HPU's Students Abroad Blog: Time Flies: Another Month in Review

Hello Again!

It's funny how three months used to feel like forever and now it only feels like three weeks. I must say, time do goes by really fast. Now that another month has come to an end, I am happy to share a few more collection of memories that highlights my time here in Thailand. But first, let's talk about school!

Mahidol University International College (Building)

Wisdom of the Land

Me in my uniform near the Learning Center on campus

School here is amazing and the environment is quite different from what I am often familiar with in HPU. It's easy to tell who goes to MUIC since everyone are wearing the school uniform. Yes, uniforms! Something I always thought that I will never have to wear especially in college. I am currently taking four classes that are almost two hours long per each course. The honest truth is, I get super sleepy in some of my classes especially my 8am class. My advice, "do choose your class time very carefully." Other than that, don't let this or anything hinder you from wanting to study abroad because I really enjoy learning here and you will agree or hopefully do agree once you come and experience it yourself. The room sizes are small in my opinion unless you are taking a certain class with 30 plus students. As for the campus, it is very big and it might take you some amount of time just to cover the whole University. That's where the clubs come in.

YOU GOTTA JOIN A CLUB!

Again, you got to join a club. I believe the first or second week was when they had the Club Expo and I was super excited to join as much clubs as I can. I ended up signing for five different clubs but for some reason was only able to join two. I would highly recommend joining the Cycling and Art Club only because one - I joined it and two - they are the best clubs ever.

Painting with my Art Buddies

We had a Cycling trip to Kanchanaburi on the second week of February for two days. We left early Saturday morning and safely arrived at Guest House where we stayed at for the night. On the first day, we biked for about 40 or 45 km and it can be very intense if you are a beginner like myself.

reaching the 1km sign

I was always tempted to give up but despite the steep hills and the scorching sun, I managed to made it to the end. Coming this far to Thailand and biking for that much distance, I realized that you can do anything as long as you have the heart to do it. Oh how I was so filled with joy the moment I saw 1 km left. I celebrated such wonderful accomplishment with my two awesome friends who encouraged me along the way. You know, part of studying abroad is making sure you surround yourself with the right people who will always support you as you take on one of the major steps in your life.

Made it to the finish point with my friends - Boss on the Left and Ket Lee on the right

It was very sad when our trip was finally over. We end it with a visit to the Saiyok Waterfall and had the chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the other side of Thailand. I still can't get over it and would definitely do it again if I was given the opportunity. I made so many awesome sauce friends, both Thai and exchange, which is another good reason why you should join some clubs.

Saiyok Waterfall

Floating Houses along the Saiyok Waterfall/River

Every Monday we do paintings for Art Club and on Tuesdays have our general rides for cycling club. I'm glad I took the initiative to join because I have learned to come out of my comfort zone and discover another part of me that I have never known before. I really can't express in words how superb this journey has taken me.

Here are some of my favorite places we visited during cycling and some wild moments I had with my cycling buddies: