I chose to study abroad because of the inspiration from my sister and the motivation from my parents. When my older sister, Sarah, was an undergraduate student at Mississippi State University she took part in a study abroad program to various European countries including Norway and Sweden exploring alternative fuel sources. She had such a beneficial experience from this program and shared it all with my family, therefore when I reached the same grade level, I received tons of encouragement to find a program at UA! Because my major is microbiology on the pre-medical track but I am on the STEM Path to the MBA, I was able to consider both biological and business-related trips when deciding which to attend. I had heard in passing about the UA in Asia program led by Professor Harold Wright from other students in the STEM/MBA degree path, and wanted to learn more about it to hopefully help me narrow down my decision. After attending an information session, I instantly fell in love with the various locations that are included in the journey. The countries of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos vary quite starkly from the United States which gave them a sense of uniqueness and intrigue that surpassed any other program I looked into.
I am beyond excited to be fortunate enough to study abroad and in such beautiful destinations. I am nervous for the cultural adjustment that will occur, especially because I expect it to be more intense than that which my sister experienced due to the greater variation between the U.S. and regional Asian countries. When packing, I had to be more mindful of the necessities, considering the weight limitations for inter-Asia flights, while also taking into account the products I use daily that I cannot easily replace in a foreign location. It was a challenge for me to make decisions between possessions like my hair straightener and an extra dress. Ultimately, my parents helped me decrease the weight of my checked bag to the acceptable limits by providing me with much-needed clarity regarding the practicality of bringing so many items. I hope that this study abroad experience will not only expand my knowledge regarding the category of academics like proper managerial practices, but also my humanity. The ability to immerse myself in a new way of life is a profound gift and I anticipate fully embracing it. I cannot wait to try new foods, talk to locals, and see the historical landmarks dear to Eastern Asian people with Professor Wright and peers who I hope to grow closer to during our time abroad!
