My First 24 Hours in Thailand

My name is Roma Carter and I am a media studies major at the University of Tulsa. I went on the Semester in Thailand program in Spring 2025. I chose CIS Abroad because of the abundance of excursions they take students on!

When I landed in Thailand, I was immediately taken back by the new language spoken. Thai is a beautifully different dialect from anything I have ever heard, it is natural to end every sentence with Kha or Krab as a form of respect. I learned this as the immigration employee with a “everyone is accepted” rainbow-colored sticker attached to her booth said “krap khun kha” (thank you) after I verified my identity.

As I navigated through the airport, I easily found Ann, the on-site CIS Abroad staff who was with us every step of the way. The first thing she said other than a welcoming hello was, “Is that your only luggage?” with a shocked grin on her face. I said “Yes, ha I travel light!" The only thing I had with me was my travel backpack and phone in hand. I expected to shop and thrift a lot, which I did. Five months later I left with three stuffed bags and a skateboard.

As we waited for the last student to arrive and ride on the bus back to the apartment complex, I called my dad. He was so happy I landed safe. As I stared out the 3-story-tall windows to the Bangkok landscape, I too was happy but antsy to go outside more than anything. We all drove through the vast metropolis that is Bangkok, Thailand. My eyes were glued to the window, and I struggled to keep a glistening smirk off my face.

We got to the apartment complex and I got my key to my room on the 7th floor, and as I walked in my room for the next few months a stream of excitement rushes through my body. I think I even let out a screech like a 10-year-old girl seeing a puppy in her room. I immediately pulled out my phone to give my private story a tour of the room. I quickly got into the shower, changed into a camisole and blue jorts to fit the vibe of the 90-degree tropical weather.

Without a destination in mind, I walked around the block to find a place to eat and came across this little noodle shop underneath a canopy. I ordered a classic rice and chicken meal, by pointing of course, because my Thai skills were nonexistent, but my stomach speaks all languages. I called up my friend from home and tell her I landed safe and am in this new country eating a $2 meal, just happy. We spark up a conversation for a good while, and in the meantime I finished my meal and made my way to campus using my phone GPS.

I got there and was in awe of the lush green ecosystem incorporated into the infrastructure. Vines, shrubbery and tall trees surrounding the campus, I get lost on time and phone battery. I tell my friend I have to go, to conserve my phone power, she understands and with 5% on my phone I wonder around trying to find a direct path to my apartment. I am completely lost at this point, but when in doubt, trace your steps; so that’s exactly what I did. About 4 hours later after that whole excursion I made it back home to unpack. The day turned to night, and I made sure to get good rest, for the next day was the start of orientation and the beginning of my greatest chapter yet.

Discover more about studying abroad in Thailand here!