“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao Tzu

Kossoma ThongExchange Participant to Mainland of China

I’m Kossoma, and I went on exchange with

AIESEC.

Friendship Culture Shock Social Impact

Let the journey begins!

I remember that when I was young, I used to tell my parents that I wanted to travel and do volunteer to help the society in the future. However, since I was young, I didn’t know much about the real world. As years pass by, I have grown up and I’ve learn more and more, and I came across AIESEC which is exactly what I had been looking for my whole life as it had been my dream to go abroad and help to change the world in any way possible. But not just that I got what I wanted but I also got back the experience and a better view of the world. So I would like to thank to AIESEC IFL helping me to see the other side of the world and completing my dream.

During the exchange, I’ve met so many amazing people from all around the world. Its only 4 weeks but it is such a wonderful time ever. We get to face all the happy time, terrible time, suffering time, and unforgettable time together that helped to build our friendship stronger.

Friendship

I’ve never really thought that I would face any culture shock when I traveled in China, but I did. I used to think that Chinese and Cambodian are somehow similar because there are many Chinese-Cambodian in Cambodia. I remember one time during our day off, we went to Wangfujing street to taste the delicious street food but I saw people selling scorpions- which is known as one of the dangerous predators. It made me doubt about humanity for a second because the scorpion was obviously alive yet was made into food.  

Culture Shock

I spent four weeks working in China for the project called ‘DARE TO DREAM RUC.’ The project was amazing because it show me more about the world. Not just that, I get to teach student at the rural areas and help encouraging t hem on pursuing their dream. Since the first day of class, the student’s adorable and made me feel welcomed to be here and it is my honor to do so. It’s not everyday that you get a chance and do all this. Not just I had fun, I gained back experience also.

Social Impact

If you can dream, you can do it!