Thailand | Panthers Abroad
Chiang Mai, Thailand | Summer 2019 | Graham Hartlaub | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres
Why did you want to study abroad? Why this location?
Thailand was not my number-one choice originally — I first liked the idea of going to either Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland, but somewhere down the line I began to like the thought of studying in a place where I did not know any of the language, a place located literally on the other side of the world (Thailand is directly on the opposite side of Earth from Milwaukee, WI, 12-hour time difference), and a place I never expected to go otherwise. Never did I think I would go to Asia anytime soon, but I believe this stroke of spontaneity made the journey even more advantageous and bewildering.
What made this country different from living in the U.S.?
The greatest difference I observed between Chiang Mai and the United States was the difference in the treatment and accommodation of immigrants and tourists. All of the signs in Thailand were written in Thai as well as Japanese and English, most locals knew a solid foundation of the English language, and many towns and villages seemed to make most of their profits on the contributions of tourists — every block was studded with shops prominently featuring local attire, souvenirs, and charms for sale (mostly inscribed in English). In America, all signs are in English save for maybe airports or places where means of international travel are provided, American citizens can safely get by knowing only English, and we do not exactly make it easy for people who travel to the States to get around, explore the city, or secure a place to live — nor are we very willing to do so. Although I could officially call myself a student while staying in Thailand, it was very difficult not to feel like a tourist or experience all of the benefits of being an American tourist as well.
What did a typical day look like for you?
On a typical day, I would wake up and exercise in the fitness center of the condo I was staying in and head to my first class around eight-thirty in the morning. I would stay on campus for my first class (either Buddhism for the first half of the program or Thai Dance for the second half), lunch, and my second class (Thai Language). I would go home, study for an hour or two, later head out to dinner with friends, and then go back to my room for the night where I would study some more, read or write a little bit, or watch a little something on TV.
How much did this trip impact your educational experience and in what ways?
I did not study anything related to my major formally throughout my trip. I took my camera out and took plenty of pictures and videos along the way, but my studies were not directly affiliated with my major. However, I would say that the subject matters I studied influenced my creativity — my writing, philosophies, commonly-tackled themes, my comprehension of movement, and several aspects and approaches that may make my work individual and unique or may contribute to the realization of my own creative vision which is one of my ultimate goals in completing my time here at UWM.
What was your favorite memory from the trip?
I would write down my entire trip in explicit detail from beginning to end if I were asking this question honestly. However, there was one weekend where myself and a group of five other friends took a bus up to the village of Pai for a weekend. There is a canyon there made of soft, beige earth with small paths no wider than the width of my waist that split off and rose and fell across an entire plain like veins on the back of your hand. The six of us hiked for a little bit and found a place to sit and view one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in a very, very long time. I just remember us sitting together quietly, feeling no need to talk or move — we all knew we felt safe, comfortable, happy, and like we were taking as much advantage of life as we possibly could in that moment. I would say that was my favorite single moment of the trip — a moment of self-realization amongst my peers!
This could be you! Check out the options we have for studying abroad here. If you’re interested in learning more, the Center for International Education is located in Garland Hall, Room 138 or can be contacted at (414) 229–4846 and cie@uwm.edu.
