Familiarity in the Unfamiliar: Finding Community and Gratitude in Thailand and Cambodia by Valencia Jonson

During the CSR 490 Study Abroad Program in Thailand and Cambodia, Valencia Jonson, first-gen Filipina American student found her expectations transformed as meaningful cultural connections, acts of gratitude, and stories of resilience reshaped her understanding of Southeast Asia. Engaging with NGOs like the Labour Protection Network, visiting rural villages in Siem Reap and reconnecting with communities that reminded her of her own family deepened her appreciation for her heritage and strengthened her commitment to giving back and honoring the sacrifices of Southeast Asian communities.

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