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Adventure Awaits: Real Stories from Exchange Students Who Took the Leap
December 17, 2025 2025-12-18 10:14Adventure Awaits: Real Stories from Exchange Students Who Took the Leap
Studying abroad can truly be a life-changing adventure! Sure, you’ll be living in a country that’s totally different from your own—maybe even with a culture that’s the complete opposite of what you’re used to. And yes, you’ll need to find your way around a brand-new university and adapt to a different learning environment. But here’s the thing: the rewards are absolutely worth it! Think new sights, amazing experiences, lifelong friends, and incredible opportunities to grow as a person. Two of our exchange students experienced all of this and so much more! Keep reading to discover their unforgettable adventures abroad.
Berlin and a Braver Me: How an Exchange Year Taught Me to Thrive
For International Business major Ms. Boonyaporn “Aum” Phakum, a year in Berlin was about more than just academics. Fueled by an Erasmus scholarship and a dream of living in a vibrant European city, she embarked on a journey to the Berlin School of Economics and Law that would teach her the true meaning of independence.
Aum’s biggest lessons happened far outside her comfort zone. The German academic style, with its focus on self-study, pushed her to become more disciplined. But her greatest challenge—and most memorable experience—was taking her first-ever part-time job. “It was both exciting and a little scary,” she admits. “But it gave me more confidence and taught me how to be independent, which was a big step for me.”
Balancing work and classes was tough, but it taught her resilience and real-world skills she would find useful. When she wasn’t studying or working, Aum found joy in the simple things: exploring Berlin’s parks, spending weekends at the lake, and walking everywhere. “I loved how it made me feel independent and free,” she reflects. “These simple but special moments made my time abroad unforgettable.”
So, what is Aum’s advice for students dreaming of their own adventure? She breaks it down into five key tips:
- Plan Ahead: Choose a university with courses that transfer back to MUIC.
- Seek Scholarships: Look for opportunities like Erasmus to ease the financial burden.
- Embrace Discomfort: Step out of your comfort zone—that’s where growth happens.
- Budget Wisely: Living abroad is expensive, so plan your finances and consider a part-time job.
- Enjoy the Small Moments: Things won’t always be perfect, but finding joy in the everyday makes all the difference.
Ready to step out of your comfort zone and discover a more confident, independent you?
“You’re Only 20 Once”: How an Introvert Found Her Courage in Melbourne
For Ms. Thaingtara “Tine” Narin, a Finance major at MUIC, the decision to study abroad at La Trobe University wasn’t easy. As a self-described introvert who relied heavily on her parents, leaving home felt daunting. But a childhood memory of Melbourne’s artistic culture and laid-back vibe called her back—and she took the leap.
The first three months were brutal. “I was really homesick and didn’t have much confidence,” Tara admits. Making friends didn’t come naturally, and she often felt isolated on La Trobe’s sprawling, peaceful campus.
But then came a turning point. After a brief meeting at a welcome party, Tara randomly bumped into a group of exchange students in the city’s central business district. That chance “hello” sparked a friendship that would define her year. Together, they embarked on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road—her first without her parents. “We booked everything ourselves, and even though it was just a few days, our friendship will last forever,” she says.
Beyond friendship, Tara discovered independence. She worked at a Thai restaurant during term break, gaining real-world experience she never would have had at home. Her boss became a mentor, and his nephew—a fellow MUIC student—became like a brother. She explored Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Tasmania, proving to herself that she could navigate the world on her own terms.
Her Advice: Stop Overthinking and Go.
Tara’s message to hesitant students is clear: “Life is too short to think too much. You are only 20 years old just one time in your life. Going when you’re 20 and going after graduation are totally different feelings. So, have the time of your life.”
Ready to write your own story? Explore MUIC’s exchange program and discover what’s waiting for you abroad. Your adventure starts now.
To learn more details about MUIC’s exchange program, click this link: https://muic.mahidol.ac.th/eng/study-abroad/
