To be above the clouds, the sun kissing my skin, and the breathing the freshest air I ever had in my life, for a moment, life was perfect. Being surrounded by beautiful nature, was very stress relieving. We visited a memorial for the King’s lawyer friend who died in an airplane crash on top of the mountain, went sightseeing, and shopped at a Hmong market. In addition, we learned about the last King of the Lannas, and the lifestyles of one of the hill tribes, the Karens.

Life is very simple in the village. They work daily for the things that they need such as clothes and food, whereas in the States we work daily for our career, and we can buy clothes and food easily. Electricity was there but very minimal, and free if you don’t use a lot. Homes were made out of straws, bamboo and sticks, using as much natural resources as possible. Showering a kid was simply in a big bowl, and entertainment was playing with a puppy. The little Hmong kids we met in the mountain were so adorable, they were selling flowers for 10 baht. Then they gave us some flowers for free for talking with them. I can definitely see the philosophy of “living in the moment” here on the mountaintop.

These little kind gestures, the bright smiles, the cool breeze, the warm weather, constant learning, gorgeous natural surroundings, and great people bought me such happiness. It make me re-evaluate my life. I rely on electricity as much as food, shower must be warm, and entertainment is costly (most of the time).  The people here can live without a lot of materials needs and these little simple things could make me so happy, maybe I can live my life a little simpler than it is (sometimes too).

Being here in Thailand as a Hmong American, I had many encounters where someone starts speaking Thai to me, and I just nod my head and smile, not understanding a thing. Funny thing, I mistaken other Thai’s to be Hmong, or Hmong to be Thai too. I find myself searching for interactions with Hmong and wishing I can speak more Thai also.

One of my first encounters with Hmong people here on this trip was at the Sunday Market our first night in Chiang Mai. We had a lively chat, then again with other Hmong people at the Night Markets. Then luckily again on the mountaintops, at the markets and at the restaurant where kids were selling flowers. Also at the Hmong New Year, we met some Hmong people. It’s pretty awesome, the instant connection one feels when there is something that is similar.

In many cases I wished I had more Thai vocabulary. During the home stay, communication was a little rough, but body language and a little Charades helped out with basic conversations. When we were talking with our Chaing Rai University buddies, I might have gotten super excited and asked a lot of questions, because it was great hanging out with someone my age. We talked a little bit, but she apologizedbecause she could not communicate with me well. I said no need to apologize because she knows more English than I know Thai. Man, I really wished I knew more Thai so I can get to know these people more.

I have talked to some one who traveled to Italy, and she told me something that I can really relate to here. She said that when we (American) travel somewhere, you feel like the country adapts to you, but why should they. You are visiting their country and to an extent I can relate to this. For example the language. They speak such great English, compare to me, I probably know five words in Thai. That’s is one thing I noticed which is almost like a privilege . Although I felt that our group did well with dress codes, being respectful and trying to communicate with others in Thai. 

For my leisure time, I sure did spend a lot of time at the market buying souvenirs for my friends and family members. Since we stayed in Chiang Mai for a while, I spent a lot of time at Chiang Mai’s Sunday and Night markets. Here was where I spent the most money. On the first day there, I was not as experience thus bought the first things I thought I liked. Little did I know there were others things similar if not cuter than the things I bought in a rush and were at a better price without the bargaining!! The items sold at the many booths were somewhat similar and sometimes the same thing, thus is sometimes takes a little cruising first. I noticed this market didn’t have many price signs, and prices were given at a higher price for bargaining. They provided entertainment for the New Year’s count down but after there wasn’t any.

In contrast, the Chiang Rai’s Market had stages with live performances. It was smaller but vendors had a wide variety of things. One thing that was different was there were more price signs here. When I spoke to some of them, most could not speak English as well as those in Chiang Mai. I was thinking maybe having signs was due to the language barriers or since it was smaller to attract people more with the prices. The market here was not as packed and was easy to move around. I also found myself not bargaining here as much as I did in Chiang Mai due to the price signs.

Bangkok’s Weekend Market was HUGE! I didn’t get the chance to visit it all but the small portion that I did cover I thought was a mix of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. I didn’t see any live performances and it had prices but it was a little higher, thus bargaining was plausible here. The items here were more mainstream, and less intricate tribal designs and such.

We hit another market on the outskirts of Bangkok on the last day in Thailand. This was my kind of place, sadly I was on the last of my bahts and too much work to exchange anymore money. In a way, I am glad I was not here long or my bank account would have gone negative! It had the cutest clothes and shoes!! Due the many variety of clothes seen, this market was targeted towards the younger generation rather than tourists. The prices were the least out of all the markets I have seen and thus I think the prices were pretty fixed. It was a rather good shopping experience for me there. I was really content with my buys here.

The whole shopping experience was definitely a great therapy after a brain cell damaging semester. I have to say, the last market in Bangkok was probably my favorite. I thought the prices were either reasonable or really good deals. There was a lot to look at, not too crowded, a good size market, and had lot of cute things. Although I did like the live music and the more cultural souvenirs in the smaller cities also. All in all, I do believe anywhere I travel to, market big or small, shopping will always be one of my favorite things to do.

First of all I just want to say if you’re a student looking at this blog because you’re going to Thailand, I’m so excited for you! This will be the most life changing trip of your life. I know people say that about every trip, but I’m serious about this one. This was my first time going out of the country and I applied to this program without knowing anyone, until my friend Becca applied last minute and got accepted. 😉

Here is my list of advice to you:

• Definitely go to the first orientation meeting Cathy and Jill set up. It’s a good way to get introduced to the group
• Do not pack a full suitcase. I packed way too much and regretted it because I couldn’t fit as much souvenirs to bring home.
• One suitcase and an extra little backpack is a good idea to bring 
• Bring a tablet, a laptop isn’t necessary. You’ll want it for writing your blogs and maybe watching movies on the long flights and bus rides.
• Get out of your comfort zone! You’ll have a lot more fun that way, and make new friends. 
• Have an open mind! Things over in Thailand are much much different than back home, so you’re going to want to keep an open mind when it comes to new things. Everyone in your group is most likely experiencing these things for the first time too. 
• Get out and explore the cities when you have free time, and you’ll have plenty of free time
• Take advantage of all the activities that are offered, like zip-lining, elephants, ect… You won’t regret it
• Try new foods! Most of the street vendors are only like $2 so it’s worth trying something new
• Get to know everyone in your group. You’ll make friends that will last a lifetime 
• Bring hand sanitizer and extra toilet paper when you go places. I’m serious about this one
• Don’t bring a lot of socks. I packed a lot of socks and I don’t know why, but I barely wore them. I wore sandals a lot
• Bring a deck or two of cards to play games with the group 
• You’ll probably want at least $400-600 to spend on food, activities, and souvenirs. Those markets will get to you. 
• Take lots of pictures and videos so you can use them in you story, and just for days you really miss the group and Thailand. 
• But, try to take the time to take in the beauty of Thailand, sometimes pictures just don’t do the beauty justice. 
• Be kind to people they are so helpful there
• Make sure to go out on New Years with the group (preferably Zoey’s) it will be the best New Years Eve you’ve ever had.
• Cathy and Jill are awesome listeners, if you’re having a bad day or just want to talk, they are awesome.
• Don’t take any moment there for granted!

Well I’ve been home from Thailand 16 days now and I still think about it every day. The first week was probably the hardest because my sleep schedule was so messed up. I would be wide awake until 3 A.M and sleeping all afternoon. My body was not adjusting well to the food back home either. So, I can say it was without a doubt much easier to adjust to the changes over in Thailand. I was only tired for the first few days there and I never got sick. 

It’s still hard for me to explain to people how amazing Thailand is. Whenever I tell them I would go back in a heartbeat, they are always like “really?” Sometimes, I start feeling like my time in Thailand was a dream because I had to get back into the routine of every day back home. I really miss living every day on “Thai time”. It was really easy and almost sad for me to realize how out of touch people back home can be. Everyone is moving so fast, I miss being able to take the time to take in the little things. 

My life back home has always been very chaotic and stressful. I always have so much school work and then I have to work on top of that. I really took that monk chat to heart, and just the Thai culture in general, of living in that moment and not worrying too much about the past or the future. I of course as any American have many goals I want to reach and sometimes on the way to those goals I get really stressed out. I’ve made it my goal being back home that I want to live my life with more mindfulness. I have to stop and remind myself that everything will be okay and not to let it get to me. I’m still trying to figure out meditation, but I think it’s something I can see myself doing every night. 

Lastly, I’m super fortunate to have at least one person from the trip in each of my classes. It’s nice to have that support system. But, I really miss everyone and I think that’s what makes me the most sad some days. And of course the nice warm weather in Thailand. 🙂

For students just take in every minute of the trip because it goes by so fast, and interact with the locals they are very polite and nice and know the place. Enjoy the time there and don’t be afraid to try new things there is a rush that comes with it which is unforgettable.

From the minute I got off the plane I started to missed Thailand and especially with the cold weather it was easier to even miss it more. It was an amazing trip which helped me develop as a person it was the first time I had traveled on my own without my parents and I am really glad I did that. I grew so much from this trip and my family has surely seen. The hardest part is to show pictures and tell my family and friends about the trip but the pictures don’t even get close to what the actual place looks like, there are no words to describe what Thailand looks like until they go there and see the beautiful culture combined with the beautiful land. This trip was the beginning of my many trips to come to Thailand.

Being back home and in the States, I am feeling bittersweet about my experience in Thailand. Although I am overjoyed to be back home, a part of me longs to return to Thailand and its way of life. As I reflect back on my experience, there are certain lessons I have gained that have personally impacted me as an individual and my learning experience in Thailand. Therefore, I am going to list a few pieces of advice for future students.

First being, live in the moment.Thailand is truly a land filled with beauty, grace, and hospitality. To not live in the moment is to be missing out on Thailand’s grace and beauty. Living in the moment is not only geared towards embracing Thailand’s culture but also to take risks. This is because when you take risks (my risks were eating a cricket, zip lining, and so much more!) you build upon yourself as an individual. Plus, you can also go back home and tell all your risky stories to your loved ones!

Secondly, bring only essential items! I personally brought just enough items for myself to use in the span of three weeks. Thankfully, I limited myself very well to the point where I could fit all my souvenir gifts in my luggage when coming back to the states. From my observation, I definitely think some of my fellow peers over packed. Over packing can definitely be a overwhelming when you are traveling from one location to another. In addition, also make sure your suitcase is durable. Towards the end of our trip in Thailand, my luggage started to deteriorate to the the point where I had to purchase a new one. So make sure that when you pack, your items/luggage are in good condition and not overly packed.

Lastly, make personal connections with Thailand and your fellow peers within the group. My connection with Thailand revolved with the idea of “homeness.” Meaning, I felt a sense of belonging staying in Thailand. I am not quite sure why or how this connection was born, but I enjoy knowing that I can call Thailand part of my home.

So remember to live in the moment, pack only what is needed, and make connections! Best wishes to you and your journey in Thailand. I hope it will be as revitalizing, energizing, and wonderful as mine!

     I cannot begin to try and count the number of times I have told people to study abroad if they can at all swing it in their college career.  And I’ve been home from Thailand about ten days.  I was extremely apprehensive going into my study abroad experience in Thailand.  To the point where I almost decided not to commit to it in the months leading up to it. I knew no one going or even applying, it is half way across the world and a place I never dreamed of traveling to. However, after a little soul searching, a couple long talks with my parents and a realization of the possible benefits, I decided to go.  I will never regret my decision to go.  It was by far one of the best experiences of my life.  I made fifteen new friends, had experiences that changed me as a person and made memories that will never be forgotten.

     Instead of me lecturing away for pages, here is a list of advice for studying abroad in Thailand:

1.  Forget your comfort zone, forget your shyness, forget everything holding you back and GO!
2.  Pack light.  Laundry facilities are easily accessible and sickeningly cheap.  ($3 max to wash, dry and fold a large pile of clothes)
3.  You will have to wash your own underwear.  This is not enjoyable or extremely sanitary so bring as many pair as possible or good laundry soap.
3.  Bring snacks.  Plane food is gross and a protein bar hits the spot better than chips.
4.  Remember everyone in the group is in the same position so get to know them as soon as possible.  You will be spending a great deal of time with them through the next weeks.
5.  Keep an open mind.  At some point you will become home sick and it will be difficult to be accepting of culture.  I challenge you to try harder during these times.
6.  It isn’t one big honey moon.  Remember everything is part of the experience so find joy in it all.
7.  You will feel uncomfortable at times.  You will be crabby at times.  Odds are others will feel the same way but don’t let these emotions get the best of you.
8.  Chang and Singha are good.  Too much Chang the night before a full day of lecture is not good.
9.  Read the materials prior to going.  It gives great insight and the stories are relevant.
10.  Go and do.  Experience the culture.  Dance.  Laugh.  Buy.  Look.  Listen.  Feel.  Learn.
11.  The food is wonderful.  You will like it, but you will get sick of it at some point.  American food is relatively easy to find.
12.  Learn a few word a of Thai.  Language is a bit of an issue but if you can say ten Thai words before going, you will be ahead of the curve.
13.  Always carry cash and very few valuables.
14.  Have a good camera, not just your phone.  Don’t sacrifice taking in the sights for getting a good picture.  You can easily miss what is right in front of your eyes.
15.  Adjusting to life back home is much more difficult than adjusting in Thailand.
16.  Accept that friends and family will not fully understand the stories and scenery you portray to them.
17. Enjoy the amazing experience you are lucky enough to have.  Soak it all up.