Thailand - Annabel
Student: Annabel
Course: Bachelor of Arts
Program: short-term exchange
2025 New Colombo Plan mobility grant recipient
My highlight during the short-term program at Mahidol University was making new friends from diverse backgrounds, which helped me become more confident and strengthened my communication and adaptability in an international environment. My only lowlight was that the program was too short, as I wished I had more time to deepen the connections I built and further immerse myself in the experience.
Describe the city you were living in: the landscape, the culture, the weather etc.
During my study abroad experience in Thailand, I lived in Salaya, a peaceful city that felt much less crowded than Bangkok. The Mahidol campus landscape was especially beautiful and calming, with open spaces and greenery that made it pleasant to walk around. One of the best things about Salaya was how convenient everything was, especially the food. There were countless affordable and delicious options everywhere, from street stalls to 7-Eleven. The weather was mostly hot and humid during the day, but occasional heavy rain at night.
How did you spend your weekends?
On weekends, I explored different malls and markets with friends, including Central Salaya, Siam Paragon, MBK Mall and Chatuchak Weekend Market. We enjoyed shopping, trying new foods, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. I also attended a celebrity basketball match at Chulalongkorn University, which was a unique and exciting experience. Some weekends, we would visit nearby cafés and also went to a Snoopy themed cafe, which became one of my favorite spots. Weekends were always a mix of relaxing and exploring, and they gave me the chance to bond with friends while discovering more of the local culture.
Did you go on any memorable trips to explore your host country or maybe a nearby country?
One of the most memorable trips during my exchange was our four-day visit to Chiang Rai. We explored stunning temples, museums, and local neighborhoods that gave me a deeper appreciation of Thai history and culture. We also spent time discovering different parts of Bangkok, where the fast-paced city life contrasted with the calmer atmosphere in Chiang Rai.
Throughout the program, we joined workshops such as Thai cooking and traditional crafts, and we presented what we learned at the end. The Thai students were incredibly supportive, especially when helping us order food and bargain at markets. It also encouraged me to speak more Thai when chatting with them. Although it felt intimidating at first, it greatly improved my confidence and language skills
What was something that challenged you?
One challenge was adapting to the climate and pace of life. The heat and humidity were intense at first, especially when commuting or walking outdoors. I also had to adjust to a new academic environment and become more independent without knowing anyone, while meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. At times, it felt overwhelming. However, pushing myself to participate in group activities, such as collaborative projects and Thai games on the second day, helped me break the ice. It also helped that I could join conversations in Mandarin and Cantonese, which made communication easier since not everyone spoke English as their first language. These experiences allowed me to form strong friendships and gradually become more confident in social situations.
What is the one big thing you will always remember from your experience? Or one big lesson that you learnt?
A big lesson I learned is the importance of saying yes to new opportunities and keeping an open mind. Some of my closest friendships started simply because I agreed to have a meal or said yes to going to the mall with people I had just met. Tasting new foods like mookrata and khao soi, wandering through unfamiliar streets, and stepping outside my comfort zone created some of the most unforgettable moments of my life. Even though the program was short, I still keep in contact with many of the friends I made, and I hope we will be able to meet again in the future. Studying abroad taught me to be independent and adventurous. Real growth often comes from discomfort, and the richest memories come from fully embracing new experiences.