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#From worrying about language barriers to gaining confidence in communicating. #Skills in patient-centered communication and rehabilitation assistance. #It was a meaningful experience that embraced the healthcare scene in Ho Chi Minh City.
Connecting Hearts in an Unfamiliar Place
Hello. I am a college student majoring in nursing. I participated in overseas medical service to gain experience in different healthcare environments and enhance my nursing skills. I chose a project at a local hospital in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, because I wanted to experience healthcare abroad and provide real help to patients. My goal was to develop an active approach to engage with others while stepping out of my comfort zone, and to broaden my perspective as a nursing student through diverse patients and healthcare environments.
As this was my first time spending a long period overseas, I worried about the language and unfamiliar environment and thought a lot about how much to prepare. Before my departure, I learned about the local culture and hospital settings, and practiced basic Vietnamese phrases for simple communication with patients. I also downloaded necessary apps in advance for easier use upon arrival. I am grateful to the person who provided detailed orientation before leaving, as I was able to prepare well without missing anything and referring to their guidance made things much easier.
During my stay, I experienced adult and pediatric rehabilitation, dementia units, and intensive care units. I assisted with rehabilitation exercises, walking training, cognitive activities, and daily living training, and I was able to engage in various activities through these experiences. Meeting different patients in healthcare abroad and helping directly with rehabilitation activities were significant experiences for me. The accommodations and activity environments were generally acceptable, and I was able to adapt to local life and culture.
When I encountered a child who found participating in rehabilitation challenging, instead of forcing activities, I first looked into their interests. By approaching them naturally through drawing their favorite character, the child participated in activities again. This experience taught me the importance of finding a method that suits the other person rather than insisting on my prepared approach to help. I also learned that each patient has different functional levels and recovery speeds, so activities should be adapted to their individual conditions.
I met local medical staff, participants from different countries, and Korean friends from other nursing schools. Despite our different languages and backgrounds, we cooperated with a shared goal of helping patients recover. I realized that sincere engagement can foster connections with patients even with a language barrier, and that I learned to communicate and provide patient-centered care by responding to their conditions and emotions. Initially, I thought it would be hard to help patients if we could not communicate, but I discovered that I could connect through expressions, actions, and sincere attitudes.
I rate this project a 9 out of 10 for how it helped change my life. I gained confidence to take action in unfamiliar places and learned to pay close attention to the help that patients need. During the project period, I was able to participate safely without major risks or discomfort. After the volunteer work ended, I had free time to explore and enjoy the local food and culture.
After the volunteer schedule ended, I took my time exploring the surroundings instead of sticking to a planned travel route. I recommend visiting markets and downtown areas where you can experience local food and culture together. I want to tell future participants that rather than trying to be perfectly prepared, it's important to have an attitude of wanting to engage first. If you learn basic local language and medical terms in advance, you can actively participate in activities.
Capturing the growth journeys
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