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Taking in Thailand

Name: Haley Deking
Major/Minor at WSU: Marketing/IBUS
Expected date of graduation: May 2008
Program type: Faculty Led International Business
City, Country: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Haley Deking made quite a few friends during her time abroad. As a part of the College of Business Faculty-Led Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Haley was matched with a “Thai Buddy,” a local student who spent time with the WSU students and integrated them into the local culture. “They taught us things about the culture that our professors weren’t able to teach us. They showed us how real Thai people live and not just how a tourist would live while on vacation,” says Haley.

Haley also had the opportunity to connect with people from all over the globe by living in an international hotel as a part of her experience. Similar to a WSU residence hall, the Chiang Mai University hotel gave WSU students on the program the chance to live with people from different backgrounds and different nationalities.

A big part of Haley’s experience abroad was the faculty with whom she traveled. “I am very grateful for our professors. They put in more than 100% for the students on the trip. [They] translated, provided us with transportation when we were sick, and were our connection to Thai’s when we had any problems. I felt our professors were our friends and, they were there to give us the best possible experience!”

Building such great relationships abroad has made Haley Deking “strive to be a better person. I think I made the best choice when studying in Thailand, and the best choice of my life - deciding to study abroad period.”