This trip really opened my eyes in a way I could not have imagined. Being able to be in Thailand alongside my peers made the learning feel more active, shared, and way more engaging than abstract. Exploring unfamiliar places and encountering new cultural practices, the experience was intense but paced, allowing me to absorb and reflect thoroughly, rather than feeling rushed.
One of my most memorable moments was the Ayutthaya trip, where the history and culture became more tangible through place-based learning. I was apprehensive at first, primarily due to concerns around the language barrier. However, our tour guide, Scottie, made us feel at ease, providing insightful explanations, addressing even the most minor details, and encouraging questions throughout the visit. The visit to the ancient temples stood out to me in particular, as walking through the ruins of temples from former kingdoms really brought history to life, transforming it from something static into something lived. This experience changed my understanding of history from something learned through websites and images to knowledge gained through physical presence and direct experience. We also had the opportunity to wear traditional clothing, which further enhanced the sense of immersion in the culture. The journey as a whole was one of the best experiences I have ever had. From the unconventional bus journey to the karaoke sessions and the moments where I found myself stressed about coursework, the experience became truly meaningful and memorable. Even on the bus, I got to learn more about my peers, and friendships blossomed; it was nice getting to know them in the most unexpected ways. Even at the hotel, where you think we would all be secluded from one another, there was still a feeling of being at home, with everyone crammed into one room. The experiences still roll on and never stop, even until midnight. During these informal moments, I learned a great deal about my peers, which strengthened our relations.
This trip also highlighted how informal learning environments can be just as powerful as classroom-based learning. Walking around the university campus with the staff and students was a delightful experience, sharing a classroom with them and receiving their teaching methods firsthand. I found it particularly interesting that students sang the national anthem each morning, as this reflected how national identity and civic values are embedded within daily educational routines. However, it was often the smaller moments that I found myself enjoying, observing daily life, engaging with local staff, and navigating their spaces and shops, that prompted the most reflection. Their way of life was so unusual from ours, the way they navigated to class, and the community’s almost everyone I saw clustered in a group or just relaxing by themselves, immersed in their work. I noticed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) posters displayed around the campus, including at bus stops, subtle yet eye-catching, and positioned in ways that encouraged reflection during everyday routines. Demonstrating how sustainable education can be integrated into ordinary spaces, reinforcing learning beyond formal teaching settings. Overall, the trip reshaped my perspective on learning, highlighting the value of reflective experiences and influencing how I approach both academic study and cross-cultural understanding moving forward.
Grace Villagomez-Akre