Name

Brittany Vang

Major/Minor

Major: Community & Regional Development | Minor: Geographic Studies

Class Standing

4th Year

Graduation Year

2024

Virtual or In-Person

In-Person

Program Title, Location, Duration

UC Davis Summer Abroad, “Climate Resilience in Thailand”

What motivated or led you to participate in your study abroad program?

My decision to engage in a UC Davis Summer Abroad program was driven by my desire for personal and intellectual growth, as well as the chance to explore new perspectives and expand my worldview. Even though it was for a short period of time, I wanted to experience life abroad in a meaningful and structured way.

What was your experience like in this program?

The program allowed me to explore the relationship between culture, development patterns and climate resilience within the Southeast Asian context. It reinforced the importance of understanding place, culture and positionality to genuinely assess vulnerability to climate risks, strengthen resilience and map change effectively. I learned of the value in immersing in local culture, which are crucial for global skills and leadership development.

What was the most challenging part of your program and the most rewarding?

As someone who lives in Central California, adjusting to Thailand’s weather was initially challenging due to higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall (as the program took place over the summer during the monsoon season). In hindsight, it did not impact my experience whatsoever. The most rewarding part was averaging 10,000 steps daily! The interconnectedness of the city meant I was within walking distance to the university campus, restaurants, financial centers, street vendors, major departmental stores, cultural arts and entertainment centers, and more. Being in proximity to these places definitely encouraged me to explore and be more active without having to rely on driving around like I do back at home as a commuter.

What’s one of your most memorable experiences from your program?

I had the most enjoyable time during my program’s lunch at The Artisans Ayutthaya. The unique architecture was designed by Boonserm Premthada, who used materials often overlooked such as unsold glass blocks. All the cooks are single and widowed women aged 55-94, which makes the food feel like a hearty home-cooked meal. In addition to the cuisine, the plates, bowls and earthenware cups are meticulously handcrafted one-by-one by a single 60-year-old woman from the local community. It was truly the best dining experience I ever had and the sentiment behind every detail touched me deeply.

What was a typical day like on your program?

One day out of the week, we spent a couple hours in lecture. The remaining days, we were on our feet learning to explore central Bangkok and beyond. There was no “typical” day because every aspect of the course was unique and interactive in its own way. For example, we went on a biking tour and scavenger hunt to visit the largest green infrastructure and agricultural area of Bangkok, where we were also exposed to sustainable agricultural processes, such as recycling food waste for compost.

What advice do you have for someone considering your program or a global experience, in general? What would you like to share with students who might have similar identities or experiences as you?

Coming from a low-income background, studying abroad was something I believed was financially impossible until I found out about scholarship resources to help fund the exploration of my education in another country. I highly encourage students to reach out to resources and apply to scholarships, such as the Study Abroad Awards and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, as they can help sustain the financial cost of your study abroad program. Especially if you are seeking to enrich your academic experience and there happens to be a study abroad program that aligns with your goals and interests, I urge you to grab the opportunity and take action. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and allows you to embrace new cultures, challenge perspectives and gain a global understanding of your purpose.

What was your biggest concern regarding participating in the program? Were you able to overcome that concern, and if so, how? What advice would you give someone who has similar concerns?

I was initially concerned about meeting new people within my study abroad program as I did not know anyone and was the only student from my major participating in the program. I was pleasantly surprised, however, since I was able to make connections and have meaningful interactions with my cohort without any trouble. Our shared positionality allowed us to look out for each other and rely on one another to get around. For individuals who may be more introverted or experience more difficulty in an unfamiliar environment, I hope to assure you that your shared experiences with your peers will expedite that connection process in a nurturing manner that benefits your personal and relational development. So, don’t be afraid to initiate conversations with your peers and also be ready to embrace new characters and perspectives with an open mind and gentle heart!

How do you think your program experiences will benefit you in the future—thinking academically, future career goals, or personally?

Returning home from the program, I felt more confident about stepping into shared spaces (higher education institutions, work, society, etc.) because I developed a greater sense of global community. Especially for my interests in city planning, data analysis and research, I understand the nuance of locality on successfully implementing interventions and solutions to problems. Although there is also room for unexpected challenges to occur while studying abroad, these scenarios allow you to improve your problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Taken altogether, I recognize that this growth will allow me to succeed in my academic, professional and personal life.

Identities or Experiences

First-Generation Student, First-Time Traveler, Scholarship Recipient, Student of Color

Please elaborate on any other identities or experiences that impacted your program decisions or time on the program.

As a Hmong-minority from a diasporic community, I felt I had a purpose in going to Thailand, which is where my mother was born (as well as many other Hmong refugees). There is also a large population of Hmong-Thai folks who I was determined to meet. Seeing this part of the Hmong diaspora prompted healing and a greater sense of Hmong identity within me.

About the Global Learning Hub at UC Davis

As a part of Global Affairs, the Global Learning Hub aims to inspire and advance global curiosity, understanding, and engagement.

Through the Global Learning Hub, every UC Davis student can find global learning opportunities available on campus, in the region, virtually, and internationally. The Hub offers global learning programs, workshops, and resources that enhance all UC Davis students’ academic and career pursuits through four broad areas of opportunities: Community Engagement; Global Skills and Leadership; Internships and Research; and Study Abroad. UC Davis is committed to preparing the next generation of global problem solvers and change makers. As such, we aim to prepare our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to solve global challenges collaboratively, equitably, and sustainably.