Identify three expectations you have about your study abroad experience in Thailand:
1. To be out of my comfort zone. I knew before coming here that I would be totally out of my element, but I didn't really understand the extent until I got here. Not only is it a new culture, cuisine, and way of life, but I blatantly don't fit in. Being here as a non-asian makes me feel like I stand out an incredible amount. I feel like I will never feel like I belong here and that I inevitably will always be a farang. I find this extremely frustrating.
2. To eat weird food. I didn't think about the extreme difference of food until I got here. Suishi flavored chips are definitly something very foreign to me. I was also taken back by the perpetually spicy meals I have had. I expect to eat more and more adventurous dishes and to taste new flavors and foods for the rest of my stay here.
3. To have an overall amazing experience. So far this semester has been everything I wanted and more. I think the Thai studies program has done a great job and that three weeks into my stay here I have already had a handful of amazing experiences and encounters. I think that in the months to come I do even more memorable things and have many more meaningful cultural encounters.
Identify two goals you hope to achieve/come away with by the end of the program.
1. To learn the Thai language. This is really important to me. I have always struggled with language and it would be very meaninful to me to acomplish a basic understanding of Thai. I think it would be a wonderful thing to walk away with and an important element in understand and experiencing Thai culture. It would also enable me to feel like I fit into the culture here, and be a contributing member of Chiang Mai society instead of a tourist.
2. To have a greater understanding of Thai culture and history. I came here knowing relatively little about Thailand and it's important to me that I come away knowing more about the country. I am already starting to better understand the history and culture and I can't wait to learn more. I think Thailand is one of the culturaly richest places in the world and I'm exciting to understand it on a new level.
