Reading time: 3 min

The interest in global healthcare experiences is growing as students seek to expand their understanding of healthcare systems, patient care, and public health in diverse settings. These experiences provide invaluable exposure to different medical practices, healthcare challenges, and cultural contexts. For students, international programs offer a chance to observe and engage with healthcare professionals, gaining insights that enhance their clinical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and cultural awareness.

Among the many destinations offering these opportunities, Indonesia stands out as a compelling choice. As Australia’s close neighbour and an emerging leader in healthcare education, Indonesia provides a dynamic setting where students can experience a mix of urban hospitals, rural clinics, and community health initiatives.

A Truly Immersive Healthcare Experience

A prime example of an outstanding healthcare study tour that CISaustralia had the opportunity to support is the University of Newcastle’s Community Health Study Tour in Bandung and Garut, Indonesia. With its diverse healthcare landscape, Indonesia offers a broad spectrum of learning opportunities. Bandung, the capital of West Java, is a vibrant city surrounded by volcanoes and tea plantations, where students can explore urban healthcare facilities while immersing themselves in local culture. Nearby, Garut, a picturesque town known for its scenic mountain ranges, provides a more rural setting where students can engage with community health initiatives and traditional healthcare practices. These locations create a rich and immersive environment for students to develop a deeper understanding of healthcare delivery in different contexts.

What made this two-week customised program unique was the variety of healthcare cases students encountered – thanks to a strong partnership with a local university and a passionate faculty member who oversaw their experience  at a local clinic. Through this collaboration, students gained exclusive access to a broad range of patient cases, rather than being limited to a single ward or specialty, as is often the case in traditional hospital placements and other global healthcare experiences.

Each day, students worked with patients across all age groups, from children to the elderly, presenting with diverse health concerns. This variety made the program particularly valuable for students from different healthcare disciplines, including nursing, public health, midwifery, and more.

Beyond clinical exposure, students were actively involved in community health education, assisting with patient care while also helping to raise awareness on key health issues such as diabetes management. A particularly memorable moment for many was witnessing a live birth – an experience usually reserved for midwifery placements in Australian hospitals. One student reflected, “Seeing a live birth and participating in cultural activities was such a rewarding experience,” highlighting the program’s combination of hands-on learning and cultural engagement.

By working in a resource-limited setting, students also developed key skills in adaptability and problem-solving, learning how to provide effective care with fewer medical resources. As another student shared, “Visiting the community health centre and participating in checkups really helped me understand the differences in healthcare systems and practices across cultures.”

Beyond professional insights, the program also allowed students to balance their learning with cultural immersion and leisure activities, such as hiking Mount Papandayan and exploring local traditions. By participating in structured international healthcare experiences, students gain not only clinical exposure but also a broader perspective on global health challenges, cultural competence, and the realities of delivering healthcare in diverse settings.

Create a Custom Healthcare Study Tour with Ease

We make it easy for university staff and faculty to organise meaningful global healthcare experiences for their students. From the initial planning stages to on-the-ground support, we take care of all the details. Our team works closely with universities to tailor each program to specific academic and professional goals. 

If you’re considering a healthcare-focused study tour in Indonesia, start by completing our quick questionnaire, and we’ll handle the rest.