It’s hard for me to write this. Everyone’s experience will be unique to them. It is up to the individual to make their experience. I’d only suggest that whenever someone travel he or she try to be as open to new things as possible. If things were the same as before, or if you’re hoping for them to be, there isn’t really a point to traveling at all. I believe one ought to make an effort to push one’s self outside their comfort zone. So, expect nothing but be ready for anything.

That being said, there are some things that will inevitably be the same with our trips. The lectures were all really interesting. If you have the time, the more research you can do to get an understanding of the Thai culture and healthcare system before hand the more you’ll get out of the lectures. Don’t be afraid to go out and do what you want on your own or with a few people. It’s too hard to go everywhere with a big group so the group will have to split up at some point – and that’s okay. Don’t expect people to speak English – it’s probably best if you assume they don’t speak any English. Write in your journal. It will help you remember the trip but it will also help you understand it as you go along – thinking critically is the essential part. You’re going to be tired so push through it – you’ll thank yourself later for doing so. In the end nothing is neither good nor bad, as those are human concepts we ourselves apply to things relatively. Those that get to go on the next trip ought to be excited and ought to be ready to experience new things. I’m fully confident, even if the specifics of the trip are different, that the trip will be well worth it and will be a great experience.