Karis Blagden

Karis' Education Abroad Experience

"I chose to study abroad because I was interested in applying sustainability and environmental restoration concepts in a new location. Asia has always fascinated me, so I knew this was an opportunity I could not pass up.

This experience introduced me to an entirely new way of life. I learned new cultural customs, navigated unfamiliar areas, and was introduced to a new language. The experience opened my eyes to new perspectives as I made lasting friendships with students from both Penn State and Kasetsart University in Thailand.

I was most surprised by the advanced environmental protection measures used in Thailand, such as using reusable glass water bottles in place of plastic and the lack of public trash cans to discourage trash waste.

I learned that I held a very small, closed view of the world by considering nations with developing economies as primitive before my travel experience. After witnessing new ways of life, I quickly learned that developing nations may in many ways be more successful than countries with established economies. For example, the public transit and trash systems in Thailand were far more advanced than those in the United States.

Now that I have experienced studying in a foreign country, I understand that my major has global applications and may lead me to a much wider variety of career paths than I previously thought. I now have an interest in living abroad in the future, so that I may continue working in developing nations to encourage sustainable growth.

Take risks! I highly encourage every student to step outside of their comfort zone and apply for education abroad programs in order to expand their horizons and make lifelong memories."