Erika's Gains from Thailand

PERSONAL

What I gained...

A Better Tolerance for

Large Insects

New Friends

Thai Friends

Small Thai Friends

Elephant Friends

The bonds that I made in Thailand were definitely my greatest personal gain, from our amazing helpers, Kun, Joom, Awe, and Pang to the kids we met at Home and Life and the Beluga School.

CULTURAL

What I learned about...

Thai Welcoming Ceremonies

Bangkok City Life

Buddhist Temples and

the Royal Palace

Muay Thai Fighting

Moken Roof-Making

Thai Dancing

Throughout our trip in "The Land of Smiles," we all gained a lot of firsthand experience in Thai culture. I learned about their main religion, Buddhism, got to participate in a couple of Thai ceremonies, and just got familiar with the laid-back and friendly Thai culture and mentality in general.

ACADEMIC

What I learned about...

Hornbills on Koh Ra

Waterlilies in Kuraburi

Manure Balls (Natural Fertilizer)
at the Plearn Garden in Chumphon

Marine Crabs in Chumphon

From our ocean laboratory to our exchanges with Muslim women's groups, we were always learning. In particular, I gained a lot of new knowledge about sustainability and its practices, and about some of the coastal ecology in Thailand ranging from marine crab habitats to overfishing issues to mangrove restoration.