Why did you decide to study abroad with TEAN at Payap University?
Asha: I was immediately attracted to TEAN because it had such a unique program. Not many programs exist in south east Asia, especially in Cambodia, and TEAN was also the only program that offered a dual program in both Thailand and Cambodia. The price was also affordable, and provided a lot of resources, supplies and excursions that enhanced my semester abroad. Also immediately after inquiring about their program I was contacted by Rachel Dorsey, and she patiently helped me with my application process from start to finish.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Asha: Honestly, I didn't know much about south east Asia before studying there. Other than Thai food and America's war with Vietnam, I was ignorant to the rich history and culture of the region. My experience helped open my eyes to an area of the world that gets little recognition for it's cultural and historical significance. It's so different from America in so many ways, and I wouldn't have been able to understand the scope of how diverse our world is without visiting and seeing it for myself. Their way of life is ancient, thousands of years older than the US, yet has been preserved and still remains vital to their people today. It's just such an interesting dynamic, coming from such a young country primarily influenced by western European cultures.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Asha: Studying abroad has helped me feel capable of any and every thing. I am so sure of myself and who I am and what I stand for, I feel invincible! At the same time, I also feel more aware of the world I live in and everyone's role in it. I've always considered myself a person open to diversity, but this experience proves my ability and desire to be interested in things and people vastly different than I. The relationships I've built attest to that, and show me how harmonious opposites can be when they attract. Professionally, I know now that travel is something I'd love to incorporate into my career if possible, especially if it promotes the importance of travel to other Americans.
Highlights: Academically, my studies and professors were imperative in helping me to understand the atmosphere I was living in. They helped mold a well rounded perspective for my trip by helping me understand what was happening in the world around me. Outside of academics, I think the lessons I learned through experience and the people I met, all helped me become a well rounded global citizen who is unafraid and ready for anything!
Morning: My typical morning in both Thailand and Cambodia centered around classes. We had class everyday from morning to early afternoon monday through friday. I took Thai History, Politics and Language class in Chiang Mai and Khmer language and Gender and Development in Cambodia in Phnom Penh.
Afternoon: In Thailand in the afternoons, I would hang around on Payap University's spacious and beautiful campus in the hills of Chiang Mai. I used that time mostly to get to know Thai students and the other international students better. In Cambodia, there were only 3 people in our program and we lived in an apartment, so we used that time to explore Phnom Penh on our bikes as provided by the Education Abroad Network.
Evening: Throughout the trip, most evenings I read or wrote in my journal, if i wasn't studying or doing homework. Although on the weekends, I would take advantage of the nightlife, which included everything from bowling to shopping at night markets, to going out to eat.