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Redefining Success Abroad

When Isaiah, a Finance major at Rivier, boarded the plane to begin his study abroad semester at Mahidol University in Salaya, Thailand, he had already meticulously planned every detail. Guided by his strict financial mindset, he was determined to stretch every dollar.

鈥淏efore studying abroad, I was so focused on making and saving as much money as possible,鈥� Isaiah says.

However, while living in the 鈥淟and of Smiles,鈥� what he found instead was something far more valuable: perspective.

Immersed in Thailand

Isaiah鈥檚 favorite memory abroad? Exploring Buddhist temples on a tour in Bangkok.

鈥淭he temples in Thailand are a whole different kind of beauty that I鈥檇 never experienced before. They鈥檙e so intricately decorated and laid out that it felt like looking at art,鈥� he says. 鈥淲alking through them was almost otherworldly because there鈥檚 nothing like that in America. It gave me a deeper appreciation for Thai culture.鈥�

But the real transformation came from routine, everyday experiences. From attending classes at Mahidol University, to exploring his new surroundings, Isaiah connected with locals, embraced a new culture, and reflected on his own values.

鈥淚 realized that real happiness doesn鈥檛 come from having more money; it comes from building meaningful human connections,鈥� he says.

Studying Abroad with Rivier

Through Rivier鈥檚 Center for International Studies (CIS Abroad), Isaiah鈥檚 study abroad experience was planned from start to finish. While in Thailand, Isaiah could access valuable resources, including free care from a nurse and support from a Rivier director available by phone anytime, which helped him feel connected while away from home.

鈥淩ivier helped me so much by making the process as easy as possible. They don鈥檛 see you as just another student; they want you to have these amazing experiences for your own benefit,鈥� he says.

To make Isaiah鈥檚 class registration stress-free, Rivier鈥檚 advising team carefully matched his courses with Mahidol University鈥檚 offerings and ensured everything was approved before he left the country. That level of support gave Isaiah peace of mind, knowing his schedule was fully prepared and free of unexpected hurdles.

Isaiah also worked with Rivier鈥檚 Registrar and Financial Aid offices, where staff walked him through the process and broke down the numbers. As a Finance major, that clarity gave him confidence.

鈥淥nce I saw the numbers, I thought, 鈥極kay, I can do this,鈥欌�� he says.

He praised Rivier鈥檚 Office of Global Engagement (OGE) for making the study abroad process straightforward. The OGE team answered his questions, walked him through each step, and offered their full support, from his inquiry about studying abroad to his arrival in Thailand.

鈥淩ivier sees you for who you really are and wants you to be your best self,鈥� Isaiah says. 鈥淚 felt that support the whole time, and I know anyone going abroad will get the same guidance and encouragement.鈥�

Memories Made for a Lifetime

Leaving Thailand was the hardest part of Isaiah鈥檚 journey, but he returned to Nashua with a deeper understanding of both himself and the people around him. Though he dreams of returning and reconnecting with the friends he made abroad, he鈥檚 now focused on balancing his passion for finance with a newfound appreciation for life鈥檚 simpler moments.

鈥淪tudying abroad is such an authentic human experience. I think everyone should have the opportunity to do it,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t opens your mind to new perspectives and helps you understand other people and yourself much more.鈥�

To see where an international experience could take you, visit the Rivier Global Engagement Office.