In October of 2018, Dr. Nada Stotland, an accomplished and world renowned psychiatrist, led a journey of fellow mental health professionals to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan.
Dr. Stotland had previously enjoyed traveling to Japan with her family and was eager to return, in a professional capacity, to explore Japan’s attitudes and policy toward mental health care. She also remembered how kind and gracious her hosts were and was excited for her fellow mental health professionals to experience the warm hospitality of the Japanese people and the supreme beauty of Japan.
During their time in Japan, Dr. Stotland and colleagues visited with academics, clinicians, government officials and business owners all involved in the advancement of mental health policy and practice in Japan. The professional exchange allowed for roundtable discussions on current trends, challenges and new approaches to mental health in Japan.
Speaking with us ahead of the journey, Dr. Stotland said:
“The world is a big place. Learning first-hand about mental health care in widely differing countries helps us to think outside our local boxes and to appreciate what can be done with different sets of resources, policies, and attitudes.”
Upon her return, Dr. Stotland wrote:
“Having led more than ten mental health journeys, to countries on six continents, and enjoyed excellent professional experiences, cultural enrichment, and travel logistics on each, I found that Japan offers a unique combination of exotic culture and modern development.
The Japanese insistence on the freshest seasonal produce and fish means that every snack and meal is interesting and everything is perfectly safe to eat and drink. Cultural norms are different from those in the West—but conveniently include order, punctuality, and safety. The neon and bustle of the Ginza contrasts with the beauty and serenity of mountains, rivers, forests, and the ocean. We especially loved being dressed in kimono (no plural) for a traditional tea ceremony. Don’t miss Japan!”
Each time we create a Nanda Journey, we do so with the utmost care given to ensuring our professional participants are afforded the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in varied yet relevant professional settings. It is also important to us that we showcase the very best there is to see when in a new country. The goal is not to merely rush through the iconic locations, but rather to take a moment to immerse in the culture and engage with community members in meaningful ways.
It is always a proud moment for us when we receive kind words from our leaders and guests. It affirms our love of travel and why we do what we do! Our own little piece of Nanda (Joy in Sanskrit).
Thank you, Dr. Stotland, for over a decade of faith in our team. It is an honor and a privilege to be continually selected as your global professional travel partner.
We are excited for your Mental Health Journey to Iceland later this year.
visiting Peruvian Universities to interact with our professors and eager to learn students; bringing medical supplies and donations to a remote medical center in Ollantaytambo, a small rural community in the Sacred Valley. These are just some samples of what we collaboratively do with Nanda Journeys to immersive our guests and create a truly experiential and authentic journey.
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