International Experiences
01
International Coursework
ARH 2000 - Art Appreciation American Diversity and Global Arts:
This course taught me about the visual arts globally, with a focus on diversity within the United States. I analyzed how social roles, economic factors, and cultural backgrounds and how this shaped art movements within America. I had weekly writing assignments in which I wrote about the connections between culture and art. This class allowed me to engage with different cultural perspectives firsthand, from an artistic perspective.
​
DEP 3053 - Developmental Psychology:
Another course I took was developmental psychology, in which I learned how to examine human development from a cross-cultural perspective, exploring how biological, and psychological, factors are affected by different cultural contexts. By studying diverse cultural norms, and practices, I gained insight into the variabilities of human development across different societies worldwide. The class ended with a final paper in which I chose three developmental topics and connected them to my own life. This exposure to diverse perspectives broadened my awareness of global issues and encouraged critical thinking about cultural influences on human development.
​
HLP 4933 - International Health Practicum
During the summer, I took this online class as I participated in a pre-health internship in Thailand. I worked with underprivileged children aged 4-7, who have faced challenges such as abuse, neglect, and exploitation, which was a profoundly rewarding experience. This class allowed me to discuss my activities during my internship, learn about what my fellow interns were doing during their internships, and learn more about Thai culture. I was required to do podcast-style recordings to reflect on my experiences weekly. I also attended seminar talks with Thai health professionals and learned about the differences in healthcare in Thailand and the United States. This opportunity taught me to embrace the challenges of living in a foreign country, with different food, culture, and language. Beyond the classroom, I forged genuine connections with teachers, staff, and fellow interns.
02
Campus Events
My very first introduction to the vast variety of cultures at the University of Florida was at the AAASA (Asian American Student Association) show. At this show many Asian student groups such as KUSA (Korean Student Association), VSO (Vietnamese Student Organization), CASA (Chinese American Student Association), ISA (Indian Student Association), PSA (Pakistani Student Association), etc and other interest groups put on dance performances using traditional and modern songs. It was at this showcase that I became aware of how much diversity is at the University of Florida and sparked my interest in being involved in cultural groups.
I participated in the 2021 Fall Chuseok showcase for KUSA (Korean Undergraduate Student Association). I learned about the importance of Chuseok, which is a major fall holiday in South Korea in which families get together to share food, play games, and partake in ancestral rites. It was interesting to learn about this holiday as I never knew about it before so it was fun to hear the speaker share common traditions and the events that usually take place. The purpose of the showcase is to bring students together to celebrate this major holiday so that many Korean UF students don't feel alone, it also allows others to have the opportunity to learn about a different culture. I danced with the KUSA dance group in 3 songs as part of the showcase.
Furthermore, I went to the Holi Celebration run by the UF Indian Student Association at Flavet Field. Holi is a Hindu holiday that celebrates the start of spring and is known as the festival of colors. At Holi celebrations, people run around and throw colored powder at each other. I am Hindu myself and have participated in these festivals at home, but never with so many people my age. It was a great opportunity to invite my friends as this event was open to everyone regardless of their religion. I was able to introduce them to Indian food, dances, songs, and how to play at Holi. Being involved in these cultural campus events allowed me to not only learn about many other cultures but also make many great new friends.
03
Study Abroad: Bangkok, Thailand
I participated in a transformative 7-week study abroad pre-health internship in Bangkok, Thailand, where I had the privilege of working at Anubarn Sanrak, a school and orphanage dedicated to supporting underprivileged children aged 4-7 who had endured significant challenges such as abuse, neglect, and prostitution. In this multifaceted role, I assisted teachers while fostering positive connections with the children. Additionally, I played an integral part in lesson preparation and activity guidance, tailored to address the diverse physical and mental needs of the children. Demonstrating my leadership capabilities, I took charge of guiding fellow interns and collaborated closely with the program director. I also created interpersonal and intercultural relationships with teachers and fellow interns, we learned about each others' cultures and developed a mutual understanding. Immersing myself fully in the program, I accompanied children and staff on hospital check-ups and participated in home visits alongside social workers, gaining invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of their living conditions and family circumstances. Furthermore, on weekends I was able to explore other parts of Thailand, going on weekends trips to Ayutthaya, Pattaya, and Phuket. I was able to visit historical sites, temples, and try new foods. I learned more about Thai culture such as the values of Buddhism, the different characteristics of their food and tried on traditional clothing.This immersive experience not only broadened my cultural horizons but also deepened my empathy and commitment to making a meaningful difference, especially in the field of health and science.