In Country Volunteer Blog: giving back to a community and profession
In November 2024, TFA Volunteer Rachel Wong spent a month in Hai Duong, Vietnam, sharing her expertise in Speech and Language Therapy (SALT). During her placement at Hai Duong Medical Technical University (HMTU), Rachel provided clinical supervision to bachelor students in an adult sub-acute setting, collaborated with HMTU teachers to develop teaching materials, and coordinated CPD training for local educators.
Rachel first heard about volunteering for TFA on a clinical education forum before the covid pandemic and have always been interested in volunteering her time and expertise overseas where the profession is still developing. Reflecting on her time in Vietnam, Rachel said she “enjoyed the self-satisfaction and fulfillment in giving back to a community and profession that continues to grow in Vietnam. This was well received by all parties, and I felt well-supported to do so.”
Like any international placement, Rachel’s experience came with its challenges —limited internet access at the hospital, fewer resources e.g. “not having a table at the front of the classroom meant that writing and using her laptop at the front of the class was difficult and the need for creativity in clinical work”. Despite these challenges, Rachel adapted, problem-solving with students and finding innovative ways to conduct assessments.
Her biggest takeaway? A newfound appreciation for her education and healthcare system back home. Her favourite part of volunteering was “being able to live in a local city and experience the culture, food, people and entertainment similarly to the locals.”
To anyone considering volunteering, Rachel says, “I would 100% recommend it. The opportunity was more than I could have imagined—I learned so much about their healthcare system, advocacy, and myself.”
Thinking of joining TFA as a volunteer? Take it from Rachel—it’s an experience like no other!
#TFAvolunteer #SpeechPathology #Vietnam #GlobalHealth #SALT #TrinhFoundationAustralia
