From the moment I arrived in Thailand, surrounded by unfamiliar streets, new faces, and a completely different culture, I knew this field trip would push me beyond my comfort zone. What I didn’t expect was how quickly connections would form-not only with my classmates, but with the Thai students who welcomed us as if we were already part of their community. The students from Kasetsart University (KU) were some of the kindest, funniest, and most hospitable people I have ever met, always going out of their way to make us feel comfortable in their hometown. Despite the language barrier at times, I’ve learned to communicate effectively with the Thai students and proceeded to engage in meaningful conversations. They spoke about their studies and KU University and their political involvement, which I found particularly interesting. I learned that some are not afraid to share their political opinions, and others are less hesitant to do so. These discussions helped me develop academically by broadening my global perspective and encouraging me to think more critically about political participation in different cultural contexts. Engaging with students from a different educational system also strengthened my communication skills and enhanced my ability to participate in academic discussions with confidence. As a naturally shy person, I have never socialised as much as I did during this field trip. I truly believe this experience helped me become more confident in speaking up and sharing my opinions, especially when I disagreed with something. Through the KUMUN conference, I developed several important skills, the most significant of which was public speaking. As a delegate representing China, I had to present an opening speech, something I had never done before, which made me quite anxious. While others had their delegate partners to support them, mine arrived during the second part of the conference, which increased my anxiety about the conference. However, my classmates believed in me and encouraged me to remain positive and enjoy the conference. In terms of culture, I really enjoyed learning about the Thai traditions and history. Visiting the beautiful temples was particularly eye-opening, especially earning how many had been damaged in the past, with Buddha statues having their heads removed. This experience deepened my understanding of Thailand’s cultural heritage and the importance of preserving it. It took some time to adjust to the different taste palettes, and I was slightly disappointed by the limited halal food options available in Bangkok. As a multicultural city, I had expected a wider selection. Throughout the trip, I observed several Sustainable Development Goals in action. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities became clear through learning about cultural preservation, particularly during temple visits that highlighted the importance of protecting historical sites. Additionally, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) was evident in the strong international collaboration between students, reinforcing the importance of global partnerships and cultural exchange. This experience leads me to reflect on the meaningful connections I made throughout the field trip. I formed wonderful friendships with my classmates, for which I will always be grateful. We supported each other through challenges, shared unforgettable moments exploring Thailand, from tuk-tuk rides and late-night market shopping to bonding in our rooms and staying up talking. This field trip was a truly beautiful experience that helped me grow both socially and academically, and it is something I will always cherish.
Hajar Zaher
Fatima Sidi Mamadu
Very interesting think piece 😍. I like how you took everything as an experience but also made sure to put across your dislike. 👏🏾