Going to Thailand for the second time in the same year feels like stepping into a dream I never thought I would experience. Back in April 2025, I was sitting in my hotel room in Bangkok, still reeling from the thrill of being in a completely new environment, when an unexpected email arrived from my university reminding me to select my modules for the upcoming academic year. I opened it immediately so I could secure my choices and avoid those dreaded waiting lists. As I scrolled through the options, one module caught my eye. Not because of its academic description—though that was interesting enough—but because it mentioned a field trip to Thailand. To Bangkok.
I remember staring at the screen in disbelief. I had only been in Bangkok for two days at that point and was preparing to head to another town to continue exploring. Those short two days felt like a tiny taste of something incredibly rich, like reading the introduction of a captivating book without the chance to flip to the next chapter. I hadn’t explored the city as deeply as I wanted. There were temples I hadn’t seen, foods I hadn’t tried, and streets I hadn’t walked. So, seeing “Bangkok field trip” in the module description felt like an answered prayer—almost as if life were giving me a second chance.
As an African woman travelling across continents, stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in completely different cultures is never a small thing. The differences in language, lifestyle, and social norms can be overwhelming. My first trip was from the perspective of a curious tourist: everything was taken care of, everything was planned, and I had my family beside me. My responsibilities were limited to enjoying the moment, taking pictures, and absorbing the atmosphere.
But this time is different—very different. I am not returning as a tourist but as a student of international relations and development. That alone carries a sense of seriousness and purpose. It makes me think the entire experience will take on a new meaning. There’s a difference between being somewhere to relax and being somewhere to learn, engage, question, and interact with real issues and real people.
The thought of living on campus, adjusting to local customs, addressing people respectfully, dressing appropriately, and travelling with classmates I barely know brings a wave of anxiety. This will be my first academic field trip abroad, and with that comes both excitement and the fear of navigating unfamiliar dynamics. Field trips have the power to strengthen friendships—or test them—and they create space for unexpected bonds with the people we meet along the way.
During my first visit, I arrived with an open mind, deliberately avoiding preconceived ideas. I wanted to discover Thailand through my own eyes, not the internet’s imagination. Returning now, I feel a deeper sense of joy and anticipation. I look forward to experiencing once again the warmth, hospitality, and gentle spirit that greeted me the first time. And this time, I get to embrace it not just as a visitor, but as someone growing, learning, and evolving through the journey.
Fatimata Mamadu