Anand Fedele

Studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand during the spring 2023 semester  

My semester abroad was a profoundly constructive and inspiring period in my life. In Thailand, I was immersed in a surreal new environment—one with lush tropical greenery, mountainous forests, and gleaming temples. My classes at Chiang Mai University lent me a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture and cultivated a fascination and appreciation for the Thai language and its distinct cadence and sound. I spent my days hiking and exploring the city, attending community events and festivals, eating delicious street food, journaling, making music, and strengthening my friendships with Thai and American college students. In four short months, I experienced a lifetime of enriching adventures that made me more peaceful, disciplined, and compassionate. For this reason, I am massively grateful for having had the opportunity to study abroad and spend time in such a wonderful place on Earth.  

The academic areas that inspire me the most involve environmental policymaking and planning. After graduation, I hope to work in some facet of society that allows me to engage with climate mitigation or adaptation. My previous internship experiences have been in the non-profit sector. However, I see myself working as a public official on the municipal level or in a state or federal agency. The topics that interest me the most are green infrastructure, affordable housing, gentrification, and coastal resilience.