I slowly boarded the train, holding my one way ticket to America.
As the train picked up speed, blurring the details of the lush Italian
countryside, I knew in that moment that someday soon I’d be abroad again no
matter how hard it would be to get there.
Living abroad has molded me. Italy shaped me as a student
experiencing a new culture. Away from all of the pressures of American
collegiate life I was free to pursue new interests and explore freely. But
little did I know that Italy was just a baby step to living independently in
Thailand.
Two years later I find myself sitting in the USAC: Chiang
Mai office, surrounded by a different yet similar setting as Viterbo. Even
though we’re a continent away I get the same feeling when walking into the
office. A sense of comfort really. A room full of people there to teach me,
help me and support me.
This time studying didn’t bring me abroad but the opposite. I’m
currently living in Thailand as an English teacher with the Fulbright program.
As part of our grant we have the opportunity to complete an internship. When I
found out this is how I would be spending my summer my first thought was “USAC:
Chiang Mai.” After my experience as a study abroad peer advisor at the
University of Arkansas I wanted to experience an office in country. While
before I simply helped students select their program now I’m witnessing them
adapting and learning in country.
My first week in the office was kicked off with a field trip to
visit the historical park in Sukhothai. This was the perfect opportunity to
meet the USACers and get a feel for what this program is all about. I was
immediately welcomed in and spent the weekend getting to know the students,
meeting the Thai buddies and learning from the professors. We bonded thru flat
bike tires, Thai team-building games, and sticky hot season heat.
My experience in this office made me realize how unique it is to
be living what you’re learning. Pictures in textbooks are replaced with
intricately designed temples, lectures turn into meditation retreats and
language practice is weaved into daily life. Even though I’m not in the
classroom this time I’m constantly learning from the professors, students and
staff. Many things that I have experienced the past six months in my school
setting are starting to make sense.
The culture of the study abroad world is all about sharing and
learning together. Whether in Arkansas, Italy or Thailand everyone has a
passion to learn about new cultures and help others succeed to experience
something new.
I’ve always been a been a huge advocate of studying abroad, and
this experience has continued to fuel that passion. Behind all of the study
abroad travel photos and videos there is a community. A community of students,
teachers, advisors, etc. People come from all over but are immediately bonded
by their love for travel and culture. It’s an encouraging community to have the
opportunity to grow in. Especially because no matter how old you are or where
you come from, everyone is growing and learning together.
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Read more from Amy's year as a Fulbright Teaching Assistant and then as a USAC Internship in Thailand at: https://sameamebutdifferent.wordpress.com/
For more about international opportunities with USAC, check out http://usac.unr.edu/
For more information about Fulbright Grant Opportunities, check out http://eca.state.gov/fulbright/fulbright-programs
