Submitted by Ava Malkin on the 2024 Winter DIST program in Thailand…
On the first day of our study abroad program, our professor– local to Thailand– introduced his assistant who would be spending the first few days with us. His name is Tanawat, or as he introduced himself, “Beam.” He is a student at Burapha University in Chon Buri, Thailand, and is getting a Master’s Degree in Political Science. He spent the first couple days of our trip with us while walking around Chatuchak Market, shopping at Siam Paragon Mall, and having a rooftop dinner at Baiyoke Sky Hotel. We had conversations about our families, pets, career plans, interests, and more while dealing with a language barrier. He was trying to practice his English so tried very hard to maintain conversations with us, but we resorted to using Google Translate during moments of confusion. Beam was extremely helpful in navigating the markets and restaurants during our initial days abroad since we did not know how to bargain with vendors or order in Thai. The language barrier did not stop us from becoming friends; he followed all of us on Instagram in order to keep in touch with us and share pictures of our time together. Meeting Beam was such a special experience for all of us on this trip since we were able to actually make a friend abroad, which I did not expect. We all feel very fortunate to have met Beam and we wish him nothing but the best in his future! (Submitted on January 12, 2024)