I have been back in the United States for five days now. There is definitely a stark contrast in way of life from Thailand to New Jersey. It is hard to believe we were gone for an entire two weeks, because it felt like it flew by. What made it feel so substantial and slowed down was the fact that we did so much in that amount of time. I cannot even to begin to convey how valuable of an experience this was. We had the opportunity to see so much of Thailand by staying in three very different areas. The main campus’s proximity to Bangkok was also incredible, allowing a unique perspective of how food moves throughout the country. We saw the produce being grown up in the highlands and then it would be trucked to Bangkok. Seeing the different farms closer to the city via the river tour was also very interesting. There are just so many factors and inputs that affect food sustainability in Thailand, but this trip was the best possible way to scratch the surface. Beyond the course subject matter and related activities, we also got to experience a great deal of Thai culture. Mahidol University did an excellent job preparing for this program, granting us the opportunity to visit many sights and participate in unique activities. If I were to travel to Thailand alone, there is no way I could have planned something like this on my own. I am so thankful for this opportunity to see and learn about such a beautiful country. I truly feel like I had a true taste of Thailand. If anyone reading this is considering participating in this program, I cannot recommend it enough.
Side note: What I really miss the most is either the weather or the food, so I will post some pictures of the amazing things we ate.