Penn Abroad Ambassador Timethius Terrell

Programs:

• SA: Mahidol University International College

Ask me about...

• Being abroad for the first time and preparing for the transition

• Traveling outside of your host country

• Immersing yourself in your host community

• Participating in social impact projects abroad

• Conducting independent research abroad

My Experience:

Studying abroad in Thailand was my first time leaving the country. Before studying abroad, I took three semesters of Thai, which is taught by Fulbright students from Thailand. But, as someone who studied abroad via special petition, I actually spent about four years preparing to study in Thailand. While abroad, I continued participating in my co-curricular fellowship and stayed involved in Penn's entrepreneurship community at Venture Lab.  As the Executive Director of the nonprofit Divulge Alliance, Inc., I recruited student interns from my host university to work with us during the summer. I was also very active in student life, participating in events that included Thai political figures and becoming the founder of the first LGBTQ+ advocacy group at Mahidol University. This experience led to a social impact as well as a research project that I then pursued into the summer. I also used the time to explore other countries, granting me the opportunity to explore urban affordable housing at a global scale.

Other Highlights:

• Joining the Kendo Club

• Weekly discussions with the Pride Coalition

• Learning about urban affordable housing in multiple countries

• Gaining exposure to multiple new languages while practicing my existing Thai language skills

• Visiting board game cafes!!!