If Only I Could Relive It

My study abroad trip was by far the best experience I have ever had. I had previously never been outside the country before so I was terrified, but it was worth it a million times over. The Education Abroad Network really built a perfect program. You live with a Thai roommate, instead of just your home group like most programs, which facilitates the learning of Thai culture exponentially. Plus, it allows for you to get a real experience of Thailand, rather than the touristy side of Thailand. Further, the program allows for a lot of freedom. I had class everyday for 3 hours a day but once class was over, I was able to go where I wanted and do what I wanted. They even gave students a one week break where we were seriously able to do what we pleased. For example, I took that time to relax at the beaches of Krabi (south Thailand), another student on the program took that time to go to Bangkok, and another student took that time to go to Laos. It was nice to have so much freedom because it allowed for us to get the most out of the program by our own means, whether that meant visiting temples, experiencing the nightlife, or living like a local. Something else that was really awesome about the program was the courses. I was hesitant about studying abroad because I felt as though taking classes while in another country would take away from the experience; however, it enhanced it. A lot of class time was spent in Thailand, rather than in a classroom. We learned by immersion, meaning that rather than trying to learn about Thailand by reading a textbook, we actually went to go see and experience it for ourselves. For example, in my Cultural Foundations of Thai Society course (I also took a Business in Southeast Asia course) we studied Buddhism for a week, and instead of just learning from powerpoints we went to go visit temples and talk to monks. I definitely don't regret choosing to take courses in Thailand, because the skills, ideas, and knowledge I gained in those courses have expanded my horizons both academically and personally.