“Sometimes leadership just means learning how to lead yourself.”
— Nina, Fall 2025 Exchange Student at Mahidol University
Every year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the stories of women who challenge themselves, explore the world, and grow through new experiences. For many students, studying abroad is not only an academic opportunity but also a journey of personal discovery.
Nina, an exchange student from Santa Clara University in California, joined the Fall Semester 2025 exchange program in Thailand. While she studies Studio Arts at her home university, she chose to take Communication and Design courses at Mahidol University during her semester abroad.
With a strong interest in art and a lifelong curiosity about the world, Nina’s story reflects how international experiences can inspire confidence, independence, and self-leadership. Here are some highlights from our conversation with her.
Q: What inspired you to choose Thailand for your exchange experience?
While Nina had options to study in Europe, she felt drawn somewhere completely different.
“The other options were in Europe, but they didn’t interest me as much as Thailand did. I had never been to Asia before, so I wanted to go out of my comfort zone and try something different.”
Her love for exploring new cultures began early in life. Nina shared that her mother has always been curious about the world and often encouraged her to explore independently. In fact, her mother once backpacked around South America when she was younger.
That spirit of adventure became a powerful influence.
“She’s so independent, and I think I got that from her. She’s my biggest role model.”
Growing up around that mindset helped Nina feel confident choosing Thailand as her destination, a place where she could experience new cultures, people, and perspectives while also learning more about herself.
Q: As a female student studying abroad, did living in Thailand help you feel more confident or independent?
According to Nina, she already considered herself fairly independent before coming abroad but her experience in Thailand strengthened that even more.
“Back home I already felt independent, but here I became even more so. I felt comfortable living here and didn’t feel like I had to avoid certain places.”
For Nina, everyday experiences from navigating the city to exploring new places, helped reinforce her sense of independence.
Q: You mentioned that you felt safe traveling and living in Thailand. Can you share more about that experience?
One of Nina’s most memorable moments was taking a midnight bus alone.
“I remember taking a midnight bus by myself, and I didn’t feel scared. I think the reason is the people here. Everyone is willing to help and they’re easy to approach.”
These small interactions, whether asking for directions or receiving help from locals, contributed to her overall sense of safety and comfort while traveling around Thailand.
Q: Did studying abroad help you develop any leadership or personal skills that you didn’t expect?
For Nina, one of the biggest lessons was learning how to lead herself.
“I learned how to plan trips on my own, even at the last minute and still have fun. It taught me not to depend on others or wait for other people.”
She explained that leadership does not always mean “leading a group.”
“Sometimes leadership just means being able to lead yourself.”
Her travels often involved spontaneous decisions like booking a hostel on her phone while heading to the airport. Because traveling in Thailand can be relatively affordable and accessible, she felt more comfortable experimenting and learning through experience.
“It became a great playground for building my confidence in traveling.”
Q: What advice would you give to other female students considering studying abroad in Thailand?
Nina believes Thailand is an excellent starting point for women who want to try solo travel for the first time.
“I would definitely recommend Thailand for first-time solo travelers. It’s a great starting country and honestly easier than you might think, maybe even easier than going to Europe.”
Her experience shows that stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth, confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Nina’s story reflects one of the most meaningful aspects of studying abroad: discovering your own strength and independence. Through new environments, cultures, and experiences, students often gain skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
This International Women’s Day, stories like Nina’s remind us that travel and education can empower young women to explore the world and also themselves with confidence.
