Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

The experience of studying abroad must be one of the most challenging and enriching opportunities for a college student – it has certainly been for me. The last months of my time studying abroad at Thammasat University, Bangkok, have felt like a surreal couple of minutes. From the hurdles of visa application and the setbacks of not getting it on time and starting the program weeks late, to adjusting to Thai culture, the rush and vibrancy of Bangkok, and the strong urge to take a backpack and travel around Southeast Asia, this opportunity has been the best during my time at LFC.

As an International Relations major, the chance to take courses in my area of study while experiencing a different region of the world is eye-opening; yet, to me, I learn the most each day out of simply living and traveling alone and having to manage life as an adult. It can be scary and overwhelming at times, but then I have those little moments of realization when I think to myself “wow, I really am sitting in a classroom on the other side of the world, with a Thai professor” or “how did I end up living in Bangkok, eating street-food on a daily, and learning how to barter in Thai?” – when the reality hits, all the challenges are worth it. It is very rewarding.

The overall experiences transcend any and all academic standards for me. I feel immensely blessed to be where I am right now. Thank you to the GEO office and everyone who has made this possible – ha sido toda una aventura! 

Bangkok at night: