CAREER EXPLORATION IN MEDICINE & HEALTH

Touch down in Chiang Mai (CNX), Thailand’s second largest city. GLA staff will greet you upon your arrival, and our group will drive together to our Home Base, our home away from home for the coming weeks. Over dinner, take the opportunity to get to know your fellow students and have your first taste of Thai cuisine–it might not be what you would expect!

We’ll get oriented to our home for the next few weeks by taking a city tour, visiting a local museum and exploring the sights and smells of the walking market nearby. Develop a taste for the local cuisine through a hands-on cooking class! In the evening, we’ll reflect with our fellow students and GLA Internship Supervisors, share our individual travel experiences and discuss our first Internship curriculum session.

We’ll start with a presentation on Thailand’s healthcare system, providing important context for the weeks ahead. Over the next three weeks, we’ll visit hospitals and medical centers in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rotating through stations like surgery, nursing, and physical therapy to observe healthcare in action.

Today, you’ll dive into the ancient tradition of Muay Thai with a local instructor, learning its history and practicing basic moves for an energizing workout. We’ll also explore Thai markets, local parks, and visit Doi Suthep, a renowned mountain temple, to further immerse in the culture.

Today, we’ll continue department rotations in Chiang Mai, exploring hospitals and medical centers to compare healthcare in Northern Thailand to Bangkok. Rotations will run in two 2-hour blocks, with interns switching departments in the afternoon to maximize exposure. Those interested in Dentistry should inform GLA for priority placement.

Interns will observe procedures, speak with medical professionals, and explore departments like Pediatrics, Nursing, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Traditional Medicine, and more — though specific experiences may vary based on patient consent.

Today, we’ll take on a public health service project, teaching basic hygiene like handwashing and teeth-brushing to elementary students in an underserved community. In the afternoon, we’ll join a local high school for a cultural exchange with fellow English-speaking students — a favorite activity!

Spend the day with a local organization learning about the challenges facing wild and captive Thai elephants. At this ethical sanctuary, you’ll help with care, observe feeding time, and discover the cultural significance of elephants in Thailand — along with the shift toward more humane treatment in tourism.

Today, we’ll visit stunning temples in Chiang Mai, including a one-on-one chat with an elder monk to explore different philosophies and global empathy. In the evening, we’ll head to the World Famous Walking Street Market for souvenirs, textiles, and street food.

Pack your overnight bag — we’re off to the beach! After a bus and boat ride, we’ll arrive at Koh Samet, known for its white sand, clear water, and relaxing vibe. Over the next few days, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and beach games, with a possible visit to a local clinic to expand our understanding of healthcare in Thailand.

After breakfast, we’ll head out for a full-day Bangkok city tour, visiting stunning temples like Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. As a predominantly Buddhist country with over 41,000 temples, Thailand’s rich spiritual history will come to life through these iconic sites.

We’ll continue our department rotations in Bangkok, visiting various hospitals and medical centers to explore the city’s healthcare system. Compare your experiences with those from Chiang Mai and delve into the intersection of western and traditional medicine, focusing on how facilities use both to provide essential care in underserved communities.

Start the day helping at the Boy’s Home for special needs students with physical therapy and literacy activities. In the afternoon, explore the Chatuchak Weekend Market with over 1,000 colorful stalls offering everything from local clothing to snacks and lanterns. It’s the perfect chance to practice your bargaining skills and pick up souvenirs!

Today is our last day in the hospital! After saying our traditional thank you’s to the hospitals – we’ll spend the afternoon reflecting on all that we have learnt – and where to next – before heading out for a magical farewell dinner to celebrate all that we have learnt and achieved over the past 3 weeks.

After breakfast and final goodbyes the next day, we head to the airport where GLA staff will check students in for their journey home. Sawat dee, Thailand!