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Abroaden Your Horizons
The podcast where we talk about study abroad, global programs, and diverse cultural experiences at Santa Clara University.
Abroaden Your Horizons
The Land of Smiles: Student Life in Thailand with Gema Sanchez
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In this episode of Abroaden Your Horizons, we’re joined by Santa Clara University student Gema Sanchez, a senior majoring in Public Health Science with minors in Political Science and Anthropology. She studied abroad at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Gema shares her journey of studying abroad late in college despite initial anxieties about missing out on campus life. She discusses her academic insights gained from studying Thai foreign policy and adapting to a new political and cultural environment. She opens up about adjusting to a new country, navigating language barriers, and reveals how building local connections created a powerful sense of belonging. Her story is an invitation for other students to explore unconventional destinations abroad and leverage these experiences for meaningful personal and professional growth.