Alumni Spotlight: James Conway

Why did you choose this program?

After doing a lot of research, I choose My Internship Asia because I wanted to travel the world without giving up a summer of veterinary experience. My Internship Asia offers me a customized one month program that suited with my planned for the summer.

My Internship Asia made it easy for me to complete a month of internship here in Thailand, as they took care of me in visa preparation, airport pick-up, and set up an event to explore into the cities.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program offered by My Internship Asia focuses on two different animal sanctuary at Chaing Mai and Koh Pha Ngan. They provided the accommodation, short crash course, elephant day trip, airport pick-up, and air ticket within the domestic flight. Furthermore, I can consult with the advisor from My Internship Asia if I encounter with any problem for 24/7 hours.

I only had to organize my own visa paperwork; everything else was sorted by the program.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My advice for everyone who is making a final decision would be just go for it.

Doing a veterinary internship in the state pay very well, compared to me non-pay to do an internship in Thailand. It is not really about the money. Going to Thailand to do an internship was a massive priceless experience for me. I had a chance to visit 3 cities in one month and gain work experience as well.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average working day in Thailand typically starts around 8-9 AM and concludes between 6 PM. After the working period is done during the evening, I always bond with other interns who are working in the animal sanctuary as well. We usually go hang out and find a local street to eat every dinner. Furthermore, every weekend is it like an opportunity for me to explore into the three cities (Bangkok, Chaing Mai and Koh Pha Ngan).

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was to live in a place where different public transportation, different food, different language, and a completely different culture was intimidating. As I stay and learn within a short time frame I could say I am enjoying life in here. I think giving myself some time to adjust to the new environment and being open mind helped me to adjust to its local culture faster.