Alumni Spotlight on Ashley Posey: Gaining Work Experience and College Credits in Thailand

Internships are an important part of any college student’s resume. Gaining international experience and living abroad during an internship allows you to expand on your professional and soft skills, and provides you the opportunity to grow personally. The Internship in Thailand program gives interns familiarity with the inner workings of an international company, but also allows them 3-day weekends to explore the Land of Smiles! We caught up with Ashley Posey, a Greenheart Travel alumna, and asked why she decided to spend her summer as an intern in Thailand. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: It is fantastic that you took the time to experience life abroad. Why did you decide to do an internship in Thailand?

Whether it is to study abroad or complete an internship, becoming well-rounded and cultured is very important to me. Thailand presented itself as a perfect opportunity to complete my internship credits to graduate next Spring and travel to a continent I hadn’t been to yet. I made a little promise to myself that I would make it to every continent before I turn 30. I had already been to North America, South America, and Africa, so Asia was up next!

Q: How important do you feel experiencing another culture and country has been to your personal growth and career path?

I pride myself in being a young black woman that has had the opportunity to travel. I have grown more independent, professional, and cultured through experiencing Thai customs. It is also an extremely humbling experience in which you get to live like locals. I feel it is extremely important to travel to become more well-rounded and show others that they can do the same.

Hutsadin Elephant Foundation

Q: What are a few of your favorite experiences that stand out from your time in Hua Hin?

My absolute favorite experience had to be visiting Hutsadin Elephant Foundation. I am in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and one of our unofficial symbols is the elephant. It was amazing to see such a strong yet elegant creature be treated better than they had in their past. I also visited the National Park and hiked. It was so hard and I didn’t think I was going to make it, but I met a cute little Thai girl and she made me push through. Everything about Thailand is so beautiful.

Q: What was your day-to-day spending like? How did you budget for 8 weeks in Thailand as a college student?

I spent way too much money (LOL), but I managed. I tried to spend around the 100 baht per day rule by only spending 30-40 baht per meal. Sometimes I went over when my roommates and I went out to markets, restaurants, or other cities, but it was worth the extra. I really did try to stick to my budget, but everyone has to indulge sometimes.

Q: How do you feel your experience interning in Thailand will help you when starting school again in the fall?

I definitely got used to the office life in Thailand. This was the first time I’ve ever worked close to a full-time job. When I go back to school, I will have more experience in Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and other databases that will be taught in my classes. I will also have experienced working in an international business which will help me in my class titled “International Business”. All in all, I will be more intrigued and prepared.

Q: Has this trip changed any of your personal and professional priorities or goals since you have returned?

Personally, this trip has made me more sensitive to animal cruelty. I am more unlikely to ride elephants, go to tiger shows, or anything like that from this point on. Professionally, I am more aware of how hard it is to actually run a business and be successful. My ultimate goal is to be a business owner and involved in many non-profits to give back to my community, the same way Xplore Asia is making their communities better.

Q: Are you receiving college credit for your internship? How did you approach your advisor and school to earn credit hours?

I am receiving college credit for my internship. My advisor actually showed me Greenheart Travel’s website and I took the bait. She was really excited I made the decision to go. My school is very thorough in paperwork, so I do a lot of work here. I have to send weekly updates, a final paper, and evaluations to my advisor to complete the process, but it’s all worth it.

Q: What would you say to someone who is on the fence about doing an international internship?

Going out of the country is exciting and scary all at the same time. Of course you’ll miss your friends and family, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Traveling across the country, meeting new people, and expanding your horizons personally and professionally is an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you to get out of your comfort zone during your travels?

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”

Q: Any other thoughts you have for anyone wanting to do an internship abroad during their college career?

Go for it! Don’t let anything hold you back. Take advantage of all the good opportunities that come your way. Travel the world and leave your mark everywhere you go!