I wonder how many people I have subjected to this utterance since the beginning of my second year at university. It has been something I’ve looked forward to ever since I chose this module at the end of my first year.
The opportunity to go on a field trip to Thailand is very significant to me. Not only have I never been to Thailand before, but I have also never left Europe. So this won’t just be my first time in Thailand it will be my first time in Asia altogether.
To tell the truth, the furthest I’ve ever flown is from Birmingham to Paris, which lasted only a few minutes longer than it took a flight attendant to walk from one side of the plane to the other with their trolley. A long-haul flight will be completely new to me, but I plan on sleeping as much as possible so that the jet lag doesn’t affect me too badly.
This trip represents a big change, and I expect many aspects of Thailand to differ from what I’m used to in the UK. One obvious difference will be the climate. As England enters winter, Thailand will be very hot, but this doesn’t worry me. As long as I stay sensible and drink plenty of water, I think I’ll manage well. Another difference is the food. I’ve eaten some Thai food before and enjoyed it, though I know what I’ve tried in the UK is only a small reflection of what Thai cuisine is actually like. I’m not a fussy eater, so I’m looking forward to trying new foods and experiencing authentic flavours. I’m also interested in experiencing Thailand’s public transport, as it’s something I currently know very little about.
As a linguistics student, I’m excited to spend time in a country where the language is completely foreign to me. Even though I know very little Thai, I’m not worried, as I’ve been told that many of the Thai students speak English. I hope they’ll be able to help me navigate both everyday communication and cultural differences.
Before beginning this module, my knowledge of Thailand was very limited. Now that I’ve learned a bit more, I see this trip as a meaningful opportunity to explore its rich history and culture more deeply. I also see it as a chance to make international connections with Thai students. I’m particularly interested in meeting them because I’m curious about how their worldview may differ from mine, shaped by growing up and studying in the East. I believe I will learn a great deal from them, not just academically but personally as well.
Overall, I hope this experience will allow me to broaden my perspective, challenge myself, and continue developing my understanding of the world.
Joshua Morton