I can’t believe I’m finishing up my last blog post, it really puts things into perspective how fast time flies. This experience has tested me in the most beneficial way possible. I have learned more about myself and the world in these past four month than I have maybe my whole life. That sounds cliché, but it’s true. I studied abroad for the purpose of experiencing something new and completely different. That’s why I didn’t choose Europe or something a lot of kids do. Don’t get me wrong Europe is an amazing place (and each country is so different and unique) but I chose southeast asia because I wanted a challenge as well as an opportunity of doing something because I wanted to, not because it’s something people think they need to do while in college.
From this trip I’m more patient, understanding, and expect less. I’ve learned to take every day day by day, moment by moment, I’ve learned how important it is to be present and take everything in that you are experiencing in the now and to worry about the future less. From sunsets, to hiking, to swimming in the ocean, to 15 hour bus rides, and 5 different forms of transportation in one day, I remember to tell myself that everything will work out the way its supposed to and to leave the stress or worry behind because there’s nothing you can do to change the curveballs that are thrown your way while traveling. It’s important to embrace the little detours in your trips because sometimes the best things come from them.
Studying at a different university, I recognized how much I appreciate my education at Northeastern. My Human Services major isn’t an option at Mahidol University and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the courses I’ve taken at NEU. With this in mind, I’m going to fully dive into my courses during in the fall and be grateful for the professional, kind, and organized professors who are truly passionate about their careers and teaching students.
I used to think that I was a worry-wart or would get stressed if things weren’t planned, but this trip showed me I’m exactly the opposite of that. Barely anything besides housing for trips was planned and somehow or seemly disorganized trips turned into the most amazing moments and most incredible experiences I’ve ever had the fortune of doing.
Pre-abroad jitters are the most real thing and I think are a huge reasons kids don’t study abroad because they end up just psyching themselves out. If you’re reading this and have jitters—trust me you will regret more if you don’t go. Traveling is always worth it. And that’s what I kept telling myself every single time I was afraid I wouldn’t make any friends, or I’d be alone, or I wouldn’t get to see things or travel. My friends reminded me it would be okay, but I also just knew that I couldn’t go to a place like Thailand and not meet like-minded people who didn’t want to explore. And turns out, I’ve made lifelong friends who have searched (almost) every inch of this country with me.
Studying abroad has showed me how much of a bubble the United States is. There tends to be a mentality in the US that we are always right or that our way is the only way, but that’s just not the case when studying abroad. Especially in Thailand, tourists or travelers are the minority. And as much as you want to tell them that this is the way you should do things, it’s simply not the way it is. Every single country, every single culture has a different way of living life. There is no one right way to “live.” Being in a different country for so long has showed me how much of the world there is to experiences and how important it is to take the time to immerse yourself in a new culture different to where you were raised.
Studying abroad teaches you independence and it challenges you to be completely comfortable with who you are. If you allow the experience to mold and shape you, you have an opportunity to take advantage of a time of adventure as well as an opportunity to meet new people and learn about their stories and what brought them to southeast asia. I’ve met endless backpackers who just saved a lot of money then uprooted and left their hometown simply because they wanted something more out of life. It was inspiring to know that traveling is possible (as much as people want to say it’s foolish, IT’S NOT). If you want to see the world, then do it. Never let that opportunity pass you by because time flies.
The best advice I can give to anyone thinking about coming to Thailand is leave your stress and planners at home because this trip is a completely unique experience if you allow it to be. It is not the typical study abroad in the slightest. Be open and flexible, you can plan trips the day before if your heart desires. Everything has a way of working out here, but don’t get me wrong that doesn’t mean you can forget about classes. Especially if you’re a business major coming here…most kids who took business classes here had a run for their money. (PSA: don’t take Econ here). See the world, but also keep up on school work and study. Extend you trip for after if you’re coming in the spring or leave early if you’re going in the fall. There’s so much to see and do here and most kids just felt like they didn’t have nearly as much time as they would’ve liked.
And finally, if I had the opportunity to study abroad again I absolutely would. I love traveling and this trip showed me how capable I am of doing it. I think I would come back to South East Asia, maybe go to Hanoi up in Vietnam. I went to Ho Chi Minh for a week and loved it. I definitely want to go back to Vietnam next time I have a chance. I understand why South East Asia is becoming a powerhouse for tourism. If I have any advice it’d be to get here before everyone starts figuring out how incredible of a place it is.
