Culture, language, and professional identity
A narrative inquiry of an Indonesian medical student's clinical exchange in Taiwan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32674/c4v9xq58Keywords:
narrative inquiry, reflective practice, medical student exchange, intercultural clinical education, professional identity formation, Taiwan, IndonesiaAbstract
International medical electives provide unique learning experiences, but little research has been conducted on South-to-South exchange experiences using narrative inquiry or the impact of reflection on professional identity development. This study explores an Indonesian medical student’s experiences in terms of cultural differences, language barriers, and professional relations during a one-month exchange at a Taiwanese hospital’s dermatology department. Using narrative inquiry as a self-study qualitative methodology, the author employed daily journal writing and reflective practice on, in, and for action, with thematic analysis focusing on temporality, sociality, and place. Three themes emerged: (1) cultural adaptation highlighting the paradox of Taiwanese social warmth toward visitors coexisting with social distance experienced by long-term international students; (2) professional identity shaped by observation of excellent clinical practice; and (3) language functioning as both a barrier and a bridge. This study contributes valuable insights into intra-Asian medical exchanges and reflective practices among Indonesian medical students.
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