Why Thailand? I’ve asked myself this question so many times, and every time, the answer isn’t really a sentence—it’s a flood of memories. A reel of unforgettable moments I experienced in Thailand. Honestly, if this was a movie, I’d sit and watch it on repeat forever. That’s what the Civic Semester in Thailand was like for me.
Hold on—that’s just me getting lost in all those memories again.
Reality hit fast the moment I got that email saying I was selected for the Civic Semester program. That feeling? It shook every part of me. I couldn’t hold it in—I just burst out laughing, crying, smiling all at once. The joy was unreal. But anyway, let me get back to the point.
The Civic Semester is a one-of-a-kind experience. It brings you so close to nature, in a way that builds a unique connection between you and the environment—something extraordinary. Personally, I gained such deep insights into life, nature, and myself. My mindset expanded in a way I didn’t even know was possible. That growth is something I’ll carry with me forever.
Now, let’s talk about Thailand. The Thai people are so warm and kind—always welcoming, always ready to help. They truly made us feel at home. They especially appreciated it when we tried speaking Thai (even with our awkward accents). And the food? Don’t get me started. It was something else. From khao pad, muu kata, cha khiao, pad krapao, to the spicy tom yum kung, sweet and spicy som tam, and of course, the famous pad Thai—Thailand is filled with some of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever had.
We visited 10 local organizations that taught us skills like weaving, crocheting, composting, organic farming, even some insights into legal work. These weren’t just lessons—they were experiences that helped me understand how real-world systems work. They helped me start shaping my future at Tufts, whether through discovering a passion or thinking about a career path I hadn’t considered before.
Living in Chiang Mai—right in the heart of Northern Thailand—was an experience in itself. It showed me how different cultures can come together and coexist beautifully. Elephants are sacred in Thailand, and we were so honored to be called chang (which means “young elephants”). One of the best photos we took was from the day we got to bathe elephants in the river. That was magical.
Thailand is full of art. The temples are designed in such a modest, yet deeply intricate and sophisticated way. The naga statues outside the temples were just beautiful. The black, white, and blue temples—we were all in awe. One of my favorite things was meeting and talking with monks. They were humble, wise, and full of lessons about mindfulness and life. I even learned some of their Pali chants and, for a while, thought about becoming a monk myself—if only we had more time.
Chiang Mai’s location gave us access to so many amazing places—waterfalls, caves, and of course, those famous Thai massages. I loved our cave trip the most. In the silence and darkness, surrounded by nature’s untouched beauty, it was surprisingly peaceful and therapeutic—even crawling through those tight spaces!
And then there was the Thai language. It was both fun and frustrating. I made plenty of mistakes, but that’s how I learned. In Thai, men usually end their sentences with khrap or kap, and women with kha. It’s a way of being polite and respectful. To this day, when I hang out with one of my best friends from the program, we still talk in Thai!
Thailand is super affordable too. With just one U.S. dollar, you could grab a meal, take a tuk-tuk ride, or hop into the back of a red truck for a city ride. The buzz of the city matched perfectly with the warm (sometimes hot) weather—which honestly, I grew to love.
But the most unforgettable part? The home-stays.
From the very first day, we were welcomed like family. We were even given bikes to explore around three huge reservoirs. The homestay moms were so kind and caring, and we all felt truly at home. Waking up to a delicious breakfast and heading out for a day of adventure—it was perfect. Alongside that, we were placed in internships where we worked directly with local communities in areas we were passionate about.
Thinking back on my Civic Semester in Thailand brings so much laughter and nostalgia. The transformation I went through is visible—it changed me. I understand myself better now. I know what matters to me, and how I want to contribute—not just to my life, but to the people around me and the world.
I miss my Thailand family so much. I miss the kids I played soccer with every day. I love them more than I can explain—they’re my North Stars.