Exploring New Cultures Abroad

One of the most exciting things about studying in an international college like MUIC is the opportunity to be an exchange student. Whether it’s only for one semester or for one whole academic year, studying in a university overseas where one can immerse in a new culture and interact with students and professors from other countries, is a truly rewarding experience.

Here are two students from MUIC sharing their experiences and what they have learned during their exchange studies recently.

Denmark: New Friends and High Quality of Life

Ms. Panisara “Run” Normai is a Finance student who went on exchange studies to Zealand Institute of Business and Technology in Denmark during the first trimester of 2023-2024 with support from an Erasmus+ scholarship grant.

She said she chose to go study in Denmark because of its high quality of life and the beautiful architecture of its cities. The chance of visiting other Scandinavian countries was also an enticing prospect for her. As a Bachelor of Business Administration student, the marketing courses at Zealand Institute of Business and Technology “seemed quite interesting and perfectly complemented my studies in Finance, giving me fresh perspectives to bring back home.”

For Panisara, this is the important lesson she learned as an exchange student: “Being part of an international community of students taught me so much about working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It helped me become more open-minded, better at communication, and more adaptable when it comes to collaborating with others.”

She also gained new friends. “One unforgettable experience was making friends with other exchange students from around the world. Even though we didn’t have much time together, the connections we built were genuine and truly special. These friendships made my time abroad so much more meaningful.”

And her advice to fellow MUIC students who are considering going on exchange studies? “Go for it and make the most of the opportunity,” she said. “Doing a bit of research about your destination can make the transition easier and help you adjust faster. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, there’s always someone to help. Most importantly, just enjoy the journey!”

Japan: From Shyness to Self-confidence

Ms. Yiran “Diana” Dang is an Intercultural Studies and Languages (ICIC) student from the People’s Republic of China. She decided to become an exchange student in Japan because she is deeply interested in its language and culture. According to her, Chiba University is “a well-regarded public school, its environment and quality of education are excellent and living expenses in Chiba are more affordable than in Tokyo.”

“I took a course called Pop Culture at Chiba University. I learned that kawaii culture is not just about cuteness. Instead, it serves as a form of Japanese soft power. After returning to MUIC, I chose ‘Kawaii Culture as Soft Power’ as the topic of my thesis. I am eager to explore this subject further.”

The most amazing part of her exchange studies experience was her personal transformation—from being “a very shy and insecure person to one who is more outgoing and confident.”

“My parents and friends told me I had become more confident and no longer seemed like a shy person. This exchange experience truly transformed me—I believe I’ve become a better version of myself,” she said.

Asked for some useful tips for aspiring exchange students, Diana has this to say: “Enjoy your trip! No matter what happens, don’t give up and don’t lose hope. You might face some challenges in a strange place, but remember that you’ll have friends and teachers who are there to support you.”

Indeed, such an adventure awaits you! Be an exchange student! Explore your horizon, push the envelope, maximize your potential!

Click here to learn more on what it takes to be an exchange student: https://muic.mahidol.ac.th/eng/study-abroad/outbound-exchange/qualification/