Tag Archives: Thailand

Yzu-Han Chen

Thai Cooking Class

NAME: Yzu-Han Chen

MAJOR: Business Admin/Mgmt Information Systems

PROGRAM: Global Internships – The Intern Group – Internship in Thailand Summer 2025

EMAIL: tzu-han.chen@sjsu.edu

BIO:

I am Tzu-Han Chen, currently a senior at San Jose State University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems. I am an international student from Taiwan and came to SJSU looking for a better education and more opportunities in the future. To dive into the internship in the summer with The Intern Group in Thailand. Overall, it is a really comprehensive and challenging working experience, it allows me to meet many other international professionals who are like me, and this is the reason that I chose to intern abroad. I want to use this experience to meet more people in the professional field. In addition, I try to learn as much as I can about my future career choice by working in the real world business. 

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

Before I went on to my internship in Thailand. The goal I set for myself is really limited, because I just want to learn how to work in a professional environment, and make some friends. Since I have never expected that it would be an experience that would change my point of view on myself and my career goal. (I think it will be a key advice to future global Spartans too, because I think if I have a clear goal before I went, I would likely learn more than I can)

 PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

After the internship, I have more clearer about that I want to become a business analyst in the future, which makes me more understanding of what classes I would need to put my focus on. In addition, after the internship, I have a goal that I would want to work around the world in the future. Try to have different kinds of jobs around the world. Since, every country has different business model and different things that people can try to learn as much as they can. 

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

It was a comprehensive and challenging working experience that gave me the opportunity to work and collaborate hands-on with international professionals and learn various business analysis skills. During my internship at Anglo-Thai Legal, I contributed to various projects that helped the company function and expand. I have done reports to evaluate the firm’s CRM system and develop recommendations for improving client relationship management and supporting employee efficiency. Additionally, I assisted the ATL in conducting a client satisfaction survey to identify areas for business improvement. Moreover, I have made a plan for Anglo-Thai Legal to collaborate internationally with the Asian Exporters’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AECCI).

 CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience? Actually, during my time in Thailand, I would need to work with different interns and professionals from different countries. Thereby, it was a rewarding opportunity working with interns from different countries, such as the US, the UK, China, and Thailand. This further enhances my communication skills, global thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration. Besides all the professional skills that I have learned during my internship.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?

 Besides work, the other interns and I had chances to explore the city of Bangkok and experience Thai culture. Not only did we take classes together in cooking and Muay Thai, but we also visited different temples to learn about the culture. These allow me to learn more about the culture of Thailand and enhance my global mindset. 

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future?

Studying and interning abroad has contributed to a predominant ability to adapt in diverse environments. As an International student growing up in Taiwan, I covet to learn in a global environment. After graduating from Senior High School in my hometown, not only have I applied to study in the United States at San Jose State University, but also gained a year of experience studying in the United Kingdom at the University of Bristol prior to that. It was challenging at first to adapt to different cultures and work with people from various backgrounds, yet the transformative experience also equipped me with a global perspective as I strived to. This transformed into a motivation to pursue further and an aspiration to make impactful changes, which propels me to apply for opportunities abroad with the honor of interning in the big city of Bangkok in Thailand during this summer. It was an exceptionally rewarding experience, an opportunity that enabled me to apply my knowledge in an area of specialty which is unfamiliar to me and contribute to the growth of the business. In addition to that, I came to realize that I have developed the capability to embrace and enjoy within distinct environments and cultures, and among all, I was able to find myself in yet another way and improve. Thus, to sum up my experience studying and interning abroad, it has rewarded me with the ability to work and flourish in a worldwide setting, but most importantly, it has kindled my ambition to become a global professional who makes meaningful contributions.

TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans?

I would try to advise the future Global Spartans to open up their heart and minds, step out of their comfort zone, and try to have an internship in a country that they have never been to before. As an example, I have actually learned a lot during my time in Thailand. I have made a lot of professional relationships with students across the globe. This internship has change my view of the global community and I strongly beleive that everyone should have a chance to engage into different community and also work professionally. 

Janette Albor Hernandez

Janette Albor Hernandez

MAJOR: Business Administration/Finance
PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
EMAIL: janette.alborhernandez@sjsu.edu

BIO: Hello my name is Janette. I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. I transferred to SJSU in the Fall of 2022 from Santa Rosa Community College. I am a fourth year Finance major graduating in the Fall of 2024. I always wanted to study abroad since high school but due to unforeseen circumstances and then recently Covid-19, my trip was always canceled. After transferring to SJSU I attended an information session and knew I had to apply. I decided to study abroad to immerse myself in a new culture, learn a new language, travel, gain new opportunities and also make lifelong friends.

GOALS: Personal- I wanted to become more independent, not be afraid to try new things and gain confidence for personal development. I also wanted to develop an understanding of diverse cultures and make friends. Academic – I wanted to gain new knowledge, explore new perspectives and methodologies when learning about how business works in a different country. Professional – I wanted to build international friendships by networking which can lead to future career opportunities. I also wanted to gain new skills such as working effectively in diverse teams which are essential for success in globalized industries and professions.

PERSONAL GROWTH: I think the biggest impact that my study abroad experience had on me was definitely gaining independence and self discovery. Being away from home going to a country where English is not spoken as much challenged me in many ways. I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone by trying new things. I even went solo traveling to other countries which is something I never would have done before. I became more free spirited and my confidence grew.

ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad? I ended up taking three courses abroad. Quantitative Business Analysis Financial Intermediaries International Financial Management Some strategies that I used were to manage my time wisely by having a planner. Classes were once a week for three hours so I took one class a day. I had more time to study and do my assignments while still having time to explore and engage in cultural activities. I also formed a study group for each class and we would go over notes/homework and study together. Coming back to SJSU, I did have to readjust my schedule to going to class twice a week for each class instead of once a week. I also had to go back to my old study routine to focus on turning in assignments more frequently.

CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience? The skills that I learned/sharpened during my study abroad experience are: Intercultural communication and Thai language: I was exposed to diverse cultures and different languages that helped me enhance my ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. I did make an effort to learn Thai during my exchange program by watching and listening to Thai dramas and songs. I also practiced a lot with Thai students. While I am still a beginner I still tried my best to speak Thai when ordering food, asking for directions and when trying to make small talk. Cultural awareness: At first I did not know a lot about Thailand. My cultural awareness increased immensely. It was a learning experience. I learned how to cook a few traditional Thai recipes in Chiang Mai, I participated while learning about important holidays and I visited famous landmarks such as a few sacred temples to learn more about the history of Thailand. I also had the opportunity to travel to other countries in Asia as well to experience the differences in cultures. Adaptability: After arriving I was very home sick and overwhelmed at the same time. It was all so new and different, but after some time I was able to adapt to the change, navigate in this unfamiliar environment, to their customs and lifestyle. Adapting to living in a new and different country helped me overcome challenges that I faced. Now I feel prepared to adapt to changes when going to different countries. Independence/Responsibility: Going abroad really made me more independent and take on more responsibility. At home in some situations when I had a problem I would rely on my family but I learned to work through my problems and create solutions independently. It helped build my confidence and made me take responsibility over my own decisions. Networking: While my classes had mostly Thai students there were a few other exchange students from different countries. I had the pleasure of meeting students from France, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Netherlands and many more. During our exchange program we were part of Chulalongkorn’s International Department (aka Int Dept) where they offered many events to get to know each other and it was amazing to learn more about their cultures and lifestyles. It was truly an awesome experience to have friends all around the world that I still continue to keep in touch with.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world? My immersion has definitely changed the way I view the world. I now have different perspectives for new ways of living, thinking and solving problems. Also I had never realized before just how huge the world actually is. I have only been to Mexico and a few other states but prior to studying abroad I had never traveled anywhere else before. There are many cultures to learn about and I hope I get the chance to explore more.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future? Studying abroad has prepared me for my future by providing me with new valuable skills, experiences and new perspectives. I now have the confidence to navigate in a new diverse world. I believe I can do more on my own and am more open to trying new things. I also found out that I can also be happy with my own company and not depend on others to have fun.

TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans? Start planning early. Attend an information session and don’t be afraid to ask all your questions. Be prepared by doing some research to know more about where you are going to be studying and living. Learn about the different options for accommodations and transportation. Learn more about the foreign currency and the different payment methods that are accepted. Pack accordingly depending on the climate. Be open minded and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Don’t be afraid to go exploring by yourself. If you want to do something do it because you might regret it if you don’t. Create a budget to help organize your expenses. Document everything by taking pictures, making vlogs or even journaling your experiences. If you have the chance to travel to other cities or countries, do it! Have fun but also give your body and mind time to rest. 🙂

Yassine Cherif

NAME: Yassine Cherif
MAJOR: Business Admin/Management Information Systems
PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Thailand – Chulalongkorn University
EMAIL: yassine.cherif@sjsu.edu

 

BIO: Please tell us about you and why you chose to study abroad.

I am a graduating senior majoring in Management Information Systems. I chose to study abroad in my last year to experience a new culture and create lifelong memories with people all over the world. I knew I wanted to live abroad for a period of my life, and by studying abroad I had the opportunity to try doing so on my own.

 

CAREER: What skills did you learn/sharpen during your study abroad experience?

Reflect on how your study abroad experience and the skills, knowledge, or networking has enhanced or contributed to your life back on campus or home.

Some skills I’ve developed are empathy, patience, bravery, and critical thinking. These are skills I had to develop during my time abroad through daily interactions with people of different cultures. I learned empathy by seeing how other cultures lived, socialized, ate, and much more which has given me a broader view of the world. Now, I can recognize the uniqueness of people on my home campus which is even more diverse than I had recognized before.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

Reflect on the personal, academic, and professional goals that you had set out to achieve on your study abroad experience?

My goals for studying abroad were to create global relationships, and life-long memories, and expand my educational opportunities. I achieved all of my goals far beyond what I had originally intended, which I am thrilled about. The opportunities I encountered in my educational environment, social settings, and regional travels made me extremely satisfied with my time there.

PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

The biggest impact my study abroad program had on me was eliminating my fear of the unknown, and rather embracing the challenge of learning new things. I booked flights on my own, created my own itineraries, visited places where I didn’t speak a lick of the language, and overall navigated through these new environments with great curiosity and determination. I am glad to have completed my time abroad and look forward to visiting more unknown places!

ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

Share what courses you chose to take abroad and the strategies you used to ensure your academic success. How has the experience impacted your academics now that you have returned to SJSU?

My academic experience abroad was superb, as I attended the top Business institution in the country. This led to me being surrounded by bright students and professors who appreciated my presence and made me feel welcome. The coursework was engaging and several projects I completed were unlike any I have done on my home campus. Overall, I was satisfied with my academic experience.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?

Immersion has led me to realize that the world isn’t so big anymore and that you can find community and culture wherever you may go. The only thing there is to it is putting yourself out there and challenging your biases and fears. Living in the same place your entire life is great, but until you live in a completely foreign environment, you may be afraid or judgemental of the outside.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future?

Studying abroad has made me realize that I want to continue living outside of the U.S. in some capacity, whether that’s full-time or a couple of months out of the year. It has also helped me create connections with people from countries I had never visited before, which now gives me a reason to visit said places.

TIPS: What advice would you give to a future Global Spartan?

I would advise a future Global Spartan to dive head first into the experience; Go somewhere that you have never even thought of visiting before, and do so with a sense of optimism. Don’t be afraid of not understanding the language or have little information on the people, immerse yourself into their culture and you will experience the beauty of humanity and social connection.