FINAL CHAPTER: Win, Lose or Thai
Wow. Here it is. The time has finally come. My study abroad is officially over. I am sad that it is at its end and if I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat!
If it was not for Mr. Freeman and the Freeman Scholarship Program, I would not have such of a great experience as I did--to learn in another country, adapt in a different culture, and travel to places that I used to only dream of. So thank you again for providing this incredible experience!
My Business School (on the 13th Floor in Mahit Building at Chula)
In the BBA program, the professors were highly accredited with a great sense of insights due to their business experience in Southeast Asia and other places around the world. The classes were taught in English which consisted a mix of Thai and international students. It was such a great experience to interact with different students from different countries that came from various cultures. I had learned so much during my time abroad that I have become more open-minded to various situations, people, cultures, and environment.Â
After presenting our case study on wine for International Marketing class.
In class, watching Global Wine War and Red Obsession
Campus of Chula(longhorn)
It was such an honor to attend Chulalongkorn University--the most prestige university in Thailand. Their enormous campus was filled with beautiful architecture, colorful gardens and water fountains galore. On top of that, they had various student activities and services that helped enhance students' college experience. At the university, they provided free clinic and dental services which I thought was unbelievable because I had never heard of any college that I know of that does that. It was quite remarkable. They also had a 4-story gymnasium with Olympic size pool and a huge soccer, or should I say football, stadium.
My 2nd Family--"Wolf Pack"
I have met so many people during my study abroad experience but these individuals above had made the biggest impact through it all. They are business students as well and are from all over the world such as Finland, Sweden, Singapore, and even one from the United States (San Francisco,CA). Our conversations were filled with all sorts of topics. And what really intrigued me was the different responses each of us provided in which were all influenced by our own culture and own experience at our home country. Although we all had diverse-unique personalities, it was what made our group so close and tight. After my time with them, I can honestly say that they are like family to me. This summer, we are actually planning a trip to Scandinavia where most of us live and reunite once more!
The food was sooooo delicious!!! I ate so much while I was abroad that I noticed that the taste preferences in Thailand are hot-spicy, salty and sweet. They love adding chilies, fish oil, and sugar, lots and lots of sugar I may add, in their dishes. I literally loved all of them. There was not one thing I ate in Thailand that I did not like...everything was seriously amazingly good AND healthy! All their food come from local farms and most, if not all, of their prepared food contains no GMO. Not only was the food delicious, but it was so affordable. If you buy food off the street, it would be around $1-2 while local restaurants would roughly cost $3-5. So while I was abroad, I barely had to cook--it was cheaper for me to eat out rather than eat at home!
Kwai Bridge, WWII railroad tracks, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Sangkhlaburi, West region of Thailand
Sakon Nakon, Northeast region of Thailand
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat Temples
TonlĂŠ sap, the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia
Chong Khneas, floating village, on TonlĂŠ sap
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia on Galungang Day, a Balinese holiday that celebrates the legendary battle of good(Dharma) vs. evil(Adharma), or the triumph of the spread of Hinduism in Bali.Â
Jatiluwih Rice Paddy Fields in Bali, Indonesia
Civet cat at the Luwak Coffee Plantation in Bali, Indonesia
My Travels...
While I was abroad, I encountered all sorts of people, cultures and places. Another thing that I learned was the ability to adapt. It might seem easier than it sounds but it took me awhile to actually grasp the concept. Before, I had been open-minded to only ideas and opinions but never different cultures. It made me realized that people all over the world are diverse. It never dawn on me before that most of us, as individuals, are fragments of our own culture of where we were raised, until now.
It was really fascinating to see the different lifestyles and traditions that others around the world lived, especially in Southeast Asia where collectivism consists within the culture. While coming from a individualistic or Western country, it was mind-blowing to see how other cultures way of doing things such as greeting, communicating and building relationships.Â
I can honestly say that studying abroad have been the greatest decision I have ever made. After my experience, I have finally learned to push my fears to the side and to follow my dreams. I seriously encourage others to do so as well because once you conquer your fears, you will come to see that there's a whole other world waiting to be explored. And along the way you will end up finding yourself and discovering a part of you that you did not realize before.Â
With my study abroad experience, I have gained so many insights, expanded my networking internationally, created ever-lasting friendships and enhanced my bravery...
Once again, I would like to thank Mr. Freeman and the Freeman Scholarship Program for all of your support. If it was not for you guys, I would not be able to have such an amazing experience like I did when I studied abroad in Bangkok. Thank you for the bottom of my heart. I feel honored and proud that I was chosen to be a Freeman Scholar.Thank you again for helping students, such as myself, to face their fears andexplore the unknown; to pursue the possibilities that life awaits as you takethe chance in studying abroad.
Kob khun ka maak!