Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone and Finding Growth in Thailand July 20, 2026

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My semester abroad in Thailand was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Academically, personally, and professionally, I grew in ways I never expected. Living in a new culture challenged me to become more adaptable, open-minded, and independent while giving me a deeper appreciation for different perspectives on health, community, and everyday life. One challenge I experienced was adjusting to cultural differences, language barriers, and being far from my support system. There were moments when I felt homesick and overwhelmed, but those experiences ultimately helped me build resilience and confidence. My internship and field research also pushed me outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to engage with local communities and develop stronger communication and cross-cultural skills. If there is one piece of feedback I would like to share privately, it is that while the overall program was incredibly rewarding, I think it would benefit future students if there were even more guidance before departure and during the first few weeks about navigating cultural adjustment, mental well-being, and practical day-to-day challenges. Those first weeks can be difficult, and additional support or check-ins could make the transition smoother. Overall, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. The relationships I built, the experiences I had, and everything I learned have strengthened my desire to pursue a career in healthcare while working with diverse communities. This experience has had a lasting impact on me, and I will carry these lessons with me throughout my academic and professional journey

On-site administration of your program

The program administration was supportive overall and genuinely made an effort to help us adjust to Thai culture and integrate into our new environment. I appreciated the cultural activities and guidance they provided throughout the semester. However, there were times when it was difficult to feel fully heard, and I think there is room for improvement in how student concerns are acknowledged and addressed. Despite this, I recognize that the staff worked hard to support us, and I am grateful for their efforts in making the experience a positive one.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were comfortable, and having my own room made the experience much more enjoyable by providing privacy and personal space. The location was also excellent—it was within walking distance of campus and conveniently close to a 7-Eleven, local food markets, and a variety of restaurants, making it easy to access groceries and meals. Overall, the housing was one of the highlights of the program, and I was very satisfied with both the accommodations and the location.

The food was one of the best parts of my experience. There was a wide variety of delicious options, and meals were very affordable, making it easy to eat well on a student budget. I also appreciated how fresh and healthy many of the meals were, with plenty of balanced options available. Overall, I was very happy with the quality, affordability, and accessibility of the food throughout the program.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Adjusting to the local culture was something I learned through everyday experiences. Since Buddhism plays a significant role in Thai culture, many of the customs and traditions were new to me and took some time to understand. However, I never found the cultural expectations to be restrictive. It was mostly about being respectful and aware of local customs, such as appropriate behavior at temples and showing respect for religious practices. Overall, the cultural adjustment was manageable and became one of the most valuable parts of my study abroad experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare available during the program was excellent. There was a pharmacy conveniently located right across from our dorm, making it easy to access medications and basic healthcare needs. We were also all covered by health insurance through the program. I personally had to use the insurance when I got sick, and the process was smooth—I received the care I needed without having to pay anything out of pocket. Knowing that quality healthcare was easily accessible provided a great sense of security throughout my time abroad.

I felt very safe throughout my time in Thailand. I was comfortable walking alone, even in many public areas, and I rarely felt concerned about my personal safety. The overall environment felt welcoming and secure, which allowed me to explore the city and experience the local culture with confidence. Safety was one of the aspects of the program that I appreciated the most.

Yes, I would choose the same program again. This program gave me the opportunity to experience Thailand in a way that went beyond being a tourist. Through the internship, field research, cultural activities, and interactions with local communities, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture, healthcare, and everyday life. Although there were challenges, such as adjusting to a new environment, navigating cultural differences, and learning to communicate across different perspectives, those challenges became some of the most valuable parts of the experience. They helped me become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. The program aligned well with my academic and professional interests, especially my interest in healthcare and working with diverse populations. Being able to learn about healthcare systems in another country while engaging directly with communities made the experience meaningful and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Overall, I would choose this program again because of the growth, connections, and unforgettable experiences it provided.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Financially, Thailand was very affordable, so managing expenses was not a major challenge. As long as I budgeted wisely, I was able to comfortably cover my day-to-day costs. The monthly stipends provided by the program were also very helpful in supporting living expenses. Overall, I found the cost of living to be reasonable, making it easier to enjoy the experience without significant financial stress.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

• Food
• Culture
• welcoming the thai people were

• Communication
• internship placement

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