My International Changemaker Grant Thailand Experience
Meet Riley from New Ipswich, NH, a senior international business and economics and sustainability dual major. Riley was the recipient of the International Changemaker Grant (ICG) – a program that helps fund student teams to travel and work on sustainability-related community service projects in partnership with non-profits across the globe. Riley talks about how the experience expanded her perspectives, knowledge, and skills.
Why did you apply for the International Changemaker Grant?
I love to travel, and this is the perfect way to do so with a purpose.
The leader of a trip I previously participated in reached out to me regarding a potential experience working with sustainable rubber farms in Thailand. I immediately knew this was going to be a life-changing experience I had to be involved in. I worked alongside the other student lead for this project to draft a proposal and recruit new members for our team.
Little did I know, this would be my proudest involvement throughout my time at UNH.
How did the experience in Thailand impact you?
We were staying in very non-tourist areas, sometimes even in the homes of farmers involved in the co-operative we were working alongside. It was so rural that it was rare to come across an English-speaker, so we had to have a translator. I will never forget the night we went out to dinner with a couple of the farmers, and they were trying to teach us Thai and we were trying to teach them English. It turned out to be one of the funniest and most wholesome experiences I've ever had. The farmers within the co-operative taught us so much about regenerative agriculture and their passion for their work shone through every conversation we had with them.
What was it like working with students from other majors?
It is great to have a tight knit community like Paul, but I also think it is so important to expand into other colleges at UNH as well.
I have absolutely loved working alongside people from other areas of study. They have truly taught me so much.
My team was great about learning and listening to the perspectives of one another, understanding our diverse academic backgrounds, so it has been a valuable learning process for all of us.
How did this experience prepare you for a career that prioritizes sustainable social and environmental good?
Before this trip, I thought I was in over my head. I have a business background and don’t know the first thing about agriculture. The only experience I have relating to the project is working in my family-friends garden for a summer.
I was excited but intimidated by the scope of the project. Immediately upon meeting the farmers, my perspective changed. I learned so much about the benefits and beauty of a regenerative forest farm. Seeing the passion of the farmers showed me the value of working in a career that is meaningful to you and that you love.
I engaged in roles that I would not have expected myself to do. As a business major, I never thought I would be doing field work on a farm, or writing a scientific research paper; this experience has given me the opportunity to expand my studies outside of Paul and put tools in my toolbox that relate more to sustainability.
What should prospective students know about this experience?
Take the risk and apply! The application may seem daunting, but I promise your experience will be worth it. Whether you are doing a research or service-related project, it will truly change your perspective on life. My favorite part about the ICG is the freedom it gives you. There’s an infinite number of ideas you can propose for your trip, so just be creative and come up with a project that you are passionate about!
Tell us one unique or interesting thing about yourself.
I learned how to count to ten in Thai on this most recent trip!
Photo credit: Cinehha Production