帝王会所

The desire to immerse himself in a culture vastly different from his own inspired student Brenden Marcum to join a 10-day experiential learning trip to Thailand over winter break. 

"I've always wanted to explore how different cultures live and think, and Thailand was a place I knew I could learn both personally and professionally," Marcum said. "It was a chance to apply my studies in a real-world context, particularly in terms of communication and cultural understanding, which will serve me well in my future career."

The trip, co-directed by Scripps College of Communication Professor of Instruction Pam Kaylor, Thai Language Associate Professor Pittaya Paladroi-Shane, and Southeast Asian Subject Librarian Jeffrey Shane, provided students with a range of immersive learning experiences. In Northern Thailand, Marcum spent time learning about sustainable living and agriculture. 

"It was eye-opening to see how sustainability is such a natural part of life there,鈥� Marcum said. 鈥淚t made me think about how I can incorporate those principles into my own daily routine."

One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip for Marcum was visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, where he helped care for an elephant named Pattaya.

"Interacting with Pattaya was a surreal experience,鈥� Marcum said. 鈥淟earning about ethical elephant tourism and seeing firsthand how these animals are cared for was incredibly impactful.鈥�

In Bangkok, Marcum engaged in traditional Thai cultural activities, including dance and cooking. 

"One of my favorite experiences was preparing Tom Yum Goong soup over an open fire with students at the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool,鈥� Marcum said. 鈥淚t was amazing to share a meal that we all made together and learn about the significance of food in Thai culture.鈥�

Marcum described his experience in Thailand as transformative.

鈥淚 gained insights into how cultural practices influence communication and behavior, which will directly apply to my career in criminal justice,鈥� Marcum explained. 鈥淧rofessionally, I learned how important cultural sensitivity and patience are when working with diverse populations. Personally, I feel more empathetic, adaptable, and open-minded than ever before.鈥� 

Marcum acknowledged the challenges he faced, particularly as a nontraditional student funding the trip and navigating cultural adjustments, such as learning to communicate in Thai.

"There were definitely moments of discomfort, but I embraced them as part of the learning process. The support from OHIO鈥檚 staff and the encouragement of my peers made all the difference," he said.

Marcum will always remember the farewell dinner at Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool as one of the most emotional and impactful moments.

"The students performed a song for us, and it was a deeply meaningful gesture that highlighted the strong bond we formed throughout the program. It really showed me the power of cultural exchange鈥攈ow much we can learn from one another through simple acts of kindness and shared experiences," he said.

Marcum encourages other students to take advantage of 帝王会所鈥檚 global and experiential learning opportunities.

"I鈥檇 tell anyone considering a trip like this to go with an open mind and be ready to embrace the unknown. Whether it鈥檚 language barriers, adjusting to new social norms, or stepping out of your comfort zone, these are the moments that lead to growth," he advised. "Engage fully in hands-on cultural experiences, learn some basic phrases of the local language, and don鈥檛 be afraid to share your own culture. These experiences will stay with you forever." 

帝王会所 offers a variety of global opportunities that provide students with immersive, real-world learning experiences. Programs like the Thailand trip allow students to engage with global communities, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and gain perspectives that can shape their academic and professional paths.

To learn more about 帝王会所鈥檚 global opportunities, visit ohio.edu/goglobal.