Interview with Vanna Keo, GlobaLinks alumna in Thailand
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with GlobaLinks at Mahidol University?
Vanna: AsiaLearn has a unique program compared to other programs that I looked into. Before applying to the AsiaLearn program, I constantly talked to my school’s international advisor; however she referred me to speak to one of the AsiaLearn advisors since they had more knowledge and were able to answer more questions.
Mahidol University was the only university in Thailand that AsiaLearn partnered with and I knew that I always wanted to study abroad in Thailand because of the connection that I have – being born there to refugee parents from Cambodia and raised in the U.S. since I was one-year-old.
The thing that makes the AsiaLearn program unique was that they offered the “Bridging Culture Program,” where students from the program meet with an AsiaLearn’s resident advisor and go on a four day excursion to explore the country and the culture a week before school starts.
Vanna with some elephants in Bangkok
Another reason I chose AsiaLearn is that I was pleased with the amount of preparation and advice they had for me and that I was able to contact the advisor at anytime I needed. Mahidol University was a great college; I’d never heard of the college, but I did a lot of research about the college and found an AsiaLearn alum who studied at Mahidol University that posted a video blog on the website talking about her journey and the university.
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Vanna: My study abroad experience was special because I was able to connect with the people and culture first-hand. As a Cambodian-American, being in Thailand was a different environment and atmosphere, even though I had some basic knowledge of the culture and values that I learned from my parents. This experience gave me a better understanding of who I am and how it differs from being raised in the U.S. versus someone being raised in their native country.
Vanna and some friends in Thailand
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Vanna: This experience impacted my future because I learned to communicate with others despite vast and subtle cultural differences and adapt to new environment both academically and culturally. Also, this experience prepared me for any adversities that I may face throughout my life.
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I had an awesome time in Thailand generally and studying at Mahidol. The culture and people of Thailand are unique and wonderful, not to mention the amazing food (often found in the most unlikely of places). It is also a great place to travel out of, I had a great opportunity to visit Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Cambodia while studying at Mahidol. The trip to Cambodia offered the chance to see the Khmer Rouge Tribunal's initial hearings for Case 002, which proved to be an inspiring event. There were so many unique opportunities and learning experiences, it is hard to narrow it down into a review or even a book for that matter. I consider myself very lucky to have had this experience, and feel as though I was able to make the most out of it through the friends I made, the chances I took, and the limbs I stepped out on. I would highly recommend this study abroad program to almost anyone, it takes a lot of patience and an open-minded outlook to maximize this experience, but for those who do, it is truly inspirational and humbling experience.