Every summer RCSI students undertake research placements abroad to expand not just their technical laboratory skills and broader subject area knowledge, but to gain experience that will set them apart in the healthcare world.
RCSI recognises the value of international clinical and research experiences for our students. Through our network of international partnerships with other world-leading universities and healthcare institutions, RCSI offers a significant number of clinical elective and research opportunities that are competitively applied for. Students can also apply for a contribution towards their research travel and living costs through the Research Summer School, which is generously supported by RCSI each year.
Among these opportunities is a unique experience offered to RCSI undergraduate pharmacy students at Hoshi University in Tokyo, Japan. This long-standing partnership gives students an opportunity to broaden their skills and experience while also learning about other cultures in a city where ancient traditions and new innovations come together.
Ashley Ajie recently returned from a placement in Hoshi University, which is in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. Founded in 1911, Hoshi University is a single-subject university specialising in pharmaceutical sciences. Ashley took part in a two-month research placement in the university’s Department of Pharmacology.
“From my first day there, I was greeted with genuine kindness. The entire lab team of students, professors and PhD students felt like a massive family. They were so incredibly welcoming and ensured I felt at home in this new environment,” Ashley recalls.
Cultural learnings in Tokyo
One thing that Ashley quickly learned was the different hours that students work in Hoshi University. Students often stayed late into the evening in the lab. “This showed me just how dedicated everyone in the lab was to their work and it was nothing short of inspiring,” Ashley notes.
Living in Tokyo, a city of nearly 14 million people, is an experience that goes far beyond the laboratory. “Tokyo is a city with an incredible blend of rich traditions and futuristic architecture, fashion and technology. From ward to ward (a special form of municipality in Japan) in Tokyo, the atmosphere changed and there was something fun, new and different with each trip.”
Thanks to an efficient metro system, Ashley was also able to explore many parts of the country including Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama. Reflecting on her research placement, Ashley says: “Overall, this was a phenomenal experience, and I could truly talk about these two months endlessly, it was truly amazing, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
Daily lab life
For some RCSI students, taking part in the exchange programme may be their first experience of living outside of Ireland. This is the case for Dara Alero Anthony, who is currently on placement in Tokyo, also studying in Hoshi University.
At Hoshi university, even students who want to be pharmacists join a lab and carry out individual research in a specialised field. Dara explains what this entails, saying: “When the lab starts up each morning, I get a list of tasks for the day or begin finishing off overnight experiments. It's been fantastic to have full autonomy over my work in the lab and being able to monitor an experiment from start to finish."
Building global connections
Exchange programmes play an important role in healthcare provision. Those who take part better understand the value of global connections in healthcare. This understanding allows for better working partnerships in the future. As Dara notes, “The best thing about this experience has been the people. In such a short amount of time I've met some great people from not just Japan, but even the Netherlands, France and Australia. I've learned so much about the Japanese culture.”
The experiences of RCSI students on international placements not only enhance their research skills but also foster a deeper understanding of our global community. We look forward to following the careers of all those who take part in our student exchange programmes and continuing to build important relationships with world-class universities across the globe.
RCSI is committed to achieving a better and more sustainable future through the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
