Thailand Pre-OT/PT: Adaptive Sport, Climbing & Clinical Immersion

My experience with Therapy Abroad has exceeded my expectations in every way possible! It was the perfect balance between gaining hands on clinical experience and exploring the beauty and culture of Thailand. The amount of support that was provided during this trip and the friends that came along with it made me feel safe and at ease all the way on the other side of the world. It is amazing how many activities this program fits into just two weeks: snorkeling, kickboxing, cooking thai food, visiting temples, walking around local villages, shopping on walking streets and getting hugged by an elephant in addition to clinical components such as practicing thai massage and learning about traditional medicine, observing OT and PT sessions, planning and implementing Tykes camp, and spending a day at an incredible day program in Chiang Mai, there is so much to do and learn! Words cannot describe just how amazing this trip was - Am, Dome, and Toon (three Thai folks) met us in Phuket upon our arrival and didn't leave our side until we were through security inPhuket two weeks later. The people are fun, knowledgeable, and make your safety and enjoyment the upmost priority.

I was worried about the changes in this trip due to COVID, but it met every single expectation I had and more! The staff was flexible in the quarantine situation and provided us with Thai classes so we could familiarize ourselves with the culture before being immersed in it which I really enjoyed. They had so many activities for us that we wouldn't get anywhere else and everyone we met was so friendly, attentive, and professional. I learned a lot about the OT field through interacting with the kids & getting to know them personally so we could create activities suited for them. This was a trip of a lifetime and I will not forget the people I met through it!

This trip was not exactly what was expected because of the pandemic, but despite the circumstances we were still given the most amazing opportunities. All of the staff were so helpful, caring, and hardworking so that we could have the best experiences possible. Thailand is the most amazing country with the kindest people. Before leaving I was very nervous being so far away from home for such a long time, but I didn't want to leave once the program was over. I am so thankful for this opportunity and I can't wait to visit Thailand again.

This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity for those pursuing PT/OT fields. Not only does it challenge you to use your critical thinking skills, but also pushes you out of your comfort zone to give your kids the best patient care possible! Although intimidating at first, every person in charge of this program provides both professional and emotional support throughout the entire program to ensure the best experience possible. Leaving this program, I came back with so much more knowledge about myself and learned how to build trusting relationships with people of cultural backgrounds different from my own. Thailand has such a rich culture, you see the importance and respect of this everywhere that you explore. Getting to experience this first-hand is truly breathtaking. Everything from the food, live performances, temples, elephant sanctuaries, etc... only amplified this trip! If you are hesitant about embarking on this journey, DON’T be. No words can describe the amazing time I had in Thailand, both professionally and personally, all I can say is how GRATEFUL I am to have made the connections with the locals as well as the instructors and students on this trip. DO IT! You will not regret it!

Mosquito repellent is definitely a necessity! And just when you think you sprayed enough you may need more! Although I only received 3 or so bites, my friends received 50+ bites, Yikes! Overall, an amazing trip balanced with fun activities ranging from nights at the market to rock climbing. It was also full of learning and support by the program coordinators and Physical Therapist. I learned more terms related to the PT and OT realm, as well as techniques to use in my field. A large portion of this experience is hands on and involves at times last minute planning, which greatly prepares one for how the workforce actually is. I really enjoyed being able to work with individuals from different backgrounds and the variety of age groups. This is definitely a overseas experience that I would participate in again!

Therapy Abroad in Thailand gave me a much better experience than I was ever expecting. We were put into an intensive hands-on environment working with special needs kids that was both mentally and physically exhausted. However, the staff prepared us so well that I gained so much experience and skills. There was a nice balance of therapeutic work (as well as visiting an elephant hospital to get perspective on therapy not just on human beings), as well as activities that made us learn and experience the land of Thailand, from visiting temples, tuk tuk rides, waterfalls, and more. This trip made me more confident in myself and gave me the ability to see that I am able to explore my own ideas and execute them in a therapeutic setting, but taught me that it is ok to fail, as long as you get back up. The skills I learned and the relationship I built with the children and parents form RICD and Thomas House and the overall cultural experience will definitely be something I carry with me into my professional career. Lastly, I couldn't of asked to be a part of any other group of people. Without the staff and all of the laughs, it wouldn't be the same; and I made the best connections with incredible people I know I will continue to be in touch with, despite out location differences.

This trip was so eye opening to me. I have always wanted to wait to go to Asia until I was with people who knew the culture, and this was the perfect opportunity. The two Thai guides were amazing at making us feel welcome and showing as all the amazing aspects of Thai culture, with a little humor as well. Additionally, all the leaders were great at challenging the group while also checking in to make sure we were settled nicely. In the therapy portion of this program it is important to be on your toes and be able to adapt, while also being confident in the work you produce. It is tough, but it is so worth it. Additionally the fun activities and the excursions were so memorable as well. Be sure to bring an extra bag for all the souvenirs you get! Since all the people here are interested in the same things I’m interested in, I’ve made great connections and overall this was a trip I’ll never forget.

Going into this program, I really didn’t know what to expect. I received an email about it one day and decided to give it a go based on my desires to go to Thailand and become a physical therapist in the future. I had no previous experience with going abroad or physical therapy, as I just finished my first year of college, so I was a little nervous for this trip the closer it came to leaving. However, I’m glad to say that any nervousness I had quickly dissipated when I met the staff and other students who were all so welcoming. I was able to build SO many amazing relationships that I know will last a lifetime, and I learned so much at the Tykes camp and at Thomas House. I was challenged each day we worked with these children, but I’m proud to say I’m leaving here with more experience, cultural competency, adaptability, and a new and improved outlook on life. I really don’t think this trip would have been the same without the staff and amazing students. They made each activity engaging and fun, whether it was a visit to a Temple or a night out at the Night Bazaar. I leave this trip with so many unforgettable memories, and I will always be beyond thankful to have been a part of this program.