University of Wisconsin–Madison

Thailand: Sascha Krause

Program: UW Biological Science Research Internship in Thailand, Summer

Sascha’s Major: Neurobiology and Spanish

Sascha stands on a path between pure white sculptures of hands rising up, which lead towards a temple in the background.
At the stunning white temple in Chiang Rai.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

It is impossible to choose just one, so my top three would be… Arriving in Bangkok at nighttime on my first day, and seeing the city lights and realizing that I made it. Riding a longtail boat through all the houses on stilts, seeing “[monitor lizards]” , on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. Overlooking the scenic viewpoint at the border between Myanmar and Thailand in the Golden Triangle region.

I loved seeing a more eastern medicinal approach to the lab work here: using alternative cures from natural sources.

Describe your internship, research, or fieldwork and how the experience helped advance your career or studies.

This internship built an extremely solid foundation for me, as it was my first time working in a lab. I am pre-med, and a neurobiology major, so I will be engaging in lab work throughout my academic career. Moreover, it truly provided a wonderful introduction into a different scientific perspective. I loved to see a more eastern medicinal approach to the lab work here: using alternative cures from natural sources.

Sascha stands on a wooden platform in front of a massive waterfall surrounded by green trees and grass.
At the “Diamond Creek” waterfalls on Doi Inthanon, the tallest mountain on Thailand! There were (un-pictured) rainbows all throughout.

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

I believe that as someone who comes from a multi ethnic household, and grew up in a diverse city within the U.S., I was relatively well-prepared for this experience. Thailand is full of travelers and expats from all over the world. As always though, definitely be wary of your belongings and the way you are treated — there is no doubt that you will stand out as a foreigner. Learning Thai etiquette and a few words will definitely help you earn some recognition.