removal, hernia repair, and prostate vaporization!
After a lovely lunch at Terra Cotta cafe, we returned to the hospital for OB-GYN rotations where we toured the in-patient and out-patient wards! The incredible staff even allowed us to use an ultrasound machine.
To close the medical exploration portion of our day, Dr. Nid met us back at home base where we discussed Thai public health! She explained her journey through medicine, and current role as a public health educator and primary care physician.
For dinner, we sampled Japanese cuisine, then headed off to work on our group Sustainable Development Goal presentations! Before bed, we discussed tomorrow’s exciting elephant sanctuary visit and hopped in the pool for a nighttime swim!
Kate and Torrey
BLOG POST FOR JULY 25
Sawadee ka, everyone!
Today was one of our favorite days so far and definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We visited an elephant sanctuary, where we got to feed the elephants, make vitamin treats for them, and take lots of pictures. It was such a cool experience to see them up close and learn more about how they’re cared for.
We also learned how the sanctuary makes paper from elephant poop, which was something none of us had ever seen before. After that, we did crafts such as pressing flowers patterns onto adorable tote bags that we now get to keep, creating a fun scenery on paper, and helping cut up watermelon for the elephants.
Once we got back to the villas, we had some time to relax before dinner and get ready for our mentor group with everyone. We also got the opportunity to try some bugs if we wanted! We had the option of crickets, grasshoppers and silkworm!
Finally, we ended the night with pool time and repacking our suitcases as we prepare for our next adventure in Koh Samet. We can’t wait to see what the next few days have in store!
Izma & Mavery and the Med team
BLOG POST FOR JULY 26
Sa wa dee ka!
This morning we went on an adventurous, long, windy drive up to Doi Pui viewpoint. We explored the hmong hill tribe stalls for souvenirs and bought some scarves and jewelry. Then we headed to Doi Suthep where we climbed 306 stairs to the temple. They started preparing for the kings birthday on July 28th with a special service.
After that, we made the trip down the mountain to a delicious lunch spot called Robert before we went to our monk chat. Once we arrived at the next temple, we got to ask lots of questions and learn about the monk life first hand. Something interesting that we learned from the two of the monks we chatted with, was they both have an expectation of when they would leave monk life. It was something I didn’t expect because it was so similar to a classic US job; you leave one job and start another.
We made a quick stop at a smoothie place and exchanged currency before our last activity of the day, Chiang Mai’s famous night market!! We all bought signs, clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs! It was a packed day, but we are ready for some relaxing time on the island.
From Lucia, Ava, and the med team
BLOG POST FOR JULY 27
Sawasdee Ka,
Today we woke up at 5:45 AM to get ready for our long travel day. We finished up our packing and made our way to the airport. Our flight had a slight delay, but was short and chill. Once we arrived in Bangkok, we gathered on the bus heading to the speed boat on the coast.
After a long four hour drive and lunch at the rest stop, we made it to the boat. The boat ride was pretty intense and bumpy, with lots of water splashing on us. Many of us were soaked by the time we arrived at Ko Samet.
After some free time, we gathered for dinner in a restaurant overlooking the beach. We got to see a fire show with a lot of cool tricks, which was very exciting.
Finally, we walked along the beach and stopped for ice cream and fun drinks! There was some upbeat music playing in the background while we all chilled along the shore.
Overall, it was a long day of travel, but we still made the best of it and had a lot of fun once we arrived!
From- Cayla, Gabi, Delilah, and the med team
BLOG POST FOR JULY 28
Hi from the wonderful island, Koh Samet!!
We started our morning bright and early with an 8:30 breakfast at the hotel. After our long travel day yesterday, getting to sleep in a little was definitely appreciated! Once everyone was fueled up and ready to go, we hopped on a speedboat and headed to Thalu Island. Even though it was cloudy, nothing was stopping us from jumping in the water and enjoying the beach. For lunch, we had chicken teriyaki with rice and fresh fruit on the side, and it was surprisingly so good.
Then came one of the best parts of the day…snorkeling! We saw everything from sea urchins to sea slugs and so many colorful fish. The water was beautiful, and we honestly wished we could’ve stayed out there forever. After snorkeling, we relaxed on the beach, laughed way too much, and just enjoyed hanging out together.
Before heading back to the hotel, we made one more stop at another small island for some deeper-water snorkeling. It was definitely a little more adventurous, but so worth it!
Of course, no day would be complete without what felt like our 20th trip to 7/11… at this point, we should probably have our own rewards membership. After our essential snack run, we went back to the hotel, showered, and got ready for dinner.
At 5:45, Ben talked to us about cultural humility and The Danger of a Single Story. He explained how stereotypes are often created because we only see things from our own perspective, forgetting that everyone has different experiences and stories that deserve to be heard. It gave us a lot to think about.
For dinner, we went back to the same restaurant as yesterday, but we all agreed the food tasted way better this time (maybe we were just extra hungry). We ended the night with a walk on the beach, a competitive game of volleyball, and Ben playing his guitar and singing for us. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable day.
Today was full of adventure, laughter, and memories we’ll never forget and we loved every second of it!
Lara, Ella, and the GLA Med Group
BLOG POST FOR JULY 29
Sawat-Dee-Krub!
Today was our dedicated beach day. We brought our speaker to the beach and unwinded. To start our day off, we enjoyed breakfast near the beach, then got ready for the day.
Next, we took a bus ride to the beach we would be staying at, and hung out on the beach. We swam, buried each other in the sand, and worked on our dancing skills. For our group activity, we decided to learn a dance together to make a TikTok. We continued swimming and ate our lunch which was very delicious traditional Thai food, family style.
After, we headed back to the hotel and met in our mentor groups to talk about the trip so far. Then, we met together again and went to dinner next door. We enjoyed bbq pork ribs, pizza, burgers, and pastas. Finally, we saw a fire show and we had a short concert and headed back to the hotel to pack for our travels tomorrow to Bangkok.
Gabe, Mason, and the med team
BLOG POST FOR JULY 30
Sawasdee ka!
Today was our travel day from Koh Samet to Bangkok! We woke up bright and early to go to a local private clinic on the island where we got a very interesting presentation from the resident doctor. He talked about how the healthcare on the island is very basic, and if urgent care is needed, the patient has to be transported to the mainland.
After a rain delay, we finally made it to our boat and departed off the island. We made it through the rainstorm, across the ocean, to the mainland. After, we departed on a 5 hour bus ride to Bangkok! Luckily, we got to have a late lunch at a rest stop where we got to pick from a variety of Thai and US fast food options!
Following a long bus drive, we ended the night with Domino’s pizza and worked on our end of internship presentations! We are so excited to start back on hospital rotations tomorrow!
⁃ Sara and Ava, and the GLA Med Team.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 31
Sawadikappppp families! Today we toured our first hospital here in Bangkok!! We had the pleasure of seeing the variety of clinics ranging from hemodialysis to pediatrics, which had a twirly slide! (We weren’t allowed to use it unfortunately) during lunch, we worked on our presentations that we presented later that day, and enjoyed the amazing hospitality from the hospital staff.
After the hospital, we enjoyed a traffic-filled ride back to home base and had time to work on our presentations. We then went to dinner where we enjoyed some delicious smoothies while being a bit too chaotic for the liking of the thai staff. Arriving back at home base, we immediately began presenting our projects and ended it off with an uncontrollable laugh. Overall, today was filled with loads of new learning experiences and hysterical situations. I love you mom ❤️
– Connor, Alex, and the med team
BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 1
Sawadee ka!
Today was a super exciting day as we explored some of Bangkok’s most iconic temples, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun! Each landmark offered a unique glimpse into Thailand’s rich history, making the day both meaningful and unforgettable. The Grand Palace is the symbolic home of the Royal Family. Wat Pho has an impressive lying Buddha statue that is 46 meters long. Finally, Wat Arun is the Temple of Dawn, by the river, where you can dress up in local Thai attire and take pictures!
After we got back to the hotel, we had some free time to relax and cool off in the pool before heading to dinner, where we had a mix of different Asian cuisines. Later that evening, we finished preparing everything for our visit to the boys’ home, making sure all of our activities and supplies were ready.
Overall, today was a day to remember, full of incredible experiences, great memories, and growing excitement for everything that was still ahead.
P.S. Hi mom and dad, I love you!!
~ Rowan, Mavery, and the Med Staff
BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 3
Hi!
Today, we started off our morning with the hotel breakfast at 7:00, and then we headed to Thammasat hospital, which is a public university hospital in Bangkok. We got to see either the medical diagnosis, OBGYN, ophthalmology, or the pharmacy departments.
We then got lunch in the hospital food market and afterwards, we listened to Dr. Sanchalerm. He is an ophthalmologist in Bangkok and he talked about his medical path and current career. He was very nice and gave us a fun QnA session!
We then got the opportunity to visit the Cadaver Lab at the hospital, where we were able to interact with the human skeleton and the cadaver and even got the opportunity to hold a human brain, heart, lungs, etc! Typically seeing a cadaver is an experience that only medical students would get to see so we were all very fortunate to learn about it.
After, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner and took covid-19 tests for the crafts that we will be leading at the home for disabled boys tomorrow! (none tested positive yay!) We then went to a restaurant and got dinner and got fabulous deserts including a banana float and red velvet cake.
After this we went back to the hotel and learned about the differences between the top ten reasons for death between low income and high income countries, and we learned there are a bunch of differences between those 2 kinds of countries. We also discussed burnout and the importance of taking time for yourself. We ended with an early night in bed in preparation for our busy day tomorrow!!
Lots of love,
Piper and Ella, and the Med Team.
BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 4
Sawasdee ka!
Today was our second to last day on the program, and although we are all sad it’s ending we were able enjoy our last free day shopping and doing service work at a home for boys with special needs. We helped the boys with different crafts such as making stress balls, fidget boards, animal masks, and paper chains! We were also able to see some of the boy’s incredible artwork which some of us purchased (all of the funds went back to the boys!).
After a long ride through Bangkok’s hectic traffic, we arrived at Central World Mall, Thailand’s biggest mall, where we spent almost SIX hours shopping, watching the new Spider-Man movie, eating a delicious lunch and dinner, and getting our nails done!
We ended the day working on our airplane letters and packing (especially our lab coats!) to go home. We are excited and sad to be doing our final rotations tomorrow.
See you soon (unfortunately)!
Sera and Izma, and the GLA Med Team.
BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 5
Sawasdee ka for the final time 🙁
Today was our last day here in Thailand, as we’re departing tomorrow. We started the morning off with an early breakfast at 7:30am, before heading to our final hospital rotations at Kasemrad Hospital. We got there and were warmly welcomed by the hospital staff, who introduced us to their hospital before the morning rotations began. It was such a great last day in the hospital, we even got to ride in an ambulance! We then had lunch and got to order Dunkin Donuts and make a quick stop at 7/11. We finished off with CPR and basic life-saving first-aid training. It was such an educational experience and we all are very grateful for that.
After the hospital, we came back to homebase and had an hour of free time. Most of us just worked on our airplane letters for each other before getting ready for our farewell dinner. We then all got ready for our farewell dinner. As it was raining heavily just before we left, traffic was extremely slow. However, the wait made the food all the more worth it. Dinner was amazing Thai food and was filled with lots of tears.
After dinner we came back and ended the night with our closing appreciation circle (also filled with lots of tears!) and lots of bonding time. This whole trip has been such an amazing time and we all are so sad to have to say goodbye.
Until next time,
Rowan and Connor, and the GLA Med Team Session 2, 2026.
