Send Julia to College in Thailand

Julia Madine Start Date: Sep 8, 2015 - End Date: Oct 12, 2015
  • Thailand

My Travel Story

by: Julia Madine Start Date: Sep 8, 2015 - End Date: Oct 12, 2015
In high school, I had the fortunate opportunity to go to a vocational school in addition to my town’s high school. At Morris County Vocational I studied cosmetology for my last two years as a high schooler. After two years, twelve-hundred hours, 4 certifications and passing both the oral and practical state board exam, I received my license in Cosmetology. At first, I planned as always having it as a backup plan but then I began to grow a fonder liking to it. Within my first college year here at Stockton, I took a Spa Management course that enlightened me to the idea of tying together my skills. As a cosmetologist with Hospitality and Tourism Management AND a Holistic Health minor, the possibilities were endless. For my future goals I’d like to own my own destination spa. But, as anyone else starting a new business, I need something to set me apart from the others. This is when I expanded my horizons to studying abroad.

First place I thought to study abroad? Thailand. In Thailand, there are endless possibilities in the direction I am looking toward. I am more interested in learning their culture and religion. Buddhism has interested me since my Buddhist philosophy class at Stockton. I understand that there will be a culture shock from the United States to there, but that is one I am prepared for; weirdly enough, excited for. I believe their culture is one I need to be immersed in. They live simpler, smarter and more productive.

In my time there, I am hoping I can go beyond the classroom to involve myself in the culture and the many teachers of Thailand. I would like to not only explore my major, but different aspects of my minor, too. Within my minor, Holistic Health, I learn everything from mind, body and conditioning, to holistically healing. From Thailand, I look forward to bringing back their techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, Folk and Rural traditional healing. Folk healers are educated through verbal passage and study the native massage, herbal medicine, amulet-making, medium ship, etc. Thai medicine focuses on a holistic approach to well-being, and incorporates the use of diet, exercise, herbal treatments, massage, yoga and a spiritually-aware lifestyle. Thai massage, includes body massages, acupressure, and stretching. I will also be looking to further my certification in Reiki (energy healing). Rural healing includes Ayurvedic, Yogic, and Western influences. The Rural tradition holds a very strong spiritual influence, and believes in a spirit’s power to impact human wellness. 

My future will greatly benefit with the help of studying abroad to Thailand. I look forward to going beyond the classroom to learn about Hospitality and Tourism Management and Holistic Health.
  • Thailand

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