My first journey to the United Kingdom has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Arriving in a new country, surrounded by unfamiliar cultures and people from diverse backgrounds, was both exciting and overwhelming. At the beginning, I felt nervous and uncertain—it was my first time traveling so far from home. However, the warm welcome from everyone at University of Westminster quickly eased those feelings. The students and staff were incredibly kind, supportive, and open, making me feel comfortable and included throughout my stay.
The conference itself felt like a doorway into a much wider world. It reshaped my understanding of what education can be. Learning here went far beyond sitting in a lecture hall and memorizing information. Instead, it was an active process—one that encouraged communication, presentation, critical thinking, and, most importantly, the courage to express ideas. I noticed a strong emphasis on questioning: students were encouraged not just to learn, but to think, to doubt, and to explore answers independently. This was quite different from the learning culture I am familiar with, where questioning is sometimes less emphasized.
What stood out most to me was the openness in discussions. There was no absolute “right” or “wrong.” Everyone brought their own perspectives, and through conversation, those ideas became more powerful. Listening to others made me realize how much we can grow when we exchange knowledge and challenge each other respectfully. Collaboration was not just about working together—it was about learning from one another in a meaningful way.
I must admit, the experience was also a form of culture shock. I felt a mix of fear, excitement, and curiosity. Yet, alongside those feelings, I found inspiration. As a psychology student, many of the topics presented—such as politics, governance, war, and international relations—were new to me. At first, they felt distant from my field, but I soon realized how relevant and important they are in understanding the world we live in. This experience pushed me to step outside my academic comfort zone.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this conference. I would like to thank Dr. Fahang for the vision and dedication in creating this program. What once was an idea has clearly become a meaningful reality. I also want to thank my family for always supporting my decisions and encouraging me to pursue new opportunities.
Most importantly, I am grateful to myself for continuing to grow and seek out experiences like this. Even in a short time, this journey has left a lasting impact on me. The friendships I built, especially with peers from DEN, are something I will always cherish. Despite my insecurities in using English, everyone was patient, encouraging, and genuinely kind. Their support gave me confidence and reminded me that learning is a shared journey.
I hope readers take away one thing from my experience: growth begins when we step into the unfamiliar.
Poonyaporn Rusancharoenphol (Ting/Tina), Clinical psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.