Student Exchange Programme

In May 2021, we travelled to the city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to undertake an internship at a hospital. Our preparations had started back in 2019, but due to the COVID-19 situation, our placement was delayed for some time. Organising everything required a lot of work, but fortunately, we didn’t mind doing it, which allowed us to successfully arrange the internship. We had no idea what to expect, so we were very excited to begin.

Of course, we departed in the middle of the pandemic, which naturally carried some risk. Fortunately, upon arrival, quarantine was not required, and a negative PCR test was sufficient to enter the country. After a long flight, we arrived in the evening at Dar es Salaam airport, where we were greeted by our SEO and two other pharmacy students. It felt very strange to suddenly walk around without masks and be in a country where COVID-19 was barely known, and there were virtually no restrictions. They took us to our apartment, where we could acclimatise and get used to the heat! The first few days were primarily spent exploring the culture and the city. We took a walk through the city, visited the museum, the university, the local beach, and the fish market. After four days of settling in, we were ready to start our internship on Monday.

We completed a six-week internship at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam. This is a large national referral hospital that also trains new medical and pharmacy students. During the first two weeks, we worked in a sort of outpatient pharmacy, focusing on HIV medication. We were fully involved with the other pharmacists, preparing and dispensing medication, and processing claims via a specialised system. Every morning at 10:00, a pharmacist took us on rounds in a particular hospital ward. For us, the first two weeks were spent in the mother-and-child ward. During rounds, they consulted with patients about their treatment, and afterwards, we were allowed to view patient records to see the pharmacotherapy applied.

During the next three weeks, we rotated across different wards. We observed and assisted in the emergency operating theatre, psychiatry, oncology, ICU, nephrology, neurology, haematology, and the methadone clinic for addicts. Our day usually began with rounds on the respective ward, reviewing patient records, and ended with dispensing and delivering medication on the wards.

In the final week, we had the opportunity to work with the pharmacists in the children’s hospital. This hospital also handled compounding, including chemotherapy preparations, which we were able to observe. Our days in the children’s hospital were very similar to those on the other wards we had visited, and we observed the ICU, haematology, and oncology departments.

Outside of our internship, our SEO organised weekend activities. The very first weekend, we were taken out to a club. After a year without going out, this was incredible, although a little strange. The club was packed, but it was wonderful to dance and party again. We also spent a weekend at a beautiful beach to relax, visited an island close to the city, and went hiking in the Pugu Hills. As the grand finale, we went on a weekend trip to Zanzibar with a group of students!

Last summer, I took part in the SEP in Tokyo, Japan. Why Japan? I wanted to experience the pharmaceutical world in Asia, and Japan is well known for its excellent healthcare system. Moreover, the SEP in Japan consists of a visitation programme, where you visit various pharmaceutical workplaces. This is ideal if you are not yet sure what you want to do after your studies. Even if you already know your career path, such a programme is still interesting. What particularly attracted me was Japanese culture. From TV and the internet, I already knew that Japanese people are generally very polite and modest, almost in contrast to Dutch culture, where people tend to be open and spontaneous. I was curious to see how Japanese culture manifests itself across different sectors within the pharmaceutical field.

The first day started with a welcome party, where everyone got to know each other through various games. There were eight exchange students and 10–20 Japanese students, some of whom were part of the SEP committee. It was a fun evening, not too intense, allowing all exchange students to rest. Fortunately, we were free the next day to recover further. Through a Japanese student, we learned about a beautiful beach not far from Tokyo, and all the exchange students went there for a day trip. At first, I was quite nervous, as you spend the whole day with people you barely know. In the end, it was a very successful day, and I quickly formed a bond with the other students.

The following day, there was a paediatrics workshop organised by the Japanese students themselves. It was well organised and very interesting, especially since I had hardly learned anything about paediatrics during my bachelor’s degree. A few days later, we visited Meiji Pharmaceutical University, where we were introduced to traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines. First, we were given a tour of the museum on campus, showcasing traditional natural medicines. Afterwards, we were able to make our own traditional medicines in the university lab! It was fascinating to both see and do, as this is hardly ever possible in the Netherlands. The visit to a community pharmacy was one of the most educational experiences I had during the SEP, as the head pharmacist was extremely inspiring. This pharmacy is considered one of the better ones in Tokyo. Upon entering, I immediately felt at home. The pharmacy was decorated in a very homely manner, helping patients feel comfortable. The pharmacist aimed to lower the threshold for visiting a pharmacy. What struck me most was that there were no pharmacy assistants; pharmacists do everything themselves, although I learned that a new law will introduce pharmacy assistants in the future. Furthermore, each patient has their own designated pharmacist, similar to having a regular GP. I also observed how Japanese culture was reflected in the pharmacy. We visited on a Sunday, when it was normally closed. The pharmacists usually have no time to give tours on weekdays but made special time for us to provide a valuable learning experience. That day, a patient called urgently and was able to come in immediately. I witnessed the polite and respectful communication between the pharmacist and patient. I was impressed that the pharmacy was willing to assist a patient on a Sunday—the patient is clearly the top priority, which was wonderful to see. On another day, we visited a hospital and received a tour. I saw everything from medication-dispensing machines to a trauma helicopter. Various pharmacy-related professionals explained their roles, which was very interesting and gave great insight into how things work in Japan. Finally, we visited a pharmaceutical company specialising in machinery for packaging and filling medicines. I had never been to a pharmaceutical company before, so this was an entirely new experience. We first attended a mini-workshop on personalised medicines, followed by a guided tour of the machines. Everything was very high-tech! During the SEP, we also had quite a lot of free time to enjoy ourselves. I spent this time with other exchange students, and occasionally with Japanese students when they were available. It was always great fun, and we built increasingly strong bonds. For example, we went to Disneyland together and spent a day relaxing at a hot spring (onsen). In the evenings, we often explored Tokyo (an enormous city!), sang karaoke, and visited typical Japanese pubs (izakayas). Besides the regular pharmacy programme, there were also sightseeing days and day trips organised. I got to see much of Japanese culture and enjoyed a lot of delicious food! We tried street food while walking through an old Japanese town in yukatas (summer kimono). On the final evening, everyone said their goodbyes, and it was very emotional. By then, everyone had formed a strong bond, and we were used to seeing each other every day. I could not believe I had formed such close connections in just two weeks. I still keep in touch with them via Facebook. All in all, the SEP was one of the most unique and educational experiences of my life. I would like to thank the SEP committee in Japan, and especially Imke from the K.N.P.S.V. It was an exciting adventure to travel alone to the other side of the world, but of course, you are not alone—all exchange students feel the same excitement. You learn a lot from different people and see how pharmacy works abroad in ways you cannot in the Netherlands. Since you rarely have the chance to gain international experience during the bachelor’s programme, the SEP gives you a wonderful opportunity to do so. I therefore recommend the SEP to everyone. To make the most of it, good preparation is essential: explore the various options and countries on the IPSF website, submit your CV and motivation letter on time to the K.N.P.S.V., and you are more likely to secure a place. If you have questions, feel free to ask the K.N.P.S.V., or even the equivalent organisation in other countries. If you are hesitating about doing the SEP—just go for it! You will not regret it; in fact, you will regret it if you don’t!

At the beginning of July, I travelled to Famagusta for my SEP internship. At the airport in Northern Cyprus, I was greeted by the intense heat and three girls: the Student Exchange Officer (SEO) from Cyprus Miracle, a Local Exchange Officer (LEO) named Soheila, and my roommate Hortense from France. Together, we travelled to the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) campus, where all the SEP students stayed in dormitories. It looked very much like an American campus, just like on TV. It was so large that it took at least 20 minutes to walk from our dorm to the Faculty of Pharmacy.

The SEP students were mainly European, with one Canadian girl among them. Students were placed either in a community pharmacy or in research. I completed my internship at Çisem pharmacy. On the same street, there were multiple pharmacies just a few metres apart. In Northern Cyprus, anyone can open a pharmacy as long as they have the money. The pharmacy had a large range of over-the-counter products. Instead of drawers, the medicines were stored in display cabinets behind the counter, organised not by active ingredient but by indication. My first task was therefore to learn where all the medicines were located. I mainly performed the tasks assigned to me by the pharmacist. The local population speaks Turkish, so my vocabulary was limited to “Merhaba” (Hello), but I was able to assist English-speaking patients. Due to the university, many international students live in Famagusta. Greek Cypriots also visit pharmacies in the north without prescriptions. Essentially, everything is over-the-counter, even antibiotics, as medicines priced in Turkish Lira are much cheaper than in Euro. Most prescriptions that the pharmacy received were still handwritten. Insurance is not mandatory. Furthermore, the pharmacies do not have a pharmacy information system (PIS). This means there is no patient database, and medication monitoring can only be done with information provided by the patient. Without a PIS, labels cannot be printed, so dosage instructions are written on the box and explained orally by the pharmacist.

After morning shifts, we sought relief at the beach. Famagusta has many beaches, such as EMU Beach, Palm Beach, and Salamis Beach. For our SEP excursions, we visited various locations in the north of the island. In Famagusta, we explored the Salamis Ruins. We also visited the harbour city of Kyrenia, where we went on a boat trip, visited The British Village, and relaxed at Escape Beach. Additionally, we went to Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, which is divided between the north and south. We crossed the border on foot to explore the southern part of the city. There is plenty to see in the north, making it well worth a visit if you are on the island! During SEP weekends, we also explored the south. The south is much like Greece, with statues, Greek patterns, narrow streets, and so on. In Greek Cyprus, we visited a WaterPark, went on a Jeep safari, took a boat trip, and swam through caves. The contrast between north and south is striking. In the north, it felt as though time had stood still. For example, Palm Beach lies directly in front of Ghost Town, an abandoned town occupied by Turkish military. On the beach, I saw the first tourists in the north. In the south, however, tourists were everywhere. I was glad when we returned to Famagusta.

I had an amazing time in Cyprus. At my placement, I was allowed to ask questions and participate in everything that was possible. I got along very well with pharmacist Çisem, who also gave me tips on things to do on the island. The SEP students were split between two houses. Local students also lived on campus and were always ready to help, which made it easy to get to know each other and even learn a few words in another language! I would like to thank Imke and Bram from the K.N.P.S.V., Miracle, the LEOs, and all SEP students. If you want an international experience, enjoy travelling, and love meeting new people, I highly recommend doing a SEP internship!

With a suitcase far too full and after buying the last few items on my packing list at the airport, I embarked on my Student Exchange Program (SEP) to Nagoya, Japan! The nerves were real, as this was the first time I had travelled alone and my first time in Japan. With a 17-hour travel time and a five-hour layover, the flight was far from pleasant. I also had my doubts about the hygiene on the plane, as when I stepped off the aircraft I noticed an unexplained red rash on my legs.

Beforehand, I had read up on the country and its culture to reduce the inevitable culture shock. No matter how well prepared I was, one thing I could never have anticipated was the immense heat and humidity I felt as I stepped off the plane. There was no time to acclimatise, as I had to head straight to the hostel and quickly change for the welcome party. Here, I would meet all the other exchange students and the local staff who would be supporting us for the next two weeks. There were four other exchange students from Poland, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Making a good first impression was difficult, however, as I hadn’t slept in 36 hours and wasn’t particularly talkative. Once people got to know me better, they told me that my first impression was completely unrepresentative of who I actually am. After surviving the welcome party and getting a good night’s sleep, I was ready to start the SEP.

The official programme consisted of learning about the healthcare system in Japan. We visited a hospital pharmacy, a Pfizer factory, the university, a Shiseido workshop, and JICA, an international volunteer organisation. As a bio-pharmaceutical student, this programme might not sound particularly exciting, but it was very interesting to learn how a Japanese community pharmacy operates and to compare this with other countries. One thing I took away was that while the healthcare system in the Netherlands may not be perfect, it is certainly better than in Japan and the other countries the exchange students came from.

While the educational aspect was very interesting, there was also plenty of opportunity to learn about Japanese culture. We visited various castles, went to the Toyota museum, and explored a park dedicated to traditional culture. Although the educational element was engaging, what stood out most to me were the country, its culture, and the people I met. The SEP staff didn’t just accompany us to the official activities; on our free days, there were always a few staff members ready to join us. They helped with things like booking museum tickets and selecting the best restaurants. Nagoya might otherwise be considered a dull city for a two-week stay, but the staff and fellow exchange students made my time there enjoyable. During the day we always did something fun, and in the evenings we went out for meals, played pool, went to karaoke bars, or attended after-parties at the hostel. Having local staff accompany us was helpful in another way too. The only students who didn’t speak a word of Japanese and didn’t look Japanese were Roch (the student from Poland) and myself. We were basically the only gaijin in the group, something we discovered more and more each day. Whenever someone spoke to me in Japanese at a shop or restaurant, I would first look to one of the staff members for help.

My time in Japan was fascinating, and I never felt bored for a moment. I would especially like to thank the K.N.P.S.V., Ceren and Imke, the exchange students, and everyone in Japan involved in the organisation. My SEP adventure has left an indelible impression on me, and my next trip to Japan is already planned. I would therefore encourage everyone to participate in SEP and to contact the Commissioner for International Affairs to explore the possibilities!

Last summer, I took part in a Student Exchange Program in Indonesia. When I decided I wanted to do a SEP, I immediately knew that I didn’t want to do it in a Western country. I quickly settled on Indonesia – a country with many different religions and cultures. Since my family also has historical ties to Indonesia, I was immediately excited to explore the country and get to know it better. The combination of completing a hospital placement and having a holiday seemed like the ultimate opportunity!

After a very long but smooth flight, I arrived late in the evening at Bali airport. I was picked up by two girls who had organised the SEP. Once we arrived at the accommodation where I would be staying for the next three weeks, I met the other SEPers: two Polish girls, two Egyptians (a boy and a girl), and a French girl. It was a fun and diverse group!

The next day, I had my first introduction to hospital pharmacy in Indonesia. I also met Flo, the LEO of Bali, who was in charge of everything that had been arranged. Flo was one of the nicest, most spontaneous people I’ve met!

Because I arrived slightly later due to exams, I unfortunately missed the opening ceremony. Our SEP took place in a small but pleasant private hospital located in the capital of Bali, Denpasar. Just like in the Netherlands, there was a department responsible for providing medication to patients in the hospital. Additionally, there was Amarta Farma, where patients could collect their prescriptions after seeing a doctor.

My favourite part was working in Amarta Farma. Here we mainly prepared prescriptions, but also capsules and powder sachets. I must say I was glad I didn’t get sick and have to use medication from Indonesia. As kind and helpful as people are, they don’t work very precisely. For example, a capsule might only be half full, but it would still be given to the patient with a smile. Prescriptions are also often handwritten. With a foreign language and a doctor’s handwriting, it could sometimes be a bit of a puzzle to figure out what was written – but that just made it more fun.

At the hospital, there was a lovely lady named Dhani who invited us to her home. She was holding a Hindu ceremony for her son, which we were allowed to attend. It was very special to witness. After the ceremony, we were invited to stay for dinner. She had cooked traditional Indonesian food, which, as you might expect, was very spicy. We tried our best to eat it politely, but eventually she brought out pizzas, saying she had anticipated the food might be a little too spicy for us – and the pizzas were delicious!

Each week, the SEP organised trips. During these excursions, we visited various temples, a turtle sanctuary, monkeys (some of which were cheeky enough to climb on you), rice fields, and much more. Interestingly, most of our Indonesian supervisors were experiencing many of these places for the first time too.

Because we also had plenty of free time during the SEP, we did a lot on our own. I was lucky to be with a fantastic group of fellow students. We spent a lot of time at the beach, and we also went on weekend trips together! For example, we spent three days on a small, less touristy island called Nusa Penida. Going there in the first week helped us get to know each other quickly. We had many fun and funny moments, which marked the beginning of an amazing time in Bali.

Not only did I meet incredible people from different countries, but I also learned a lot about the country and its pharmacy system. In addition, through our many evening gatherings, I also learned a great deal about the countries of my fellow SEPers.

For anyone currently hesitating about doing a SEP, I would say: stop hesitating! Just go for it, throw yourself into the experience, and embrace the adventure that is SEP. You are guaranteed to have an amazing time!

Last summer, I spent two weeks in Ghana completing a placement at a community pharmacy. Ghana is a country full of kind, warm-hearted people who are always up for a chat. Even as an obroni (foreigner/white person), you can walk around safely, and people are always willing to help if you get lost in the hustle and bustle of the streets.

I stayed with a host family who were so incredibly kind that they even invited me to a dinner celebrating the mother’s 50th birthday. The Pharmaceutical Association in Ghana also organised weekend trips, where I quickly got to know the other exchange students. We fed monkeys, swam at the Boti Falls, held baby crocodiles, went on boat trips to different islands, drank coconuts while lying in hammocks, and much more.

Alongside all these adventures, I also worked. In Ghana, not everyone comes with a prescription, so sometimes it was a matter of listening carefully to the symptoms and then discussing possible treatments and solutions. In the pharmacy, I was also able to perform certain tests on patients, such as malaria tests, hepatitis B tests, blood pressure measurements, and blood glucose checks. This diversity made the work especially enjoyable, and my colleagues were extremely friendly and curious about how things work in the Netherlands.

I would definitely recommend a trip like this to everyone. It’s the perfect combination of work, study, and adventure!

Having known how amazing SEP can be from being a Local Exchange Officer (LEO) in Poland, I decided to go on SEP this summer. Once on SEP, always on SEP, and therefore my SEP adventure has not finished after I quit studying Pharmacy back home, and moved to the
Netherlands to study College of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
In the summer of 2018, I was selected to go to Porto, Portugal, an enchanting city located along the River Douro. During my 14-day internship at the Department of Chemistry, University of Porto, I was analysing the samples using an Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass
Spectrometry (ICP-MS), which is an analytical method commonly used to detect metals at concentrations as low as 10 -12 (ppb). During my internship, I determined the concentration of heavy metals in the blood, urine and hair samples of a group of patients, which was a part of a double-blinded, randomised study on the effect of the presence of heavy metals on the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Apart from doing an internship in one of the Portuguese laboratories, I got to know people from all around the world and travel hundreds of kilometres whilst discovering Portugal. Visiting the wine cellars of Sandeman was an absolute must, since that is what Porto is famous of! Crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel to go to the Morro Garden located in the nearby city – Vila Nova de Gaia to enjoy the sunset, became one of our favourites activities!

One weekend, the exchange officers throughout Portugal organised a “SEP weekend”, where all of the exchange students in Portugal went to Guimarães – the city where Portugal was born. We all had an unforgettable time full of activities! The Portuguese student association APEF did their best to make us feel at home! I cannot describe how grateful I am to have met them on my way!

The most important thing I have discovered in Portugal is that there is no such thing as too much Sangria, you should start every day with a cup of coffee and Pastéis de Belém, and that I should take an extra suitcase to bring back as much port wine as I can next time I visit Portugal!

Last summer, I participated in the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) at the University of Surabaya (UBAYA) in Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, for three weeks. I chose Indonesia because my parents are from there, and we visit every two to three years to see family. Given my background, I was curious about the healthcare system in Indonesia and the pharmaceutical sector in comparison to the Netherlands.

On the morning of Sunday 22 July, I arrived in Surabaya, and in the afternoon the programme began with a beautiful opening ceremony. I met the Local Exchange Officer (LEO), Alfina Riyanti (21), with whom I had had a lot of contact from the Netherlands, as well as the other committee members who had organised the entire SEP. The eight other exchange students from six different countries then joined us. During the ceremony, we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves to the committee members in the room and to our fellow students. The SEP programme was then discussed, followed by performances from a student band and traditional dancers. The ceremony concluded with a shared meal and plenty of photographs. All in all, a great start to the SEP.

On Monday 23 July, the real internship began. During the first week, we were placed at Kimia Farma pharmacies from 08:00 to 15:00. Each exchange student was assigned to a different location across the city, and each student had two supervisors from the SEP committee to assist, for example with translation if necessary. My supervisors were Riyan Pratama Putra (21) and Dina Hanifa Wiam (19). Since I speak Indonesian fluently, they were hardly ever needed.

During this week, I first learned to write labels for medicines and copy prescriptions. Everything is handwritten in Indonesian community pharmacies. Afterwards, I prepared medications in capsules, powder sachets, and ointments. The preparation process was very different from what we learn in lectures. It was less precise and hygienic, but it was a highly interesting and educational experience. At the end of the week, all the pharmacists from each Kimia Farma location came together to evaluate how the week had gone. Each student also shared some information about the healthcare system in their own country.

On Saturday evening, twenty of us travelled to Mount Bromo, a magnificent volcano. We arrived at midnight to watch the sunrise, it was stunning and great fun.

In the second week, we interned at the most innovative and expensive hospital in Surabaya, National Hospital, which was built in 2010 and is known for its neurology specialists. They focus mainly on diseases such as Parkinson’s. The hospital has three pharmacies: (1) the emergency pharmacy, (2) the inpatient pharmacy, and (3) the outpatient pharmacy. The emergency pharmacy resembles a community pharmacy and was very quiet on the days I was there. The inpatient pharmacy was intended for hospitalised patients, with pharmacists ensuring that the right medication was delivered at the right time. The outpatient pharmacy serves ambulatory patients. At the end of the week, there was another evaluation, with presentations on what we had learned. The week’s excursion was to Malang, where we visited a tea plantation and factory and went parasailing, a fantastic experience with amazing people.

In the third week, we spent the first two days at the UBAYA pharmacy. Here, we learned how to administer insulin injections using a training mannequin, and participated in small role-plays explaining to a patient how to use an insulin pen correctly. We also visited a patient’s home for home care, assessing adherence to therapy and overall health through conversation. On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to prepare herbal medicines ourselves, known as jamu. Several local news stations covered the event; if you search “Ubaya jamu” on Google, you will find photos from that moment. We were even featured in various newspapers.

On Thursday, we had a dinner with all the pharmacy lecturers at UBAYA and got to see part of the orientation week. They go all out, with competitions between faculties, singing, dancing, sports, and games.

The programme concluded on Sunday afternoon with a very beautiful and emotional closing ceremony. I never expected to form such strong bonds with all these students, we became very close, making it hard to say goodbye. During the ceremony, the committee decorated the hall with balloons displaying photos from the past weeks. We danced, sang, and ate a lot.

Overall, it was a wonderful, enjoyable, and educational SEP experience, and I would definitely recommend it to everyone.

In the summer of 2017, I participated in the SEP exchange programme in Ghana for eight weeks. I deliberately chose Ghana because I wanted to research the use of herbal medicines in comparison to Western medicines. Therefore, I decided to carry out my BSc thesis there.

The support from K.N.P.S.V. was very helpful in managing contact with a SEP Officer in Ghana. The rest of the organisational matters ran smoothly. Ghana is my family’s homeland, so it was also a familiar environment. Once I arrived, the adventure began.

Before starting my own research, I took part in the African Pharmaceutical Symposium at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (K.N.U.S.T.) in Kumasi. This was a ten-day conference organised by and for pharmacy students and experts from across Africa. The theme was: ‘Integration of orthodox and complementary medicine to enhance healthcare delivery in Africa.’

From Egypt to South Africa, Senegal to Kenya, each country was represented by at least five pharmacy students. The cultural diversity was undeniable, and it was celebrated extensively during a Culture Night. Traditional music from each country was played, and the associated dances were performed with great enthusiasm.

Alongside the social aspect, there were extensive discussions on the integration of herbal medicines with Western medicines: is it possible or not? What is the general perspective on this in African healthcare? And most importantly, what can we, as emerging pharmacists, do to influence this? The days were filled with lectures and discussions led by professors from the Department of Pharmacognosy across Africa. As a finale, we were guided through the forests in Kumasi, where the guide explained how each tree had been used medicinally from the past to the present. The journey ended at Lake Bosomtwe in Kumasi.

On the way back to Accra, I gathered all the knowledge I had acquired in Kumasi to begin my research. I visited five different herbal clinics in Ghana to inquire about the medicines they prescribe to patients with hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. I stayed three to four days in each clinic to have patients complete surveys. Conducting this research gave me a deeper understanding of healthcare in Ghana.

I learned about the processes for dispensing medicines in a herbal clinic and how follow-up dispensing was carried out. Diagnoses were usually made within the same clinic, after which patients were prescribed herbal remedies. From this work, I wrote an opinion piece that was published in de Volkskrant. In addition, I had the opportunity to present my thesis results at the Melkweg, Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam, and to interested general practitioners at the Drostenburg practice.

It makes me happy to see that my research has drawn the attention of healthcare experts in both the Netherlands and Ghana. It is common for Ghanaians living in the Netherlands to travel back to Ghana for herbal therapy for various ailments and diseases. My goal was to determine whether this therapy is scientifically substantiated, and I succeeded. If you are interested in the opinion piece or the thesis, you can contact me at g.y.a.amokwandoh@students.uu.nl.

In short, it was an educational experience from which I gained a great deal of satisfaction – especially because I was able to shape it according to my own interests and passions. If you are considering a project abroad, I would highly recommend taking part!

Last summer, I took part in SEP for two weeks in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The idea of doing a placement abroad while also discovering another country seemed like a great opportunity to me – both to gain experience in the pharmaceutical field and to explore a new environment and get to know a different culture.

Mostar is known for the Stari Most, the old bridge, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is divided into two parts, separated by the Neretva River. You can already notice which part of the city you are in by the different terms used for ‘pharmacy’: ‘Apoteka’ in the Bosnian part of the city and ‘Ljekarna’ in the Croatian part. I worked in a community pharmacy that is part of the Lupriv pharmacy chain. This is a well-known chain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Mostar has many of its branches. I had the opportunity to work in three different branches, each of which operated slightly differently. Naturally, my tasks varied depending on the pharmacy I was in.

On the first day, I worked in a pharmacy within walking distance of my accommodation. My tasks mainly consisted of checking, sorting, and organising incoming orders. Using a checklist, I verified whether the orders were complete and reported the results. What struck me was that the pharmacy also sold sandals. When I asked the pharmacist about this, she explained that people came in every day asking for them. She even joked that after completing her pharmacy degree, she now sells shoes alongside medicines. 

From the second day until the end of the week, I worked in another branch in Stari Grad. After an introduction to the tasks and the daily routine in that pharmacy, we got started. Here, in addition to the same tasks as in the previous pharmacy, I also carried out administrative duties. Almost everything was recorded manually, in contrast to the systems used in the Netherlands. Most clients did not speak English, so on most occasions I did not work at the counter. On the rare occasion that I did, it was for a tourist, and the pharmacist called me over so that I could gain experience. The pharmacy was generally quiet. This was mainly due to the heat, which discouraged people from going out in the sun in the afternoon. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, so this is understandable. Because it was quiet, I had plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn a bit of the local language.

In the second week, I worked in a pharmacy with its own laboratory. There, we prepared ointments and solutions, which were then sent to other branches for sale. This final pharmacy, which was significantly busier than the previous two, played a role in the production and distribution of certain magistral preparations for the other branches. Additionally, there was a final-year student working in this pharmacy, completing her own internship. She encouraged me to ask lots of questions, not only about the daily tasks but also about her studies and her culture. What I did notice was that only women were working in the pharmacy, at least in the section where I was placed. It turned out that the majority of staff, just as in the Netherlands, are female. The working hours were very reasonable. They were arranged in consultation, and I was free at the weekends. Moreover, there was always enough time each day to do enjoyable activities, which I certainly took advantage of.

Personally, I found the old part of Mostar particularly interesting, as there is not much to see in the new part of the city. The old town, Stari Grad, is truly beautiful. It immediately feels as though you have stepped into a different era, thanks to the authentic appearance of all the surrounding buildings. Looking around, you notice that you are surrounded by high mountains and a bright green river, which instantly gives off a positive vibe.

It is also important to remember that the country endured significant hardships not long ago, the scars of which are still clearly visible. While admiring the Stari Most, your attention is quickly drawn to the cliff divers, who jump from the top of the bridge. Although this was originally done to impress the ladies, it is now more of a show, which is still quite impressive.

I also got to know another SEP participant from Poland. We would meet up every day after leaving the pharmacy. We spent a lot of time together and got to know each other well. In addition to learning about Bosnian culture, I also learned quite a bit about Polish culture, what student life is like there, aspects of pharmacy, and how pharmacies operate.

Once we had explored all corners of Mostar, we decided to take a day trip to Dubrovnik at the weekend. By bus from Mostar, the journey takes about four hours, which flew by as we admired the scenery along the way.

During the week, we also visited Kravica Falls. We both finished early that day, and it was a sight on my ‘must-see’ list. This is a location just outside Mostar, attracting both local and international tourists. Most people come primarily to swim, while others have a picnic or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Another place we visited was Tekija, Blagaj. This is also outside Mostar, but definitely worth a visit. Both the historical background and the surroundings are fascinating. It is one of those places where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and truly relax. The location was incredibly calming. Alongside the flowing sound of the river, you are surrounded by towering mountains. Moreover, the source of the river lies within these mountains.

One downside was that almost all students had left the city for the summer holidays, which is understandable given that it was August. However, this did not prevent us from meeting some local students. Together with a small group, including one pharmacy student, we spent half a day exploring. They showed us several places that tourists don’t usually visit, but which are popular with the locals. In addition to discussing our studies, we also talked about our daily lives and how pharmacy in our home countries compares to pharmacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Overall, there were many interesting conversations, filled with jokes and light-hearted moments.

In short, I had a very enjoyable and educational time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would highly recommend SEP to anyone. If you want to gain more experience in the pharmaceutical field while combining it with a holiday, this is certainly a great opportunity.

Last summer I spent three weeks on my SEP placement in Pembroke, Malta. On this small island there are a surprisingly large number of pharmacies. I was placed in a community pharmacy in a small village near Paceville. Paceville is well known in the summer for the many students and young people who spend their holidays in Malta while also taking a language course. Because of this, especially in July and August, the island is filled with tourists – and naturally, there is plenty of atmosphere and liveliness. My placement pharmacy was a typical Maltese pharmacy. On my very first day, when I walked in, I thought I had stepped into a chemist’s shop. Pharmacies in Malta are very commercial. This soon became even clearer when sales representatives came into the pharmacy. On average, around 10–15 people a day would arrive with a book or an iPad to sell products and medicines to the pharmacist. There is no single large wholesaler, nor any stock ordering system. The pharmacist simply ordered from memory what was needed. There were several other differences between pharmacies in the Netherlands and those in Malta: there was no system for medication surveillance (everything was done from memory); repeat prescriptions were sent directly from the government to the pharmacy; there were no labels for medicine boxes; and pharmacy technicians do not exist in Malta. During my time in the pharmacy, I mainly spoke with patients and prepared repeat prescriptions. Despite the differences, I was able to learn a great deal in Malta. Patients placed a lot of value on the pharmacist’s opinion, and the pharmacist also knew every patient by name. The patient contact and customer-friendliness were truly of a very high standard. The pharmacist always took plenty of time with each patient, and the patients themselves were also very patient. There was always a cheerful, lively atmosphere in the pharmacy. Although patients often assumed I was Maltese and started speaking to me in Maltese, they were always willing to switch to English, which almost everyone in Malta speaks fluently. The people were incredibly helpful and friendly. The pharmacist also thought it was important that I explored the island during my stay and gave me lots of tips. Even though it is a small island, I never once felt bored. There is so much to do and see. I would recommend everyone to take part in SEP. I had an absolutely fantastic and educational time in Malta.

On my first day of work, I was acquainted with the system used by the Apotheek Born- Smart Filling. I was given the task, every morning, to unpack the medications, and re-allocate them, and in the evening, to prepare the pick list, and label the drugs, for the morning to come. During the day, I would check the receipts, and prepare the medication prescribed in each. When a drug prescription required a preparation, rather than a ready-made drug, I would work on it and prepare it in the lab with my pharmacist, Frank. Speaking of my Pharmacist, Frank was a very helpful and friendly person. He would shower me with so much information and knowledge, whenever he had the chance. Also, Rosatta, another Pharmacist, would make sure I understood entirely how the pharmacy in the Netherlands, worked. She would explain to me many systems, and how the assistants interacted with the patients. I was surprised by the number of differences I found between pharmacies in Egypt and the ones in the Netherlands, starting with the very comprehensive computer systems used in Born, to the routine the assistants followed every day. Each receipt of every patient would be scanned, and stored on the system to be later referred to whenever needed. The system maintained a complete history and background on ALL the patients/costumers that visited the pharmacy. My working days started as early as 9 AM and ended around 6, 6:30PM. Since I was lucky enough to have a Host, as also my Pharmacist, he would not only allow me, but rather encourage me, to take a day off to visit and tour around the beautiful Netherlands. Concerning the social programme, since I was the last and only intern, present in the Netherlands at that time, I did not get the chance to meet or exchange cultures with the rest. I also did not get the chance to hang out with my students, from the Netherlands, of my age, but once. I would roam around the country, on my own, which is something I like to usually do- travel solo. However, in my opinion, the social programme can be improved by allowing students/members from the association to hang out with the interns more often, especially on weekends. It’s a win-win situation for both parties; the intern would experience a new culture and tradition and the members would get the chance to meet students from all different kind of nationalities. All in all, it was an amazing experience that I would surely never forget, and it would affect not only my career but also my personal life, on the long run. Thank you!

Towering LED-lit skyscrapers standing next to centuries-old imperial temples, lampposts fitted with touchscreen panels, plastic surgery billboards with “before and after” pictures beside a group of businessmen enjoying food from an authentic street stall: nowhere else is the contrast between tradition and modernity so seamlessly interwoven into a vibrant, trendy, high-tech metropolis of 25 million people. Welcome to Seoul! Thanks to KNAPS, the Korean equivalent of K.N.P.S.V., I was able to secure a SEP placement at McCANN Health in Seoul (pronounced Soo-ll). McCANN Health, part of McCANN Worldgroup, is a healthcare agency primarily focused on medical communication within the medical and pharmaceutical fields. In practice, this means the objective transmission of information on, for example, evidence-based medicines, medical developments or rare diseases, aimed at a wide target audience ranging from medical specialists to the general public. During my SEP placement, I worked as one of the medical writers on the Medical Team, which primarily focused on pharmacy-related topics. The role of a medical writer is to present scientific articles objectively, clearly and concisely to the intended audience. This is best illustrated by the projects I worked on. For instance, I prepared a review document for Korean oncologists on Tykerb® (lapatinib) in the treatment of trastuzumab-resistant HER2-induced breast cancer. I based my work on evidence-based publications and provided an assessment of the medicine. Once my final version was checked and approved by my supervisor, it was handed over to the graphic design department. There, my text was transformed into a professionally designed pamphlet that eventually reached the oncologist’s desk via another medical writer. Other projects I contributed to included: organising an international congress on the treatment of Gaucher disease (a lysosomal rare disease); drafting a treatment plan for Jakavi® (ruxolitinib) in myelofibrosis; providing recommendations on Meditoxin® as an equivalent and more affordable alternative to Botox®; and, one of the highlights, interviewing Dutch virologist Prof. Ab Osterhaus about the H7N9 outbreak in Asia. In short, the projects varied enormously! Life in Seoul was more hectic than in the Netherlands. To begin with, the workload: working overtime (even on Sundays!) was perfectly normal for my dedicated Korean colleagues. At one point I had to join in as well, staying late into the evening to meet deadlines together. The office was located in the district of Gangnam, which is full of bars and restaurants. It was therefore very common to unwind with colleagues after a long day’s work by going for a drink together before heading home. Despite the long hours, I cannot complain, because the food in this country was absolutely delicious! Eating out is far more common than in the Netherlands. Sharing meals with colleagues strengthened the bond, and there was a very pleasant atmosphere within the group, in no small part thanks to our caring, almost motherly, team leader. Beyond life in and around the office in Gangnam, there was plenty more to enjoy in this dynamic metropolis. There is Hongdae, known as the student district with nightlife and many live street performances by talented musicians; Itaewon, the international district with its wide range of world cuisines; and Sangnam, where you can find the very latest high-tech gadgets. Outside Seoul there was also much to discover: skiing in Pyeongchang, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics; visiting the former imperial capital of Gyeongju (once called the Rome of Asia); crossing the border with North Korea in the DMZ; or climbing a dormant volcano on Jeju Island. All in all, I had a highly educational and enjoyable time in this wonderful country! I hope I have given a clear picture of the work of a medical writer, and at the same time inspired you to consider a SEP internship abroad.

At the end of 2013, I decided that I wanted to experience (hospital) pharmacy abroad through a Student Exchange Programme (SEP). I had my sights set on the United States, not only because of the country itself but also because of the presence of clinical pharmacists. I thought it would be very exciting and interesting to see this, for us unfamiliar, side of (hospital) pharmacy. I immediately wrote a motivation letter, translated my CV into English, and applied. After only three weeks I received an email telling me I had been selected and that I was welcome in Seattle! It was easy to get in touch with LEO Susie, and soon we had arranged a suitable period, namely July 2014. 

On Friday 4 July the time had come: very early in the morning I was waving goodbye to my parents at Schiphol. I was flying via Paris to Seattle. Unfortunately, my first flight was delayed, leaving me only 40 minutes between landing and the departure of my connection. Sprinting through Paris Charles de Gaulle shouting “Excusez-moi! Excusez-moi!”, I just managed to make it onto the plane. I felt a bit like the boy from Home Alone: boarding as the very last passenger, just before the gate closed. After a long flight, I still had to queue for two hours at passport control. Following a barrage of questions, I was finally able to collect my luggage and meet the local SEP committee. They immediately took me into the city, where we enjoyed a delicious (fresh) salmon burger at the famous Pike Place Market. I was also invited straightaway to a house party, because of course it was 4th of July, Independence Day. After only a few hours of sleep and with a heavy jetlag, I found myself celebrating among tipsy pharmacists, fireworks and the classic red cups. A great start to my SEP!

During my stay in Seattle I lived with a host family. And what a family it was: they lived in a fantastic house, I had an entire basement floor with a bathroom and kitchen to myself, and I was always welcome to join them for meals. They were incredibly kind and hospitable!

That first weekend I explored the city a little. Naturally, I went up the Space Needle straight away and visited other tourist attractions. Luckily I had my Lonely Planet with me, which guided me to the nicest spots in Seattle. I even found myself in the very first Starbucks in the world without realising it, until I read it in my Lonely Planet, while sipping a large cup of (super cheap!) coffee. 

On Monday morning, Susie picked me up to go to the University of Washington Medical Center. This hospital is about four times the size of UMC Utrecht. After completing some formalities, I was collected by the pharmacist I would be shadowing that day. I immediately joined the ward round with the doctor, junior doctor, pharmacist and head nurse of the pain team. This highlighted the biggest difference with the Netherlands: in the United States, the hospital pharmacist works on one specific ward and is responsible for all medication and requests for patients on that ward. The pharmacist is part of the team, joins the ward rounds, and is genuinely a co-treating clinician. Any changes to the medication are discussed immediately. In addition, the pharmacist is responsible for discharge medication and explaining it to the patient at the bedside. I found this an extremely interesting approach, although the Americans were just as enthusiastic about our Dutch system. For the rest of the week I shadowed pharmacists from the chronic pain team, the HIV team, cardio and neuro intensive care, the emergency department, haematology, oncology, internal medicine, and the operating theatres. What struck me most was not only the way of working, but also the ‘patient-centred care’ and the role played by health insurance. In some cases, the treatment chosen for a condition depended entirely on what was reimbursed by the patient’s insurance.

In the second week I visited a community pharmacy. The pharmacy was located at the back of a shop and was fully geared towards patient convenience: you drop off your prescription, go shopping, and collect your medication later. In the US, pharmacists are also allowed to provide travel advice, administer vaccinations, dispense medication for animals, and perform tests such as cholesterol checks. These services are actually the main source of income for community pharmacies.

Unfortunately, as a foreign student I was not allowed to do much more than observe and count out medication. All medicines are stored in large containers. Just as in the Netherlands, the prescription is scanned first, then the container is scanned to ensure the correct product has been chosen, after which everything is manually dispensed into smaller containers. It makes no difference whether you are dealing with paracetamol or hydroxycarbamide. Apparently, they operate under very different GMP/GDP requirements.

The influence of health insurance also stood out in the community pharmacy. Everyone has a different insurance plan, which means that neither the pharmacist nor the patient is ever quite sure what will be reimbursed. There is no basic package in the US, so it could easily happen that metoprolol is not reimbursed, or that patients face a significant co-pay. In addition, medicines are extremely expensive in the US; this is mainly due to the way the pharmaceutical industry takes advantage of the reimbursement system, allowing them to raise prices dramatically. Generic medicines hardly stand a chance. In short: you really do not want to fall ill in the US.

In my third week, I visited the hospital pharmacy at Swedish Hospital in Cherry Hill (a neighbourhood in Seattle). This hospital pharmacy is similar to that of a regional hospital in the Netherlands, only slightly smaller in scale. In this hospital, pharmacists and doctors know each other personally, making communication much quicker and easier. Swedish Hospital also works in teams, but here the pharmacists rotate departments every week. They do this to keep their knowledge up to date. During this week I shadowed pharmacists on the wards, in cardiology and neuro intensive care, the anticoagulation clinic, family medicine, and the outpatient pharmacy (similar to a Dutch “politheek”).

In my fourth week, I visited another community pharmacy. The most amusing thing I experienced that week was the preparation of a dexamethasone oral solution for a cat. The dexamethasone was weighed out very precisely after dose calculations, but then topped up in an Erlenmeyer flask to about 50 mL (“What do you think? Is this 50 mL? Or should I add a bit more?”). When I asked whether they used preparation protocols or anything similar, they looked at me quizzically. They had never heard of them… “I know how to do it, don’t I?”. I was quite astonished that in a country like the US, which is so notorious for being meticulous and litigious, no formal preparation protocols were used.

Fortunately, I did not spend all four weeks working – I also had time to get to know Seattle better. I went hiking with pharmacy students in Mount Rainier National Park, went whale watching in the San Juan Islands, toured the Boeing factory, went shopping, attended plenty of drinks and parties, and most of all, really enjoyed myself. Seattle truly exceeded all my expectations. It may have been expensive, but it was worth every penny!

Last summer, I took part in SEP for four weeks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I chose SEP because it allowed me to combine my wish to go on a big trip with doing a pharmaceutical placement abroad, all without delaying my studies. For me, it was the perfect way to step away from student life here for a while and get to know a completely different country, with another culture and language, while also gaining the experience that comes with travelling alone, alongside a broadening of my pharmaceutical knowledge. Once I had decided to apply for SEP, I went through the countries with the exchange officer and chose Malaysia. This country appealed to me because of its diverse programme, which, in addition to a placement in research or a community pharmacy, also included attending a congress and visiting various pharmaceutical institutions. Moreover, travelling in Asia seemed like an amazing opportunity. The moment you arrive at Kuala Lumpur airport, you immediately notice the cultural differences and are greeted by the tropical heat. Malaysia is a country which, through its history, has become multicultural, with religion playing an important role. Different ethnic groups such as the indigenous Malays (mainly Muslims), Chinese Malaysians (mainly Buddhists) and Indian Malaysians (mainly Hindus) all live together as one people.

I particularly enjoyed meeting all these different people during the pharmaceutical student congress, which I attended during the first week. 

The congress took place at one of the country’s fifteen faculties of pharmacy, where I was given a very warm welcome. We were provided with rice three times a day, as well as green tea with milk and sugar, and we all stayed in the university hostels. 

The congress included a symposium, various workshops, a treasure hunt with assignments, a visit to a children’s crèche, a large dinner party, and, as a finale, zip-lining in the jungle.

After the congress, I was taken, together with the eight other SEP students I had got to know during the week, to our accommodation for the following three weeks: a house in a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, where all SEP students and local exchange students (LEOs) lived together. This was the first time we were able to meet everyone involved in SEP and discuss the programme for the coming weeks. During the week, we attended our placements, to which we were taken and picked up again, and at the weekends we had the opportunity to explore the country.

That first weekend, we visited everything in and around Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur literally means ‘muddy river confluence’. It was remarkable to see how such a modern metropolis has emerged out of nowhere in this tropical country. The most famous building in KL, the Petronas Towers, at 452 metres, are the tallest twin towers in the world. We also saw a great deal of culture, nature and history, such as the National Mosque, Chinatown, Little India, and the KL Bird Park, the largest bird park in the world.

The weekends that followed, we took night buses to island groups on the west coast and the east coast. Both were paradise-like islands, where we snorkelled in turquoise waters, swam with giant turtles, explored bat caves, relaxed on white sandy beaches and, in the evenings, enjoyed the beach bars.

I did my internship together with four other SEP students at a university in Kuala Lumpur. Everyone took part in different research projects for two weeks, carried out by fourth-year students. In Malaysia, the pharmacy degree consists of a four-year bachelor’s programme, followed by a two-year internship in a hospital pharmacy, after which one becomes a pharmacist. The projects were all very interesting. For example, one project focused on extracting a cholinesterase-inhibiting substance from sea algae to develop a medicine for Alzheimer’s disease. The fun part was that the sea algae had been collected by the students themselves from local coral reefs the weekend before the project started. Another project tested the antimicrobial effects of Chinese medicines, herbs widely known in Asia, whose effects are based on restoring balance (yin/yang) in the human body, and which are even provided in dedicated hospital departments. Another striking difference compared to the Dutch system was the approach to ethics. Bachelor’s students were allowed to test the toxicity of carbon nanoparticles on healthy human lung fibroblasts. When the experiment had to be repeated due to contamination, new lung samples were simply used, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

The use of laboratory animals was also approached more casually. Untrained students administered injections themselves, and when a rat died, a new one was simply used without hesitation. We were given a tour of the animal facility, where several rats were bred together in the same cage. During our placement, one rat was even eaten by the others because the cage had become too crowded. At moments like these, you really appreciate the importance of the ethics committees we have in the Netherlands.

During the final week, visits to a hospital pharmacy, a pharmaceutical industrial company and the Ministry of Health were planned, and we also had time to make some trips of our own.

Looking back, SEP was a truly special and wonderful experience for me! I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain insight into pharmacy abroad, as well as experience a different country and culture, meet new people, and at the same time brush up on their English.