The 'Sabai Sabai' Way: Her Exchange Semester in Thailand

Mara, a student in the Master's program in International Health & Social Management, reports on academic diversity and Thai life at NIDA

Mara is a student in the master’s program International Health & Social Management in her third semester. She is currently spending her exchange semester at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) in Bangkok, Thailand. We asked Mara a few questions about this experience.

Can you share a specific a highlight of your exchange?

One special highlight was when I mentioned to one of my Thai classmates that I’d love to visit a local hospital and she immediately offered to organize a visit for the following week. That experience reflected the Thai sense of helpfulness and community. In general, I really enjoy the spirit of studying at NIDA. Our courses only take place on weekends, which gives them a different kind of energy, everyone comes in friendly and motivated. Because life here feels calmer and more balanced, I feel I can absorb what I learn much more deeply than back home.

Another thing that makes studying here so special is the diversity among international students not only in terms of where they come from, but also their different academic backgrounds. Together with the international lecturers, this creates an inspiring environment where everyone shares their unique perspectives and experiences.

When reflecting on your time abroad, which cultural experiences or events left a lasting impression on you?

Living and studying in Bangkok has been a life-changing experience. The kindness and calmness of Thai people, combined with their strong sense of community and respect, do inspire me everyday. I love everything about Thai culture, especially training traditional Muay Thai alongside my studies. It has taught me a lot about discipline, humility, resilience and the Thai way of balancing strength, respect and peace. Having the opportunity to actually compete in a traditional Muay Thai fight here allowed me to connect even deeper with the Thai culture and the people behind it.

Every exchange experience comes with its challenges. Could you discuss the most significant challenge you faced during your time abroad and how overcame it?

The biggest challenge has definitely been dealing with the bureaucratic processes from visa applications to university administration. Everything takes time and you quickly realize that things don’t move at the same pace as in Europe, especially when most documents are written in Thai script. I learned the basics of the Thai language, but when it comes to more complex matters, both Thai and English sometimes reach their limits. You can’t plan too far ahead and you simply have to adapt to their “sabai sabai” (chill and easy-going) lifestyle. It was an adjustment for me at first, but it taught me patience and how to live more in the moment. I’ve really come to love this sabai sabai way of life it reminds you not to stress too much and to trust that things will eventually work out, because somehow they always do.

Considering your unique journey, what advice would you give to future exchange students preparing for a similar experience?

Stay open-minded and flexible. Things might not always go as planned, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Try to spend time with local people, not just with other exchange students, that’s how you really experience the Thai culture and everyday life. My most meaningful friendships and lessons came from Thai people I met outside of university, for example while training Muay Thai. If you really want to understand how Thai people live, eat and think, don’t just stay in the “farang bubble.” Say yes to new experiences and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, that’s where the real learning happens.

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