CGHSR Independent Study: Exploring Community and Environmental Health in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Pictured: Bailey Newell, third from left, poses for a picture with students and partners in Chiang Mai

Learning about global health through lectures, articles and coursework builds a foundation of knowledge for students. But engaging with it first-hand provides an experience that can’t be offered in the classroom.

That’s why the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility offers global experiences to University of Minnesota students.

Bailey Newell, an MPH student, traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in January as part of CGHSR’s independent study program. The trip offered insights into community and environmental health as well as health equity.

But it also provided an experience she wouldn’t have been afforded through traditional coursework.

“I was absolutely blown away by the hospitality, the natural beauty, and the culture of Thailand. When I think of being there, I imagine the sunrise casting its light across the Buddhist temple across from the hotel, and looking out at Doi Suthep in the distance with a cup of tea,” she said.

“I hope I have the opportunity to return one day, whether that is in a professional or personal capacity.”

While in Thailand, Newell also worked with a group of UMN students to help develop CGHSR’s upcoming course in Chiang Mai.

Below is a conversation with Newell about her independent study and how her time in Thailand will benefit her during her time at UMN and beyond.

You did an independent study through CGHSR in Chiang Mai, Thailand. What did the independent study focus on? How was the experience?

Newell: My independent study was focused on understanding Thailand’s healthcare system and environmental health problems. An additional objective was to understand how agricultural, climate, and ethnic/cultural components relate to and influence health outcomes in the region.

In addition to actively participating in our daily site visits, I also prepared through course readings and contributed to post-trip surveys and discussions to shape the future course. Altogether, the experience was interesting, fun, and occasionally challenging in different proportions each day.

We were very lucky to be surrounded by UMN and CMU staff throughout our experience to educate us on recent history and the workings of the Thai health system compared to the United States.

What were your biggest takeaways from your time in Thailand? Are there any ideas, lessons you’ll incorporate in your future professional/educational endeavors?

Newell: As with most things in life, my greatest takeaways were a result of interacting with people. I have had few opportunities in my life to go places where English is not the predominant language, so this was a major point of discomfort for me. While uncomfortable and occasionally embarrassing, I think I improved my ability to navigate across cultural and language differences. 

Improving the clarity of my verbal communication is a major goal of mine as I continue into my professional career, so I appreciated having these experiences.

You also were part of a group of students helping to design CGHSR’s upcoming course in Thailand. How was that experience?

Newell: The group of students who went on this trip came from a variety of health backgrounds, which was by design. Between the three of us, we represented the University of Minnesota’s Medical School, School of Nursing, and School of Public Health.

Being able to reflect together added a lot to the trip, and it helped me think about what we were experiencing in different ways. Exploring the more touristy parts of Thailand together was a lot of fun, as we were able to explore nearby markets, food, night life, and temples.