Janhavi Punyarthi: "There are many beautiful memories from my exchange that I hold close to my heart. I cherish those moments, as they were truly one of a kind."
By Janhavi Punyarthi
The drone-like hum of the airplane engine buzzing in your ears … your over-stuffed backpack containing your laptop, kindle, straightener, two pairs of shoes, and an extra change of clothes crammed underneath the seat in front of you…your headphones dangling in place, the melodies from the latest Spotify playlist singing along in your ears…your passport in hand, while you stare at the sea of clouds outside the airplane window.
The description above may just seem like a regular plane ride to some. For me, it describes that day in the summer of 2016 when I left for my student exchange experience in France. As an adventure-enthusiast bitten by the travel bug, I was amazed to learn about study abroad and exchange opportunities for student pharmacists. Having participated in study abroad in college prior, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that these opportunities extended into post-collegiate studies.
The International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) is the world’s largest international pharmacy organization and provides a range of opportunities for students, such as global conferences, international publications, and more. One of IPSF’s most successful initiatives is the IPSF Student Exchange Program (SEP). This is a chance for student pharmacists to travel abroad to complete a pharmacy externship in another country. There are several placement options in the fields of research, hospital, industry, and community pharmacy.
Unique experiences
The IPSF SEP program is designed by students for students, and thus there is common understanding of financial barriers and related constraints. Depending on the hosting association, a number of exchange students will have their accommodations covered or may even receive small stipends. If the exchange is still out of the desired budget range, there is a need-based SEP-grant application that students can apply for.
Apart from professional experience, there is usually a social calendar designed by the hosting association for their incoming exchange students. This allows the exchange student to fraternize with pharmacy peers around the world, learn more about the local culture of the hosting country, and simply have fun. Many countries design a “SEP Weekend” in which several exchange students meet in a common city and spend a few days sightseeing, exploring famous landmarks, and dining and celebrating with one another and their local hosts.
For me, I remember the smell of the sea that hung in the air as I would walk from my hostel to the French pharmacy every morning. The hostel canteen would start breakfast at 7:00 am, and I would start my day by accepting a steaming mug of coffee from the smiling cafeteria lady. Softly saying “Merci Madame,” and grabbing a baguette to go, I would begin the 10-minute stroll from my hostel to the pharmacy. It was during these peaceful 10 minutes that I would whisper to myself, “Girl, you’re in France!”
I remember the bright colors that decorated the walls of the French pharmacy; the kind-hearted staff members whom I would chatter to in Franglais; the homeopathic medications that I was unfamiliar with; and the intense inventory that included not only medications, but baby products, lotions, shampoos, and other beauty items. There were many contrasts between American and French pharmacies, and every day was a unique learning experience for me.
I remember sitting by the poolside at my French friend’s house, dipping my feet in the water, while her parents grilled dinner for the “American guest.” I remember riding the Ferris wheel in the city center of beautiful Rocheforte, terrified that I might—against all logic and laws of physics—plummet out of the enclosed booth. I remember dancing late into the night, hair flying and fist pumping, alongside all my French friends at a “David Guetta in France” concert. I also remember fighting to hold back tears the day I left.
Make your own global memories
There are many beautiful memories from my exchange that I hold close to my heart. I cherish those moments, as they were truly one of a kind. To my fellow student pharmacists, the potential is out there. Take a chance and make your own global memories. Meet student pharmacists from all over the world and create friendships for a lifetime. Your journey awaits. Come be a part of the international adventure!
The 2018–19 SEP cycle is now open. Information and the pre-application link are available here. All APhA–ASP students must complete the pre-application and submit all material by November 1 in order to qualify for selection.
A SEP information webinar will be held Thursday, October 4, at 8:00 pm EST, for all interested candidates. The webinar will cover the application process, selection criteria, and related liabilities. The registration link is available here.