by Andrew Dimino ’15
Study Abroad Program: Mahidol University with GlobaLinks in Salaya, Thailand
Study Abroad Semester: Fall ’13
Rider Degree: B.S. in Business Administration
Before embarking on my final study abroad experience, I completed two semesters of Italian and had every desire to study abroad in Italy. At first, I thought I should go to Rome, but after speaking with Kim Algeo ’15, assistant director for the Center for International Education, I realized that I should consider expanding my options.
Algeo shared with me her experiences of teaching in Thailand for two years. It all sounded fascinating: the food, the nightlife, the culture, the religion and the people. At first, my parents were not nearly as enthralled as I was. They worried for my safety and the culture shock of being in a foreign country that was so different from my travels to Rome. In the end, though, they relented and I began my fall semester in Thailand.
After just one month of being in “The Land of a Thousand Smiles,” I had fallen in love with Thailand. There is such beauty about waking up each day and never knowing what you will be doing. On Thursday, I might find myself riding my moped into the heart of Bangkok to a local produce market and later going out to dinner and experiencing the vibrant nightlife. On Friday, I could be hiking a mountain with seven tiers of mesmerizing waterfalls. On Saturday, I might be petting a tiger and riding an elephant across a river after visiting an ancient Buddhist temple. On Sunday, I could be spending time with my new international friends or visiting a favorite soup stand in the village.
During my stay, I witnessed a peaceful protest of the prime minister, fed catfish in the parks and spent weekends away in Vietnam and Cambodia. Along the way, the people I met were positive and welcoming, smiling and emitting an energy that conveyed a collective understanding of the world around us.
In October 2015, I will return as a certified English teacher. When I return, I will be taking with me the knowledge and skills I gained through my education at Rider, my value system from my fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and the leadership skills I honed through DAARSTOC and Model United Nations.
To learn more about study abroad opportunities for current students, as well as scholarship support such as the Peter Aberger Memorial Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship, visit www.rider.edu/studyabroad.