My name is Pichapa Rungrueang, and I am a fourth-year student at Kasetsart University in the Faculty of Social Sciences, majoring in International Relations within the Department of Political Science. I am honoured and delighted to have the opportunity to study Politics and Development in the Middle East course at Westminster University. I am also excited to participate in the upcoming trip to Istanbul, Turkey. Since this will be my first trip abroad, I have many expectations about the skills and experiences I hope to gain.
Firstly, I look forward to improving my English language skills and building confidence in communication. I am shy and rarely have the chance to communicate in English, as my daily environment predominantly uses Thai. This trip offers a valuable opportunity for me to practice English intensively, as I will need to communicate in real-life situations with students from England over five days.
Secondly, this trip is both an exciting and challenging opportunity, especially as it may involve encountering new situations or unexpected issues. Navigating these experiences will allow me to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability—essential in daily life and the workplace. I am eager to learn how to manage unforeseen situations effectively, which I believe will strengthen my resilience and flexibility.
Thirdly, I hope to gain insights from this trip that will help me shape my future career path. At this stage, I am still trying to figure out my specific areas of interest or expertise, which makes long-term planning challenging. I hope to discover more about my interests and strengths by engaging in various activities during the trip. This experience may guide me in aligning my career path with my genuine interests and abilities.
Lastly, I am excited to experience Turkish culture, which uniquely blends Western and Eastern influences. I look forward to exploring Turkish customs and lifestyles, which are quite different from my own. Visiting iconic landmarks in Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia—places I have always dreamed of seeing—is another highlight I am eagerly anticipating. I am also keen to try traditional Turkish dishes and sweets like Döner Kebab, Dürüm, Turkish Delight, and Baklava.
My interest in this journey is rooted in a desire to understand the Middle East more deeply. I’ve often found this region complex and challenging to fully grasp due to its sensitive issues and diverse cultural dynamics. This trip presents an invaluable opportunity to experience the region firsthand, allowing me to gain insights that go beyond what I could learn from books or lectures.
I also have a particular interest in Turkey. In a course titled Middle East in the Modern World, I had the opportunity to present an overview of Turkey, where I explored the country’s history, tourist attractions, culture, cuisine, attire, and music. This project left a lasting impression on me and inspired my decision to travel and experience Turkey.
Additionally, connecting academics and students worldwide is an inspiring approach to education. People from different regions often have diverse perspectives and interpretations, and this program promotes dialogue through the exchange of ideas. Such engagement will expand our knowledge, encourage us to think flexibly and help us embrace new perspectives openly.