# Study trip to Prague

> While working and studying in international environment, we two Master students of rehabilitation participated in the study trip to the Prague in the Czech Republic.

## Overview
01.06.2022

While working and studying in an international environment, we two Master students of rehabilitation participated in a study trip to Prague in the Czech Republic. Marja Äijö, principal lecturer in gerontology and rehabilitation, was our teacher for this course.

This study trip was carried out for the first time in the master’s degree program in rehabilitation. In the future, this might be an annual event, depending on the experience and feedback from the trip.

## Student Presentations
It was quite exciting to wait for the meetings with students in Prague, because one of our tasks was to give a presentation of our own workplaces in English. The topics of our presentations were:
* Autism foundation, my life, different, yet similar
* Vihanti’s day activity center, Kaveritupa

The presentations went well despite the excitement.

## Professional Visits and Rehabilitation Methods
The program was very intensive throughout the trip. We visited the Savoy Spa Rehabilitation center in Karlovy Vary, belonging to Karlova Sports University. Spa Chief Physician Dr. Ladislav Spisak, MD, PhD presented the rehabilitation methods and equipment of the spa. The services were divided into wellness treatments and spa therapy. We found the methods used in the rehabilitation to be quite special and interesting, including:
* Radioactive water
* Mineral water gas
* Radon
* Climate therapy
* Laser therapy
* Drinking therapy

## Research and Academic Collaboration
Physiotherapy students led by Doc, Ph Dr Kamila Rasova presented research results related to their final work, as well as presentations related to the development of virtual rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis. We were very pleased that the study included an ICF framework. ICF allows us to assess the impact of rehabilitation through environmental, social, and individual factors.

With these factors, we can better address the root causes of why the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the motivation of the individual do not carry in the long term. We also attended a lecture on the function and imbalances of muscles that can be influenced by physiotherapy.

At the Sports University, physiotherapists were trained at the Bachelor and Master level, and athlete research was conducted. They had a long tradition of research cooperation with football teams. The university’s approach was to study its own students, giving them first-hand experience in both the field and research. Each student had their own interests, such as climbing; there was a climbing wall on-site used for study purposes.

## Cultural Experience and Reflections
There was time to explore Prague’s sights and history. We experienced some travel mishaps—getting on the wrong bus, getting lost, and nearly being hit by a tram—but we survived everything, even with sore feet from walking several tens of kilometers.

The Czechs seemed very proud and enthusiastic about their work, which was evident in every location visited. Their English language skills were good, and we felt welcome by the school, the teachers, and the students. The study trip was a success, and we gained valuable practice in communicating in English. We recommend similar visits to everyone; you do not get this kind of experience on a normal tourist trip.

## Authors
Tarja Pelkonen and Mira Sainila, Master’s degree program of rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences.