Nurses interact with people who have different languages, cultures, beliefs, and ways of expressing themselves. Being able to communicate respectfully is therefore just as important as having clinical knowledge.

The experience at Mahidol University broadened my understanding of what it means to become a nurse. I learned about the importance of cultural sensitivity and tolerance in healthcare. A nurse may care for patients whose beliefs and backgrounds are very different from their own. Rather than expecting every patient to fit into the same approach, nurses need to understand and respect individual differences. I also gained a new perspective on how a healthcare system can respond to diverse populations. Seeing healthcare services that serve migrant communities made me appreciate the importance of an organized and accessible healthcare system that considers the needs of different groups. Most importantly, I learned that nursing is not only about knowledge and technical skills. It is also about communication, empathy, respect, and integrity. A patient may remember not only what treatment a nurse provided, but also whether they felt heard, respected, and understood.

When I first arrived in Thailand, I thought I was going there to attend a summer course and gain international academic experience. By the end of the programme, I realized that I had gained much more than that. I learned how to communicate across language barriers, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and become more open to perspectives that are different from my own. I learned that cultural diversity is not something to be afraid of; it is something that can enrich the way we understand people and healthcare. I also realized the importance of making the most of every opportunity. Sometimes, being in a new environment can feel uncomfortable. It can be tempting to stay within what feels familiar. But stepping outside that comfort zone is often where the most meaningful learning begins. Looking back, my experience at Mahidol University was not simply a two-week academic programme. It was an opportunity to learn about healthcare, culture, communication, and myself. I returned to Indonesia with a broader perspective on what it means to provide care in a culturally diverse world. I hope that the lessons I gained in Thailand will stay with me as I continue my journey as a nursing student and, eventually, as a nurse. If there is one thing I would like to carry forward from this experience, it is the courage to step outside my comfort zone, the willingness to keep learning from others, and the commitment to treat every individual with respect, regardless of their language, culture, or background. Because sometimes, the most important lessons in nursing are not found in the classroom. They are found in the people we meet, the cultures we encounter, and the moments when we choose to see the world from someone else’s perspective.

Thailand, July 13th-24th, 2026

Ema Nabila Musfiqoh