PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
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 JUNE 23
สวัสดี ทุกคน (hello everyone!)
Welcome to our first update from Thailand! We’re delighted to share that all 19 students have safely arrived in Bangkok, eager to begin their adventure.
We were greeted with an amazing Thai lunch and dinner from our kind local staff members. Some students played games while most rested and settled down in homebase.
Over the next three weeks, students will rotate through various hospital departments, learning from skilled Thai doctors and nurses. Beyond the hospitals, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Thailand. From exploring temples to wandering through colorful street markets, students will savor delicious Thai cuisine and discover unique local crafts.
Throughout the program, we’ll keep you updated with regular blog posts from our Student Leaders of the Day, sharing their adventures and insights.
Enjoy your summer knowing your children are in great hands, growing and exploring in the beautiful land of Thailand.
ขอบคุณค่ะ/ครับ (Thank you!)
Alexa, Clara, Gwang, Care, Meen, and Thongtong
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
สวัสดี ทุกคน (hello everyone!)
Greetings from day 1 of our Thailand health internship program!
We started our morning off with breakfast at the hotel and went to the intercontinental hotel for orientation led by Todd, our local program coordinator and Alexa, our international director. We discussed the hospital rotation schedule for the program, created questions to ask physicians for the shadowing visits, and tried traditional Thai snacks! Our favorite were the coconut rolls!
In the afternoon, we had a delicious 3 course lunch at the hotel, went on a city tour to see the where we took the BTS (Bangkok Transit System) to see the victory monument and got Thai iced tea at a local market. We returned to the hotel and completed our swim test.
We finished the night off with a yummy Thai dinner at homebase and nominated our first leaders of the day, Amelia and Vitoria (woohoo!) who will also write the blog tomorrow (stay tuned!)
We are excited for our first shadowing day at Thammasat University Hospital.
เจอกันพรุ่งนี้(See you tomorrow)
GLA Staff: Alexa, Clara
Local Thai Staff: Gwang, Care, Meen, & Thongtong
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
Hey Family and Friends it’s Amelia and Vitoria!
We woke up around 6:30am and had breakfast and left around 7:15am to get to the hospital before our 9 am morning shift. We were split into 5 groups at the Thammasat Hospital consisting of orthopedics, OB/GYN, anatomy, pharmacy, and opthamology. Each shift was 2 hours long before we came together as a group for lunch.
We practiced our Thai and thanked our doctors after each session.
After Lunch, we switched shadowing groups for the afternoon rotation. During OB/GYN we were able to watch a natural live birth, scrub into Cesarian-sections, and listen during appointments with pregnant women. During Anatomy, we had a hands-on anatomy lesson where we were able to see a human cadaver to explore the organs of a human body— some of us held a human brain, lungs, and intestine! During Orthopedics, we were able to listen in on doctor appointments and learn about various orthopedic conditions. During Ophthalmology, we were able to see different eye health checking devices and learn about the common issues found specifically in Thailand. In Pharmacy we were able to play games to figure out what was wrong with a prescription and a pharmacist gave us a presentation. These were all amazing, hands on, and an educational experience.
After we came back to Home Base to eat dinner and had amazing Pad Thai. After dinner, we participated in our second GLA internship curriculum activity. We assessed our strengths in order to have a conversation about who we are characterized as in a team setting and also as a leader. We explored what advantages we have with our strengths to become a more successful leader and team member. We love it here and Bangkok is so beautiful. The staff is amazing and the locals are so kind.
Love,
Vitoria and Amelia
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26
Hey Family and Friends it’s Breylen and Ella!
Today we woke up to fried rice and coffee which gave us energy to visit Thamastat University Hospital. At the hospital the doctors kindly gave us a tour and a look into patient care at Thamastat and what it is like to be in its various fields.
Some of our favorite stations from today were learning in the anatomy department and the OB/GYN department. In the anatomy department we were given the opportunity to view a human cadaver, skeleton, and brain. The doctors allowed us to hold the different organs and pieces giving us a once in a lifetime experience. We found it fascinating how the different organs work together. In the OB/GYN department we were given the chance to witness a childbirth and a C – Section giving us helpful insight into the day in the life of an Obstetrician- we also got to see a molar pregnancy!
In the middle of the day we took a break for lunch giving us the perfect opportunity to taste traditional Thai cuisine at the hospital food court. We had basil pork and mushroom bun with milk tea which were yummy! Our internship curriculum today really helped us better understand cultural humility and the overlaps between the Thai and US healthcare systems and how complex they can be.
Goodbye! See you tomorrow!
-Breylen and Ella
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Hey family and friends it’s Annabelle and Brynn!
Today we woke up and enjoyed a nice big breakfast at the hotel before we headed to a new hospital, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital. They welcomed us with a speech from the hospital director and we all took group photos with the workers and staff. Two groups split up and each group got to explore Chinese medicine, the emergency room, pediatrics, and out patient treatments. We got to see and experience what it was like to work in these different fields – the groups even got to ride in the ambulance!
Then, Sola, a medical student currently studying in the UK came to give a presentation called “Journey to Medicine: Advice and Tips.” We learned about life as a med student and advice on applying to universities. Chicken and rice was then delivered to the hospital which everyone devoured. The rest of the afternoon in Kasemrad was then spent learning about CPR and First Aid by the paramedics – by the end everyone got a certificate!
We thanked the director and staff for their hospitality and drove in the vans to Terminal 21 – a six story mall so we could all do a bit of shopping. Everyone thought the mall was very fun and interesting because each level has themes of different countries and jewelry, clothes, food, shoes, and vendors selling local artisan gifts. We spent money on dinner at the numerous restaurants and market vendors and concluded our busy day by returning to the hotel. Everyone enjoyed a nice chow circle on the rooftop with a nice view and have now headed off to bed.
Goodbye! See you tomorrow.
Love, Brynn and Annabelle
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28
Hi family and friends it’s Oona and Eva!
We started off with breakfast at the hotel, and at 7:30 we left for Ekachai hospital, a private for profit hospital in Bangkok.
When we arrived we were greeted with a presentation describing the children’s and adults hospital. We then split into two groups. Each group toured ENT,Dental, ER, Chinese medicine, IPD. Students were shown diagrams and demonstrations of different procedures in each specialty and some even got to test their eyesight in ophthalmology.
Then we had lunch provided by the hospital. Before moving on, we took a quick trip to 7/11 where we tried our favorite junk food in traditional Thai flavors.
After lunch, we toured the pediatrics unit seeing examples of rooms and a slide that we got to go on and a pool that children are able to participate in. We also saw hemodialysis patients, and learned about the cardiovascular system.
Then we headed back to the conference room at the hospital and had a presentation from the director of the hospital, Dr. Ambaj where we learned about his experience through medical school and his experience in the field.
Then we had a long trip home because of traffic. Once we got there we had a pizza party and a presentation from the International leader, Alexa.
We are excited about our Bangkok city tour tomorrow!
Oona & Eva
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29
Hey family and friends it’s Clara and Delaney!
Today we were able to sleep in a little bit before enjoying a hearty breakfast and then heading to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha followed by Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace. Our tour guide, Nicki, kindly showed us around and inside the beautiful temple where everyone was able to take many pictures!
We then headed to Savoey Restaurant for lunch where everyone indulged in various different meals and cooled off with refreshing drinks.
After lunch, we toured the incredible Wat Pho temple which housed many Buddhas, most notably the enormous reclining Buddha! Following Wat Pho, we walked around the general area visiting many different shops picking up things like food, drinks, clothes, and several souvenirs.
For dinner, we headed to Chinatown where everyone was able to walk around the local mall for a little before embarking out on to the streets of Chinatown. We all grabbed dinner and some other snacks to bring back to the hotel. We ended our exciting day with a fun game on the rooftop before heading to bed!
Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow! 🙂
Clara & Delaney
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
Hello friends and family, it’s Parker and Lilia!
Today, we got to experience life as a Bangkok local. We started off our morning with a breakfast of champions. We then made our way to Sathon Pier to feed fish while we waited for our boat taxi. We boarded the taxi, which brought us through the beautiful city of Bangkok. After a 10 minute walk, we found ourselves at Baan Som Tum (a Michelin rated restaurant). We feasted on a family-style lunch of papaya salad, mushroom soup, assortments of chicken, and sticky rice.
Afterwards, we washed it down with thai tea and lemon iced tea at a local shop. We then took the BTS (Bangkok Train System) to The Jim Thompson House museum. We learned about the life of Jim Thompson through a tour guide-led experience through his personal house. We learned so much about him just through his architectural preferences. The group later took a short walk to Central World Mall and had some free time to shop. We arrived back at the hotel to freshly washed laundry and newly made beds.
We are so excited for our next adventure tomorrow!
Parker and Lilia
BLOG POST FOR JULY 1
Hey friends and family it’s Joseph and Heather!
We started off with breakfast at the hotel. Croissant and juicy orange juice this morning refreshed us to start the day. Today we went to the disabled boy’s home where played fun games. Then, we danced with the children at the center, and everyone was enjoying the moment. We felt unified and realized that everyone could be friends and have fun regardless of their age, race, and or physical condition. Then it was time to say goodbye and we ate a spicy lunch. After lunch, we walked a bit to the garden to help harvest for the home where we had a little competition to see which group could gather the most healthy plant. We felt so happy that we could contribute to the community. When we had done service, it was already time to go to hotel to have a nice chicken and rice dinner. Local Thai staff even surprised us with mango sticky rice to celebrate our last day in Bangkok! After dinner we rested a bit before heading up to the roof for chow circle to end the day in peace.
Thank you🙏
BLOG POST FOR JULY 2
It’s Agastya & Meenu!
Today we were very pumped up for the trip to the beach We started the trip with a very long bus ride(almost 3 hours). Luckily we had a very fun stop at a large rest stop with Burger King!! Yes Burger King. After that we had another 15 minute ferry ride to koh samet beach where we got our rooms in the resort. After a shot rest/unpacking time we finally got to the pool and then to the beach and had lots of fun swimming. After a great dinner some of us went to a local mini mart and got some snacks and ice cream ending the day on a great note. After that we had a mentor group, where we got to know each other and it was pretty cool!
We are excited for snorkeling tomorrow!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3
Hi, it’s Grace and Campbell!
Some of us got up bright and early to see the sunrise on the beach! We then met up as a group to go on a boat to go snorkeling! We saw really cool fish, sea urchins, and Nemo! We went to two snorkeling spots. From noon to 1:00, students ate lunch, but many decided to go swimming after.
We returned to the hotel and rested before dinner. At 6:00, we ate dinner and watched a really cool fire performance!
We cannot wait for our day at the local hospital on the island!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 4
Hey everyone!
It’s Lilia and Michelle!
Today we got to sleep in and relax by the beach until around 9:30! We then took a songthaew (truck taxi) to a local medical center – where they gave us a presentation. It was so interesting to learn how a small medical group can care for a whole island. After our visit, we walked to lunch, where we ate thai food by the beach. Afterwards, we returned back to the hotel for a beach/pool swim. The staff graciously surprised us with a movie night, featuring the Sandlot, and an all-American barbecue dinner. We then ended the night smores overlooking the beach. It was so fun celebrating the Fourth of July in Thailand!
We are excited to go to Chiang Mai tomorrow!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 5
Hey family and friends, this is Annabelle and Oona!
Today was our last day at Koh Samet and on the beach. We started our morning off with a breakfast buffet and then headed towards the dock where we boarded our ferry to the mainland.
Immediately after arrival, we hopped onto our new form of transportation: a 2.5 hour bus ride to the Bangkok International Airport! We grabbed a quick lunch including some of our favorite American classics (McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King) and then boarded our plane to Chiang Mai.
At our arrival, we were greeted by our new Chiang Mai staff and beautiful jasmine leis. We took a quick stop at our new hotel and made offerings to the land spirits of the resort through the form of lighting incense sticks and laying flowers on the spirit house. We said goodbye to some of our beloved Bangkok staff and welcomed the new Chiang Mai staff into our GLA family.
Finally, we headed to Duke’s Diner where we had a delicious American-style dinner comprised on mac-n-cheese, roasted potatoes, tater-tots, caesar salad, ribs, and variety of scrumptious pizzas. After being stuffed to the brim, we headed back to our hotel where we relaxed and had a night swim.
We are looking forward to our future adventures in Chiang Mai!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 6
Hi family and friends! It’s us – Brynn and Parker!
Today was a very packed and exciting day. We started off the day at our new resort in Chang Mai with a big healthy breakfast (all vegan)! We all met with Todd to talk about our new hospital rotations and learn more about the healthcare system differences between Thailand and the West. We then went into groups to make up our own world that defines our definition of “perfect healthcare.” We presented to everyone where “Radland” was the most desired world.
All of the students headed to a delicious lunch of pastas and burgers. We then went to see some new temples – Chiangmun and Wat Jaydeeluang— which were gorgeous! Wat, our local staff member taught us about the history of the first temple in Chiang Mai!
We finished the end of the day by going to a local market tour to learn about different spices, vegetables. We then took our knowledge to the kitchen where we were taught by wonderful local chefs in a cooking class. One group listened to Disney songs while cooking. The other group had a competition to see who was the best chef. We learned how to make Thai curries, pad Thai, pad see ew, soups, and spring rolls. Everyone’s stomach was full when they returned back to the hotel and now everyone is chilling by the pool or going to bed.
Goodnight!
Leaders of the day,
Parker and Brynn
BLOG POST FOR JULY 7
Hi guys it’s Amelia and Breylen!
Today we had a super fun day exploring more of Chiang Mai! We visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of thailands most famous Buddhist temples. At the temple we experienced Buddhist culture and witnessed its incredible view. After, we traveled to a Hmong mountain village where we bought souvenirs, sweet treats, and enjoyed a traditional northern Thai curry for lunch. Later we met a Thai Buddhist who taught us the basics of Buddhism, achieving happiness and balance within one’s self. Finally we ended our day at Chiang Mai’s Sunday night market where we tasted delicious Thai street food for dinner and bought Thai trinkets.
Thanks!
Amelia and Breylen
BLOG POST FOR JULY 9
Heyyy it’s Clara and Heather!
Today we had an early wake up call and enjoyed a breakfast of an orange muffin, watermelon, jam on toast and more! Afterwards we drove up to Lamphun hospital and began on our very interesting rotations. One group visited the pediatric unit where they had the privilege of seeing children of all ages receiving proper care from the doctors. Whereas another group watched a natural birth of a healthy baby girl in OB/GYN. Once we had finished our morning rotation, we had lunch at the Terracotta Garden in Lamphun City.
Following our delicious lunch that consisted of pad thai and various different drinks, we headed back to the hospital to complete our second rotation. We split into different departments such as OB/GYN, or surgery, where students watched a live colonoscopy and then a biopsy by an endoscopy. After leaving the hospital we headed over to a 3D museum called Art in Paradise. We all took many pictures posing next to the different illusions painted on and around the walls and then headed to the cafe to grab a bite and some drinks. Following the museum, we all headed over to a restaurant called Its Good Kitchen where we indulged in a variety of Northern Thai food. After dinner, we finished off the day by walking to grab some ice cream and picked up a few snacks from 711.
Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow!!!
– Clara and Heather
BLOG POST FOR JULY 10
Hello friends and families!! It’s your leaders of the day, Grace & Delaney!
Today we woke up pumped for our third day shadowing at the hospital. We stared our morning off with a vegan buffet breakfast and heading off to a new hospital, Rahavej Hospital (all before 9 a.m). We split into our assigned groups and explored different departments such as the ER, the lab, physical therapy, etc. At 11, we all regrouped and headed to Arubtara Hotel for some authentic thai food (and some onion rings) and enjoyed our 2 hour rest before our short drive back to the hospital for our afternoon session. At 3:30, we had the chance to get to explore another Thai medical center, Baan Nong Noi health center. Here, we learned about the dengue fever and more about the daily life working here in Thailand. After our rewarding dinner at Boon Rod restaurant, we came back to our hotel to listen to a presentation by Angie Pakanan who works for Family Medicine here in Chiang Mai. We ended our night with chow circle and free time!
เจอกันพรุ่งนี้ (See you tomorrow!)
