Thailand MUIC Getting Ready

If you are getting ready to apply for MUIC Thailand, first thing you need to know is that Mahidol University International College is pronounced as you would say Mahidon not Mahidol. Next make sure you send in your application early and make sure you are on it with receiving your acceptance letter because it took a while to get mine in due to a form that wasn't sent to me. Other than that, causing me to receive my visa just barely in time, it was smooth sailing. Yes, you do have to wear a uniform but they are cheap and it makes it easy to know what you can wear for class. 

One thing that I had trouble on deciding was where to live during my time there. Our school gave us quite a few options but really the only options you will really want are between Bundit Home/ House or the September. This is because that is where all the international students live and it feels really great to have that community there for you while your attending school. I stayed at the Bundit Home which was an excellent choice for me. It is a bit cheaper than the September but I believe more students lived there over than the September even though they are both great options and right next door to each other. They are both really great nice clean places to live and I had a room all to myself for about $350 a month! I would have gotten a roommate but the only way you can do this is if you know someone going there since it is an apartment building, they do not match roommates for you. The place is lovely, has air conditioning and sheets already provided for the beds. You can't cook in them but that really isn't necessary especially since just in walking distance there are so many options for food ranging from $1-$3! It was insane how cheap it really was living there. The place also has a really nice pool. 

Some food recommendations I have in the area are what we would just call the pad Thai place it has an orange sign, bean bag cafe for curry, the smoothie guy which I would practice my Thai phrases with, and honestly 711 with their toasties!

Inside Mahidol International college building 

The Groove is a place with lots of food options near the apartments and has live music and bars!

The view from my room at Bundit Home.

The smoothie guy sending us off after our time in Thailand. Such a nice guy!

Why attend MUIC Thailand? Here's why! (Juliana Freire)

Before I even started school at HPU, I knew I wanted to study abroad but I wasn't sure where. There are so many different places in the world I wanted to travel to. I ended up choosing Thailand, one because I heard it was cheap and I could afford it but also because it was a place that would be so different from anywhere, I have ever seen or heard about. Leading up to my trip I was excited and also worried if I had everything and also if my visa would come in on time! 

But nonetheless, I was off on my journey by myself with an open mind and ready to see what Thailand had in store for me. I arrived the day after New Year’s, what a way to start the year! Then just like that, I was experiencing all that Thailand had to offer. I was living just right outside of Bangkok in an area called Salaya. A nice local area by the university which was full of Thai students who were learning in English and about another 100 international students. Although my classes weren't in Thai except my one Thai class, I was truly having the full Thai experience. From pointing at menus to eat or trying to pick up and use some of the words I learned in my Thai class to all our travels around Thailand learning all the transportation ways. 

There was so much to see and experience in Thailand. So many different areas, so much culture, and kind people. I was taking classes Tuesday and Thursdays and then Thursday night I’d be off on a night bus to a different part of Thailand and be back Monday night for school the next day. From traveling up north to visit elephant sanctuaries, temples, and the more typical Thai living spots to down south with islands, beaches, monkeys, and full moon parties to beautiful national parks that I highly recommend! Thailand was such a fun new experience! It does have its poverty but if you go there with an open mind the country can show you so much beauty with all it’s beautiful landscape and people. It’s definitely a place that you’ve got to check out!

Semester at Sea Activities

Since I have been back from my trip,  a lot of people have been asking me questions about what I did while the ship was sailing at sea. A lot of people assume that Semester at Sea is just a big college party cruise which is false!!!! It is the complete opposite from that. It is a time where you are able to experience the world in four short months and meet some of the most amazing people of your lifetime.

While sailing on the ship you have a full class schedule and are taking courses everyday while at sea. There are no such thing as weekends while on the ship because everyday is a school day. This may seem overwhelming but it is reasonable because you get so much time when docked in country to do anything that you desire.

After you get out of class there are plenty of things to do after such as:

• Go to the gym  (I used this almost everyday in order to stay active)
• Basketball court 
• Pool
• Study Rooms 
• Clubs 
• Lecture information sessions (goal setting, story time, etc.)
• Movie Theater 

There are also certain days that are saved for fun activities on the ship:

• Sea Olympics - a day where different teams compete in fun activities set up around the ship 
• Neptune Day - where we cross the dateline, jump in the pool and kiss a fish
• Crossing the Equator - Reach the 0,0 buoy in the middle of the ocean 
• Semester at Sea Ball - get dressed up and eat fancy dinner with everyone to celebrate the last leg of the voyage 

There are plenty of fun activities that staff and students put on in order to keep you busy. There was always something going on after class each day. Make sure to join the clubs and information lectures because you will learn so many new things about yourself but also the others around you! It truly is an incredible experience.

Semester at Sea Embarkation

Hello All!

I am going to tell you a little bit about my planning for Semester at Sea before and during embarkation. For all of you who do not know what Semester at Sea is a multi-country study abroad program on a ship that is open to all students of all majors. The program emphasizes on global comparative study and ocean awareness.

I was lucky enough to attend the Fall 2019 Voyage.. the 126th voyage of the program!

In this blog I just wanted to share a few tips that I wish I knew before hand:

•  Apply EARLY to the program because you do not want to be rushed or miss anything during the enrollment process. Unfortunately I applied late to the program and missed the scholarship deadline which I was pretty bummed about so try to keep track of deadlines!
• PACKING! Pack light because you will buy many things along the voyage. I will leave a drop down of things that I packed that weren't on the list that came in handy!
• snacks (lots of them)
• blanket
• map (for people to sign after the voyage)
• shoe rack or clothes organizer (the closets on the ship are small)
• small gifts to give children you meet on the way / people you meet 
• books (no internet so lots of free time to yourself) 
• Don't plan or book flights for countries prior to getting on the ship because you will meet tons of people and change your plans as you go  

I embarked from San Diego and had my parents come with me to drop me off. This is probably one of the weirdest feelings you will experience. I felt very uncomfortable and almost as if I was starting a whole new year at school. I had so many emotions leaving my parents and stepping aboard the ship. I was solo excited at one point and then got scared and nervous. Everything seemed to be hitting me at once but then once I calmed down I realized that everyone was in the same position as I was. The people around me were incredibly kind and wanted to get to know you. I was nervous about making friends for a while but it is so easy to bond with people quickly.  Don't be scared to be yourself because you will meet some of the most incredible people on this journey!

If you have any more questions prior to embarkation let me know below!

A semester in Townsville, Australia

As I have been back home for a while, I was able to reflect on my time abroad in Australia and would like to provide these general advices for anyone who is planning to go there in the future: 

• Australia is a very multicultural country. You will find yourself surrounded by people of all different backgrounds and traditions. Be prepared for that. Stay open-minded. 
• The upside down seasons issue. The seasons are opposite to those in the US and Europe. Please keep that in mind when deciding which semester you want to go abroad. 
• Generally, I think their grading is more harsh compared to HPU standards. They also use a different letter grade system. HD stands for high distinction, D for distinction, and these are the two highest marks that you can get. Cr stands for credit, P for pass and F for fail.
• They drink A LOT, even on weekdays.

Below are some advices specifically for those who are planning to study abroad at James Cook University, Townsville: 

• It is extremely hot in January and February. Plus, it’s very dry heat so stay hydrated. This is very important. Bring a water bottle with you EVERYWHERE.
• They have a very laid back tropical lifestyle. You see chickens and wallabies everywhere. Snakes and spiders, occasionally. 
• Their public transportation is not very efficient. Be prepared and check the bus schedule before hand. 
• While Townsville is moderately small, the town itself remains pretty spread out. Making friends with people who is able to drive can be very helpful. 
• The mall closes quite early, so check their opening hours and plan accordingly. 
• It is very common for people to visit Magnetic island, which isn’t too far away. it could be a very fun weekend getaway!
• Visiting Cairns is another great idea. It is about a 4 hours drive, but it is definitely worth it. 
• There is a bar on campus. 
• They have a lot of free food opportunities throughout the semester. Make sure to stay updated. 
• They loveeeee fish and chips 

Here are some pictures I took from our trip to Magnetic island:

Chuseok Holiday

For those of you that do not know, Chuseok is, in simple words, Korean Thanksgiving. All the shops close and students go home to see their family. Now, with all the Korean students gone, shops closed, and family thousands of miles away, what are the international students to do?

Fortunately, many tourist spots are open (and free!) during Chuseok weekend. My friends and I took advantage of this four day weekend by going to one of the palaces as well as the Seoul Tower.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

On Thursday, the first day of the Chuseok break, we embarked on a journey towards the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This palace is quite close to the Sungkyunkwan University campus so it was convenient for us.

An experience that I highly recommend while coming to Korea is wearing a hanbok to the palace. A hanbok is South Korea's traditional clothing. I was hesitant about this at first because I thought it would be offensive for a non-Korean to wear the traditional dress of Korea. However, after asking many of my Korean friends, they told me that Koreans actually feel flattered when foreigners enjoy their culture (in a respectful way).

Before going to the palace, we went to a hanbok rental shop. For the most basic hanbok, it was W20,000 (~$17) for four hours.

Not only did wearing the hanbok make me feel like a princess, but we got into the palace for free!

The palace was beautiful. I could not describe it in words as a picture would be better to capture its beauty.

 Namsan Tower (Seoul Tower)

On Friday, it was the official day of Chuseok. This means that most stores and restaurants were closed unless you were in a very touristy

Prague - Returning Home

My two months in Prague were probably some of the most transformative months I have had over the past year or two. I have been able to learn A LOT about myself as a growing adult and as someone who was physically disconnected from their home and everyone they know. Sometimes it felt like the end would never come and all I wanted to do was go home, other times I wish time would freeze and I could just stay in a few choice moments for as long as I could. Now, reflecting back on my time in Prague, I have the following advice to give to any future travelers.

• Always try to walk if you can. Prague is a walking city and you get to see lots of dogs on your walk (they really like dogs there).
• Don't just be friends with your roommates. There are so many great people coming from other places around the world as well as the local people. Try your best to talk to someone you normally wouldn't. 
• Yes... you are legal to drink, but don't do it all the time. Some of my classmates would go out almost every night and well, it just looked exhausting. The club scene can be pretty active but you can also buy CHEAP drinks at the grocery store and do a night in with your friends. 
• Bring any snacks with you that you REALLY love. I love hot Cheetos. Does anyone in the city carry hot Cheetos? The answer is no :( 
• Go to Sunset Hill. It is this great park near Vinohradska that always brings the prettiest sunsets. 
• Travel to a country on the weekend. There are 3 or 4 within a 4 hour bus ride of you. 
• You don't have to keep in close contact with your friends back home. They are doing there thing and you are doing yours. You will be together again eventually, so don't get distracted trying to keep in touch and just enjoy where you are in the moment
• There are cat cafes and a dog bar! If you are an animal lover, you should definitely go to those. 
• Don't forget to travel to the other cities in the Czech Republic. Brno is supposed to have a beautiful Library. Decin has a beautiful hike and the place where they filmed part of Narnia. Cesky Krumlov is the fairytale city for a reason. 
• Just remember you are in a different place and to treat everything with respect. 
• When people stare, its not weird, it is just a normal thing to do
• Frowning is also normal. The general culture is more negative. 
• Eat Czech food! Its pretty good so step out of your comfort level! 
• Mlovite Anglicky? (mloveeteh anglisky) Do you know English?
• Hesky pez. Muzu si ho pohladit (hesky pez. mudgu see hoe pole-lah-dit)Nice dog, Can I pet it

I hope these tips help! Coming home wasn't too bad of a transition except I would want to say things in Czech lol. Here are some pictures from my snapchat memories of my travels ◡̈  they are really random, sorry.