Nothing beats hands-on experience, especially in a challenging climate and new culture.

This was the experience of eight final year Charles Sturt University (CSU) students, enrolled in the physiotherapy course based in Albury-Wodonga and Orange, who were invited to provide their services at the Langkawi International Mountain Bike race held on the scenic Langkawi archipelago off the west coast of Malaysia.

Supervised by CSU musculoskeletal lecturer Mr Tim Retchford and CSU alumni Ms Phebe Corey, the students provided assessments, treatment and education to elite and sub-elite athletes as a physiotherapy clinic.

The Langkawi archipelago consists of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, and this picturesque setting hosted more than 160 competitors from around the world. Over the six days of competition, riders covered more than 250 kilometres in hot and humid conditions, riding through dense forest, up punishing ascents and through arduous obstacles, vying for prizes worth more than $US 250 000.

Experience started at home

Mr Retchford is enthusiastic about the whole international experience as it prepares students for future careers, particularly if they enjoy sport and travel.

"This international experience is challenging, as not only do the students run the race clinic, but the design all aspects of the clinic before we leave Albury, from deciding on required equipment and ordering consumables to designing educational pamphlets and posters for the riders," Mr Retchford said.

"The students also had to liaise with the race organisers to ensure the service ran smoothly."

The free service for all riders commenced each morning as the students cheered on their patients at the start line. Students then prepared the mobile clinic for their afternoon business as the competitors completed that day's race leg.

Diversity a highlight

CSU's involvement with international mountain bike races commenced with 2009 Tour de Timor around the mountains and coastline of Timor Leste. Mr Retchford has organised a successful team of physiotherapy students each year since then to service the needs of competitors. This was the second team to go to Malaysia.

"The Malaysian race presented a more diverse group, with athletes from new cycling nations such as Iran, Singapore and Timor Leste as well as traditional 'giants' such as Germany, Switzerland and Italy," Mr Retchford said.

"This provided a tremendous challenge for the students culturally and in their communication with patients."

Student Mr Chris Oats said his experiences in this enriching cultural environment gave him the "perfect opportunity to expand my communication skills".

Riders also had vastly different levels of skills and fitness, and Ms Kate Vandenheuvel said the clinic provided experiences that allowed her to develop an "understanding of physiotherapy globally, and how to work with people from various cultural backgrounds to overcome language barriers".

Graduates return for more

This year also saw the first CSU graduate return to participate in another overseas program. Co-supervisor Ms Phebe Corey participated in a similar clinic as a student at the 2011 Tour de Timor.

"Graduating from CSU with experience in an international placement experience such as the Tour opened many doors for my career as a physiotherapist, more than I could ever imagine so early in my career," Ms Corey said.

"From that experience I was very attractive to potential employers on many levels, and I spent much of my graduate interviews discussing my unique experience."

As Ms Corey was able to relate directly to how the students were feeling and guide them through the placement, and in the longer term "for the next step in their career as a young physiotherapist".

"I felt honoured to be asked to assist Tim as a supervisor at this year's race. Seeing the progress of students in such a small space of time in such a unique clinic scenario was both nostalgic and inspiring," she said.

Experience hones careers

CSU students and staff recognised that the program placed students in good stead to commence as professionals next year, transferring their honed skills to a wider population of patients, complementing the knowledge they have garnered during their four year course.

Student Ms Marnie Fitzgerald felt that to be invited to attend this internationally renowned event was "a credit to Charles Sturt University and the attending students, particularly given that these elite athletes trusted that they would be offered a comprehensive service that would maximise their performances".

Mr Retchford said, "Seeing the professional development of the students in such a short period of time is truly amazing. The success of the clinic has been highlighted by the invitations we have received to attend other road and mountain bike races next season."

The program was supported by CSU Global.