Gilman Essay
The energy of 6,355,100 people, the serenity of ancient Buddhist monasteries, the history of Thai culture; these are things I can not wait to experience in Thailand. Bangkok is a city wrapped up in its dichotomies. The friendliness of the people and the natural beauty of the surrounding country seem to contradict the pollution and the high rises of the capital. Bangkok is the epicenter of commerce in South East Asia, an area of the world that is growing in population, wealth, and power. In the coming years understanding the culture and the history of this nation will be beneficial. This is part of what draws me to the study abroad program at Rangsit University in Bangkok.
By studying abroad I will be able to see how another country is dealing with current environmental issues; this will enhance research for my Liberal Arts cumulative project. I am currently working on a thesis linking communication with sustainability. My goal is to offer a new way of thinking and writing about sustainability that will make it more pertinent for everyone instead of only those that have traditionally been concerned about the environment. Thailand is a country that is actively making efforts to preserve their natural resources. The Thai people have been a catalyst in this process, using both local and global viewpoints to protect the land to which they are culturally bonded.
During my stay as an international student, I will immerse myself in the study of Thai culture, language, and philosophy. Over 95% of Thailand’s population is Buddhist. Having been interested in the teachings of Buddhism for several years, I am curious to see how it is incorporated into the daily lives of a bustling population in the 21st century. Have the Thai people been able to hold onto their Buddhist values through the burst of economic growth? How does Buddhist philosophy affect their view on sustainability? These are questions I would like to answer in my Liberal Arts cumulative project.
In addition to courses on Buddhist philosophy, I will also be taking courses on communication. My education on these subjects will be limited to the class room. Every day in another country is a learning experience because you are given the opportunity of interacting with people who have different religious beliefs, political ideas, and cultural ties. My study abroad program offers a home stay with a native Thai family. I see no better way of connecting with a country than to enter the microcosm of family life. I have chosen to accept this offer despite knowing no Thai. But the best way to learn any language or culture is to go live it.
One of the extra-curricular activities offered by my USAC program is the opportunity to volunteer in the upkeep and restoration of Buddhist temples. It would be an honor to volunteer my time in such a noble way. Buddhist temples are not only beautiful aesthetically, but symbolically as well. They are icons of a vanishing culture. Many of the Buddhist temples in Nepal, Pakistan and China have been lost due to political conflict. Helping to preserve the temples in Thailand would be a very satisfying and reciprocal experience for me.
One of the challenges that I face is financial. I have been paying for school with student loans and a federal Pell grant. Even with the grant I will have a substantial amount of student loans to pay after graduation. Everybody has been affected by our current economy, but students are among those hit by the brunt of this situation. Studying in Thailand will be well worth every cent, but I will need some form of financial support to make this dream a reality.
I foresee this study abroad having a profound effect on my life. The things I learn in Thailand I will take with me to wherever I go next. They will be in between the lines of every conversation. They will be in my heart and memory. They will be in stories I pass down. I think Miriam Beard put this concept most eloquently: “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent in the ideas of living.” I am excited to meet a Thai family and volunteer in the monasteries. I am excited to learn about the culture of Thailand’s people and see how their beliefs and philosophies play out in everyday life. This experience will round out my college education, make me a more competitive applicant in the professional world, and most importantly, help me to be a more well-rounded and compassionate human being.