ARIANE LEWIS
News Writer

BANGKOK — I have had an incredible, intense journey these past three months living as an exchange student in Thailand, the “Land of Smiles.”

I chose Thailand as my exchange destination due to its unique culture, its tropical climate and because it is one of the most beautiful countries for a young traveller to explore. However, Thailand’s extreme weather (30C daily), busy traffic and cultural diversity have certainly tested me and my ability to adapt.

I have been attending Mahidol University International College in Bangkok. All courses are in English and school uniforms are mandatory. There are signs everywhere that say “No Uniform, No Service” which I find quite comical. Girls are required to wear a white button-up blouse, a dark knee length skirt and a pin with the Mahidol emblem.

I have been taking women’s studies, marine biology, Southeast Asian ecology and Thai language and culture courses. Class sizes are all under 30 students and I have had a rich academic experience by forming personal relationships with my professors. In all but women’s studies, I’ve participated in class field trips instead of attending weekly labs or seminars.

For example, my Southeast Asian ecology class travelled to Khao Yai National Park, a conservation area of lowland tropical forest. My professor, a quirky nature lover who spent many years studying monkeys in Borneo, led the way through the thick forest pointing out species within the diverse habitat. We had to wear knee high “leech socks” to prevent the abundant bloodsuckers from getting up our pants! The opportunities to apply what I’ve been learning in class to practical situations have been invaluable to me and form some of the most memorable experiences of my stay here.

Thai has been very challenging but fun to learn. It is a tonal language, which means that the same word can have five different meanings depending on the way you emphasize the syllable. I learned this lesson the hard way while trying to be witty by saying “I am a doctor.” Instead, I said “I am a pig.” Thai people are generally charmed by any attempt at their language and the misunderstandings usually bring much laughter on both sides.

The cost of living is much lower here in comparison to Canada, which has allowed me to spoil myself by taking taxis and eating out daily (for almost every meal).

I’ve fallen in love with Thai cuisine. My favourite dishes are khao pad kai (chicken fried rice) and tomkha (a spicy coconut soup with galangal root). I’m beginning to catch the secret of why everything tastes so good: lots of chili balanced by lots of sugar. Thailand grows a variety of exotic fresh fruits that are available from open markets or roadside food vendors. Pineapple, rose apple, guava and mango are sold in individually-sized portions, perfect for a quick snack.

By a twist of fate, I became a team member of Dragonfly, a small group that travels to Thai secondary schools throughout the country to teach English camps, usually on weekends. English camps consist of a team of native English speakers, often university students, who engage an assembly of Thai kids to assist them in learning the language in fun, interactive ways. In other words, you’re a clown for a day getting kids excited about learning English.

Interacting with Thai children was one of the most amazing and therapeutic experiences I’ve ever had. I was challenged to communicate in creative ways and was astonished that I could make an impression on such dynamic youngsters. By the end of the weekend, you are their hero and they all want your autograph. It’s a weird feeling because I feel they have given me so much more than I could give them.

Because my university schedule gave me Fridays off (a fair trade-off since all lectures were two hours long), I was able to travel outside of Bangkok on weekends. Many trips were to famous beaches such as Railay and Koh Phi Phi Island. Other highlights have been travelling to floating markets in Amphawa, experiencing the infamous Full Moon beach party at Koh Phangnan, playing with elephants while visiting historical Second World War sites in Kanchanaburi, and exploring countless Buddhist temples throughout the country.

Life as an exchange student in Thailand has given me an in-depth understanding of Southeast Asian culture and has allowed me to forge friendships with students and travellers from around the globe. I have learned so much about my limits and my strengths and the importance of patience while communicating in innovative ways.

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image: Ariane Lewis