It is a common misconception that rigorous academic programs leave no time for the classic college experience of studying abroad. At Findlay, not only is studying abroad an option, it is built into the Pharmacy program so that students can experience cultural diversity while still graduating on time. Our students aren’t just taking general education classes online while in a different country, they have the opportunity to study material relevant to their future profession on an international scale.
Students completing their APPE program have the opportunity to spend one of their rotations exploring India, while students interested in visiting Japan can earn two credit hours through a study abroad experience. Other study opportunities are available to students and can fulfill non-pharmacy course requirements.
Pharmacy Study Abroad - India
Students gain a new perspective on western medicine during a five-week study abroad trip to India, completing an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) by doing hospital rounds with Indian physicians and pharmacy students in selected hospitals. They also have the privilege of attending lectures at Indian universities which cover the ancient Indian holistic medical practice of Ayurveda, as well as gaining exposure to treatments less prevalent in the United States. It isn't all work for the students, as they have the opportunity to go on a safari, participate in a Hindu ceremony celebrating the river and explore new food and languages in the city centers.
“Having a study abroad experience specifically focused on pharmacy provided us with the opportunity to see the practice of our profession in a foreign environment,” said pharmacy student Johnathan Mitchell. “Through the trip, I saw key differences in university and hospital practice, and can use that knowledge to expand the scope of my future work.” During the trip, students saw diseases such as malaria, Dengue fever, typhoid and elephantiasis, which are incredibly rare in the United States.
A week of the trip was spent learning about Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine considered to be the oldest healing science. The students learned the history and techniques of Ayurveda and experienced some treatments themselves. Successful pharmacists consider patients cultural background when communicating medical care. As Cassandra Orahood, a pharmacy student states, “Too often we close ourselves off and forget that the American way is not the only way. What you think is normal may completely go against your patients’ culture and will impact how they react to medical treatments.”
Learn more about the student's experience in India in Findlay's Newsroom. Pharmacy Study Abroad - Japan
University of Findlay College of Pharmacy participates in an exchange program with the Kyushu University of Health and Welfare College of Pharmacy in Nobeoka, Japan, located in the Miyazaki prefecture. Since 2016, thirteen pharmacy students and seven faculty members have traveled to Japan with this program. Two KUHW pharmacy professors have spent time with us at UF College of Pharmacy. These visits provide a platform which allows for the sharing of research, pharmacy practice, educational methods and culture.
Students registered for the course meet regularly (approximately every 1-2 weeks for an hour) throughout the spring semester prior to the trip, to prepare for the experience. During meetings, basic Japanese etiquette, social skills and communication skills are introduced and practiced. Some meetings take place with the Japanese exchange students on campus. The schedule of these meetings will be determined once the selection of participating members is complete.
Students should plan for three weeks approximately mid-May to early June. Two of the weeks are spent at KUHW where pharmacy students tour hospital and retail pharmacies in the area, attend faculty research presentations, and participate in several pharmacy laboratory activities. In addition to the professional education activities, students experience the culture, the beautiful Japanese countryside, and Japanese cuisine on a daily basis. Students will engage with other Japanese students, spend weekends with local families, and do plenty of sightseeing.