Meet Miami U

By: Terren Lewis, junior at Miami University

International Education Week is all about celebrating the diverse cultures that enrich our academic communities and recognizing students who have crossed borders for their education. Pornruethai Siraskulchai, a senior exchange student from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, shares her unique experience at Miami University.

First Impressions

When Pornruethai, known to friends as Elle, first arrived at Miami, she was pleasantly surprised by the quieter atmosphere. 

“It was pretty and not what I expected. I thought it would be more city-like. It’s really quiet and peaceful, with brick walls everywhere,” she said. Coming from Thailand’s fast-paced life, this setting was a refreshing change.

In her classes at Miami, Elle found herself surrounded by many new faces. At her previous university, smaller class sizes made everyone familiar. However, Miami’s setting really encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and connect with new people.

“We have the same group of students, and we just split into three sections, but it’s always our friends. Here, you go into classes without knowing anyone,” she recalled.

Work, School, and Off-Campus Fun

Alongside her studies in Communication Arts, Elle enjoys an on-campus job as a Starbucks barista, going out with friends to uptown Oxford, and visiting Thai restaurants. Her barista role has not only helped her meet new friends but also gives her a taste of American culture (and some free coffee). Additionally, visiting Thai restaurants gives her a glimpse of home.

“When I go to Thai restaurants and the servers speak Thai to me, I just feel really happy. It’s such a little thing, but it means a lot,” she said.

Growth and Future Goals

While Elle was originally scheduled as a one-semester exchange student, she extended her program at Miami for another semester.

Since coming to Miami, Elle feels she’s become more open-minded and adaptable. She also took on an internship with Level Up Campaigns, a marketing company. This opportunity allowed her to work with several businesses by creating campaigns for them. This entailed working closely with clients to comprehend their goals, examining market trends, and creating detailed plans that support those objectives.

Elle said, “It was amazing. In just two-and-a-half months, I learned so much about leadership, people skills, and public speaking. I didn’t regret my decision at all.”

She’s now focused on pursuing business communication and believes her knowledge of consumer behavior will mesh well with business concepts. 

Elle’s experience at Miami highlights what International Education Week is all about: sharing cultures, stepping out of comfort zones, developing skills, and finding connections in new places!