Studying at Khon Kaen, Thailand was a great opportunity thus I am glad that I participated in the Student Exchange Program that our school, the University of Baguio (UB), and Khon Kaen University’s (KKU) College of Local Administration (COLA) offered.
Before our class officially started, we went to the new attractions of Khon Kaen with the assistance of P’Boss, the assistant officer of KKU students. We visited Nong Waeng Temple, Nam Phong National Park, and Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Pan Kham. It was not really surprising for me at first since Thailand is known for its temples. However, visiting Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Pan Kham has been memorable because of the tiring yet fun experience. The temple has a white gigantic Buddha image called Luangpho Yai and we had to climb 1,049 stairs before reaching it. It was tiring yet it was worth it because of the breathtaking view from atop. Unfortunately, the weather suddenly became gloomy and rain came pouring down. We had no other choice but to go down the 1,049 stairs and we all got wet because of the heavy rain. What a perfect timing indeed.
When our classes began, it was a quiet day for us on campus since the Thai students were still on their vacation. It was just the 13 of us and our Thai Language teacher, Ajarn Noi. For 2 months, we studied Thai Language and Multiculturalism. I enjoyed both subjects, but I enjoyed more our Thai Language class because I love to learn foreign languages to be able to communicate easily instead of just the basic greetings.
and nodding. In the middle of June, we had a new Thai Language teacher, Ajarn Pol whom I really enjoyed his class because he taught us not only through books but also through music and watching Thai dramas. For our Multiculturalism class with Ajarn Yang, we learned not just Thai culture but also Chinese culture since she happens to be Chinese. P’Imm, acting as the program chair of COLA, always checks on us during our class dismissal. July was a whole lot of fun since this is where events and friendships started and the most memorable event for me was the COLA Connext 2023. It is an event welcoming freshmen including us, exchange students. It made us feel like we were back to being freshmen since we hadn’t experienced such an event because of the pandemic. Moreover, we formed an organization called “COLAUB: Linguistic Youth” where we taught English to voluntary Thai students to help them build self-confidence and improve their communication skills.
As one of the care members of teaching, I had a fun teaching experience because I could see that the students were really eager to learn, even if it was just for weeks. When we were done with our classes and English teaching, we went to Laos with the assistance of P’Imm, P’M, P’Oat, and Ajarn Mimi. The Laos tour was a fun experience where we visited temples and three Vietnamese restaurants.
The staff and students of COLA did not make us feel like we were different from them. Everywhere we went, Thai people welcomed us with smiles. I am glad that I took the risk and participated in the program because I got to see a different side of me that I wasn’t aware of.
It helped me build new relationships and travel to 2 countries in a year. We got to showcase our hidden talents and share our own culture. Also, I am glad that UB-SIHTM conducted a preparatory program for us because it really helped us a lot during our two-month stay, especially the budgeting. We were also given the chance to explore Bangkok before returning to the Philippines by our SIHTM Dean, Ms. Jenelyn M. Magpatoc. Truly, it was a great decision to step out of my comfort zone and experience all these things.
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