A lot has happened since I last updated. I'm going back to Thailand in just 17 days! 9 more incredible months of adventure, exploration, learning, weird smells, strange foods, elephants, and constant smiles. Before I make it to Thailand, I'm going to Toronto, Canada, to spend a week with my best friend in the entire world, Vinny! I leave the USA on August 11th, which is coincidentally the same day I left for Thailand back in 2014. Summer classes are almost done, flights are booked, visas are ready, and all I have to do now is pack my bags and say my goodbyes!
I'll be spending my sophomore year with the USAC program in Chiang Mai at Chiang Mai University. Chiang Mai University is one of the best universities in Thailand, and has about 50,000 students! I'll be living in an apartment with another USAC student, but I don't know who quite yet. Most of the classes that I will be taking this year will apply towards my Political Science and International Studies majors, so I won't be doing much with Neuroscience until I return to Loyola in 2017. Here's what I'll be taking this semester:
- Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
- Global Health Issues
- Reading and Writing Thai Language
- Sustainable Development
- Thai Civilization
- World Economic Issues
I'm probably most excited about Global Health Issues and Sustainable Development! While I'm abroad, I'm planning on working with the Chiang Mai 'Care For Dogs' Foundation, where I'll just be volunteering and taking care of some sweet pups. I'm also planning on interning with a local hospital and the U.S. Consulate. One of my goals this year is to occupy my time with any and all opportunities that are available to me. Last time, I wasn't as progressive with going for opportunities as I was so swamped with college applications and preparation, exams, and other things. I know for sure that I will be doing things that I don't know about yet.
As for how I'm feeling about leaving for another year, I do have to say it's a whole lot easier. I'm not exactly feeling very nervous or excited either, I'm just ready. I am however, feeling pretty blue about leaving my friends and family. That part hasn't gotten easier. BUT, I do get to see my host family a few times this year, and my best friend Ashley Cox is coming all the way to Thailand to backpack with me around Southeast Asia for Christmas break. Also, my roommate this summer, Noah, is coincidentally planning on doing the Chiang Mai program as well next spring, so I'll get to see him! I'm sure I'm going to meet so many incredible people this year, and I absolutely cannot wait; that's one of the best parts of living abroad in my opinion.
Possibly the best part of my experience this year will be all the countries that I will be visiting. I received an awesome travel grant to work with because of my blog and my previous experiences, and I am so grateful! Here's where I'll be going this year:
Canada, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, France, Netherlands, Germany, Iceland, and Canada (again)!
Some of these destinations will be random weekend trips, some will be during my winter break, and the rest will be part of an around-the-world trek I am undertaking by myself while on my way home from Thailand. I know it sounds astronomically wild and maybe a bit dangerous, but there's so much world to see and I'm taking this opportunity and running with it! It's going to be a blast!
That's all for now, but I will update again before I leave. Follow my blog or add me on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter to stay up to date!
Facebook: Brandon Penrod (I'm sure I'll pop up).
Instagram: @bdawg3008
Twitter: @BrandonPenrod97
E-mail: brandon.penrod1997@yahoo.com
P.S. I know a lot of students interested in YES Abroad come across this blog, so if you have any questions or want to talk, please feel free to add me on any of the above platforms or e-mail me!
Until next time,
Brandon
This is awesome
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