During the Democratic Engagement module, we explored different concepts such as culture, development, psychology, biology, and science, and their practical applications. Our trip to Thailand helped us understand the connection between these concepts. For instance, culture can impact the development of a city or country. This was particularly interesting to me, and I wanted to...
Throughout this module, I had a unique opportunity to learn about a “global network” through a curated layout of critical ideas and practices. At first, I was unsure how this would connect with my studies, but it quickly became apparent. Guest lecturers in weeks two to four discussed topics such as ethics and international education,...
The module provided us with valuable insights into the concept of education that breaks through geographic and cultural boundaries. We delved into A.S. Neill’s Summerhill School case study, which exemplifies the benefits of allowing students to express themselves freely. Undoubtedly, the Thailand Field Trip was the highlight of the module. It offered us a splendid...
It feels almost surreal to sit here and write about my momentous visit to Bangkok. I still cannot fathom that I happened to be one of the few fortunate students who got to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity. This experience was truly magical, it is one that I know will have a lasting...
Throughout the module, Thailand was a constant point of focus for us. However, as time passed, we learned about many different aspects beyond the trip, such as working cross-culturally and thinking about education beyond its traditional boundaries. We reflected on various theories through guest lectures that broadened our perspective on education. It made us realize...
Education has no limits. It extends beyond the confines of classrooms and textbooks, into the realm of real-world experiences. Recently, I had an exciting turn in my academic journey when we went on a field trip to Thailand, which completely transformed the way I viewed learning. Studying in Thailand for a few days was like...
The concept of hegemony is a complex and multifaceted one, with different ideologies presenting varying views within the field of International Relations. However, all theories emphasize two crucial aspects: overwhelming material influence and the practice of leadership. While some scholars focus solely on the worldly power of hegemony, most approaches highlight both elements to varying...
A few days after the field trip to Thailand has ended, it’s good to take a step back and consider more what was learned during the field trip and the whole course and how it was cultivated in real-life experiences at the end of the course. So, this blog will focus on connecting the field...
From the moment I enrolled in the “Democratic Engagement in an International Context” module, the anticipation of what lay ahead was palpable. Little did I know that this academic journey would unfold into an enriching experience, surpassing my expectations. The allure of the module extended beyond the prospect of a field trip to Thailand; it...
The past 11 weeks have prepared us for two goals: cultivating international collaborations and expanding our knowledge globally. When I first joined the module, all I knew was that I would be travelling to a country, but two 15-hour plane journeys later, I understood the importance of cross-cultural learning and putting my knowledge into practice....
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” — Anonymous. I’d like to start my blog by citing a quote that expresses my feelings. Born and raised in Hanoi, a girl who has been living in Vietnam for 20 years, I’ve made a decision that broadens my perspective of the world – joining the...
I was excited to return to Istanbul to see a city I fell in love with 4 years ago. The city has a way of captivating the mind, and looking out across the Bosphorus Strait and seeing the many beautifully ornate Mosques against its skyline will always be a sight I cherish. I feel a...