Ship Sam Off to Thailand!

Sam Friedline Start Date: Sep 21, 2017 - End Date: Jun 20, 2018
  • Thailand

My Travel Story

by: Sam Friedline Start Date: Sep 21, 2017 - End Date: Jun 20, 2018
Hello everybody!!! My name is Sam Friedline and I REALLY want to study abroad.

I'm currently a student at Elizabethtown College studying both Secondary English Education and Asian Studies.

The thing is though, I actually created my Asian Studies major; came up with the curriculum myself through our student-led major program. With that being said, I'm only a sophomore and did most of the work to get it passed during my freshman year! I've been told I'm an extremely driven and ambitious person.
My ambition and passion is centered around diversity in the classroom. I especially want to impact the lives of LGBTQ+ and ESL (English as a Second Language) students (my eventual career goal is to get certified in TESL).

Currently, I work in our school's Office of International Student Services as an ILA "International Leadership Assistant" and I work on programs such as "US Culture and Slang" and "English Language Table." Through this amazing job I get practical experience working with ESL students. 

Getting to study abroad in Thailand is important for me to understanding language/cultural diversity in an immersive way that will really impact how I help our international students as well as my future students. 

On top of my 4-5 classes at Mahidol University, I will either be doing private research or volunteering on a weekly basis; however, I will have to wait until I arrive to know what opportunities there are on campus and in the surrounding city of Salaya. 
While I'm studying abroad I will also keep a current blog which will tell you what I've been up to, reflect on my time in Thailand, and post photos of what I see on a daily basis! 

Thank you for your time and I hope you will help me on this venture!
(*The photo set in Thailand is from the CIS website, the painting is mine (check incentives!!!), and the one of myself is from my dad's phone (I am holding a monkey in Honduras....yes it bit me)

UPDATE: Here is where my travel blog will be posted -> SAM'S BLOG
  • Thailand

Updates

1
  • A Note On Expenses...

    For those interested in how I'm going about funding this trip....
    I'm utilizing this page as both an opportunity to acquire money to put towards my study abroad and also to track my expenses. As I receive scholarships or deductions off certain aspects of my travel, the $15,000 will be reduced. (I'll be sure to update about those as well)
    My hope is I will not be depending solely on compassionate strangers to offer me money, but if you choose to donate towards my trip, I thank you for your kindness in advance.