Sabrina Brown
Graduate Student, Master in Teaching

I am writing from Chiang Mai tonight, the second stop of this study tour, and already I feel more comfortable. Even on the short ride from the airport, I felt more relaxed. Perhaps I am becoming more comfortable with my fellow travelers and the group dynamic, but more likely simply absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of Bangkok taxed my system. I appreciate the opportunity to experience (granted, in a limited way) the city of Bangkok, but I am more excited to be in Chiang Mai. I am a Master in Teaching student and for me, Chiang Mai means the opportunity to work with beautiful Thai children. In Bangkok , several times I happened to be walking on the street when school let out. Uniformed school children crowded the sidewalks. On the Skytrain and in a shop in Siam Square I noticed some sweet little boys. For me, working with Thai children will be a high point of this tour.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Thai culture I experienced while in Bangkok is the graciousness of the people. The wai (made by pressing palms together like praying) feels reverent, a way of connecting to other people in a surprisingly warm way. Whenever I make a wai to a Thai person and the wai is returned, the communication feels deeper than the literal "hello" translation it is. The wai is always accompanied by a warm smile which adds greater significance to the exchange. I would like to make a wai at every opportunity but I don't want to trivialize it or offend anyone. Not wanting to offend the Thai people is a common theme for me. I want to make a good impression on the Thai people I meet and dispel any ideas that all Americans are too loud, disrespectful and arrogant.

Though I have reflected on my experience thus far, I suspect that the major of significant reflection will occur when I return to the states. There I will discover the true impact of this trip.

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