Priceless exchange experience (Issue 17, 2012)
La Trobe University Bachelor of Pharmacy student, Alysha Bosch, has recently returned from a clinical placement at one of our partner universities in India.
From the Bendigo campus, Alysha stayed at the JSS College of Pharmacy in Oooty, India. Alysha reflects on the trip and gives thanks for the incredible opportunity below.
‘Our exchange to JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, India was an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. In the few short days that we spent at the College, we learnt an incredible amount in regards to the Indian education system and the various research that is being conducted by the departments. We are grateful for the opportunity given to us by JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty and had a delightful time.
The JSS College of Pharmacy is a lovely place and has many courteous people. Everyone was exceptionally helpful and friendly for the entirety of our visit. All of the people involved in guiding us around the college and elsewhere, were extremely useful and answered all of our questions. They were nothing but obliging and polite which made the entire experience much more pleasant. We appreciated all of the assistance and guidance that everyone gave us. We really enjoyed the company of the people we meet in Ooty.
The tours of the various laboratories and departments were a worthwhile experience. Our university course in Australia is centred on clinical pharmacy and patient care, with only a small focus upon drug manufacturing and development. As such it was fascinating to witness the dedication that JSS College of Pharmacy has to the industrial side of pharmacy. We learnt an incredible amount simply by visiting the various departments and interacting with the people in each. Being informed of the various research that was being conducted was highly interesting and an invaluable experience. We would recommend that in future years this practice was continued as we found it not only enjoyable but highly educational and intriguing.
The value that JSS College of Pharmacy places on herbal medication was very motivating and different for us. In Australia, we are taught to trust modern medicine and that herbal products only have a complementary benefit to the patient. Our visit to Ooty taught us that there is a value in herbal medicine and using natural products as leads for future medications. We greatly enjoyed our time in the herbal departments and observing the recent research into various compounds. The process by which compounds are removed and made into herbal extracts was also fascinating. A highlight of our exchange was the visit to the herbal garden and organic farm. We had a wonderful time learning about the various plants with medicinal uses and how they benefit the wider community.
Our trip to JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty was extremely valuable and we benefited from the entire trip. We enjoyed every aspect of our time spent in Ooty and would recommend including all the activities into any future exchange programs. The itinerary was well organised and allowed us to gain the most out of our time. We participated in some invaluable experiences and learnt a great deal in a short period of time. The people who we met were exceptionally friendly and helpful, and we are grateful for their assistance. Our only recommendation is that in future more time be spent at the Ooty campus. Thank you for the priceless experience and for allowing us to visit your College.’
