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Curtin University’s long-standing partnership with Sojo University in Kumamoto, Japan continues to provide transformative learning experiences for final-year Pharmacy students.
This year, Grace Smedley, Olivia Pedretti, Kevin Chin, and Fraser Hunt completed a four-week placement under the PHAR4009 Professional Pharmacy Placements unit. From 16 June to 11 July 2025, they rotated through major hospitals and community pharmacies, attended Japanese language classes, and trained in aseptic preparation and Basic Life Support.
The program included hospital visits to institutions such as the Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto University Hospital, and the Nishi Kumamoto Clinical Trial Centre. Students also experienced community pharmacy at Central Pharmacy Nagamine, observing patient-centred practices and the integration of kampo (traditional Japanese) medicine.
For Grace, the placement highlighted healthcare differences between Australia and Japan:
“This contrast has been truly eye-opening and has deepened my understanding of healthcare on a global scale.”
Olivia valued the chance to explore different specialties:
“These broad range of experiences have been so enlightening for me and have really allowed me to explore what areas of pharmacy I am most passionate about.”
Kevin described the placement as:
“An experience that I will never forget and will hold close to my heart.”
Fraser reflected on the unique context of Japanese practice:
“Many things were very similar, but with Australia not having kampo medicines and not really having earthquakes and tsunamis I got to think about things from a different perspective.”
The Curtin–Sojo program not only broadened students’ professional and clinical skills, but also deepened their cultural awareness and global perspectives. Supported by academic staff in both universities, this international placement continues to demonstrate Curtin’s strong commitment to global engagement and experiential learning.
