Jason Yan
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Public Health/Data Science
Program: UNC Burch in Thailand: Public Health, Entrepreneurship, and Food Systems
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Email: jasonyan@ad.unc.edu
Term: Summer 2024
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
As a public health student, this program aligned perfectly with my academic and personal interests, providing a unique opportunity for me to broaden my understanding of global health challenges and solutions. Thailand is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions and this intersection of food and culture has always fascinated me.
What did you learn about yourself?
That I'm a lot more independent than I give myself credit for. I traveled for basically the entire summer and had a lot of solo travel experiences as well and it was so cool just exploring on my own and getting out of my comfort zone.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
We all did a cooking class early on in the program and it was so fun learning about traditional Thai spices and ingredients and just being able to bond with other students.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Learn as much as you can about your host country’s culture, customs, and daily life. But also don't worry so much, everyone else on the trip is in the same boat and don't be afraid to talk to new people. Bond over the uncertainties.
How do you identify?
Student of color, Scholarship Recipient
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