Gratitude at the heart of student’s two weeks in Thailand

An exciting new partnership has helped a nursing student gain a “life-changing” experience.

12 GCU students visited Sawasdee Summer School at Mahidol University in Thailand, giving them the chance to learn and experience Thai culture.

The trip, which took place in July this year, came as a result of the Scottish Government-funded Scottish Education Exchange Programme. This enabled nine GCU academics to visit three partner universities across Southeast Asia in February 2026.

The visit to Mahidol University allowed Val Howatson, a senior nursing academic from the Department of Nursing, Community and Public Health, to work closely with colleagues in the Faculty of Nursing in Bangkok, exploring approaches to clinical education, student support, and international collaboration.

This resulted in the establishment of a Turing Scheme-funded mobility programme and led to the incredible opportunity for the 12 GCU students to visit the Sawasdee Summer School.

One of those involved was Mental Health Nursing student Vikki Kavanagh, who sat down with us to reflect on the lasting impact the trip had on her.

Personal background

“I’m a bit older, and my journey to university wasn’t straightforward. I was brought up in care, so university was never on my horizon. I then had a family and one of my boys has additional needs, so I wanted to wait until he was self-sufficient before going into further education.

“I decided to do the SWAP course and I just loved every second of it. I would say it was definitely quite intense, but it really prepared me for coming to university.

“When I arrived at GCU, I knew I wanted to make the most of my experience here. I’d went through a lot to get to the point of studying at university and wanted to make sure I had absolutely no regrets.”

Selection process

“It was when I was on placement earlier this year that I first heard about the chance to go to Thailand. Val Howatson emailed about the trip, and when I read more about it I just thought there was no harm in applying - it just sounded incredible. I hadn’t even spoken to my husband about it because I genuinely didn’t think I would get picked!

“There were different stages of the selection process and by the time the final interview came around I knew I really, really wanted it. I’d also spoken to my family by that point and they were fully supportive. Two of my close friends from the course, Cath and Stephen, had also decided to apply. We were hoping that at least one of us would get the chance to go.

“Incredibly, we finally got the news that all three of us had been selected! I just couldn’t believe that someone like me was getting an opportunity like this. I had to stop and pinch myself.”

The build-up

“We basically had a few weeks of getting injections and filling out forms. I didn’t really have time to stop and think. The excitement was still there though, and I loved the fact I was going with GCU.

“The money from the Turing Scheme was a massive help. You can’t put a price on an experience like this, so it was amazing there was that support for all of us coming from different backgrounds.”

Arriving in Thailand

“We flew from Edinburgh and it was an afternoon flight. Me, Cath and Stephen flew together - we referred to ourselves as “the Thailand legends” – and that was an amazing experience in itself. I’ve known Stephen since I was on the SWAP course, so we were looking at each other on the flight and just laughing at how mad it was that we were in this situation. A massive bonus of the trip was that all 12 students who went from GCU all got on so well together – there were no cliques or anything like that.

“When we landed in Thailand we were met by students from Mahidol University, who were waiting with big signs for us. There was also students from Indonesia and Japan involved in the Sawasdee Summer School. I just loved getting the chance to meet people from different countries and having that opportunity to gain an insight into their culture.”

Experience

“We were picked up at our student accommodation every morning and then traveled to Mahidol University. The classes we attended were focused on Thai culture and covered everything from language to cooking, and even things like Thai boxing and Thai dancing!

It was amazing to learn about it all, especially when you then got to use your knowledge out in the city doing your own thing.

“Another thing that really stood out was the size of the campus. You could have fitted six GCU’s into Mahidol – it was absolutely breathtaking! There were also massive Monitor Lizards just roaming about campus, which definitely took a bit of getting used to.”

Cultural trips

“As well as learning in the classroom, we actually got the chance to experience the culture. We went and tried out Thai dancing wearing traditional dress. It was absolutely amazing – and we even taught the Indonesian and Japanese students a bit of our own culture by showing them “The Slosh”.

“We had a Muay Thai class, which was delivered by professionals. We even got the chance to go to a contest in a purpose-built Muay Thai stadium. It was very American in that there were lots of cameras and big screens – every time the cameras came near us we were trying to get on the television, and one of the girls who stayed behind at the accommodation actually spotted us!”

“We also visited a fisherman’s wife for a cookery class. She lived at the water and showed us how to stuff crabs and how to make certain Thai desserts. The thing that really stood out to me was her kindness – her and her husband were actually thanking us for coming to visit, even though she cooked all the food and did everything else! The respect that everyone has for each other was definitely one of the main things I took from my time in Thailand.

“We also spent three nights in a beach resort called Pattaya. The hotel there was absolutely stunning and there was a rooftop restaurant and a big swimming pool – everything was gorgeous.

“We visited Pattaya floating market, which was just an incredible sight. It also gave us the chance to visit the Sanctuary of Truth, which was hand-carved out of wood – it just blew me away.”

Highlight

“There was one particular memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. We went to an open zoo, which was absolutely massive. I got to feed giraffes and lions, but it was being with the elephants that really stood out to me.

“I’ve now got a picture on the back of my phone of that moment and I just remember at that time thinking about being young and the personal journey I’ve taken that led me to that exact point. It still makes me so emotional thinking about it. I got the picture on the back of my phone to always be grateful and always have that moment.

“I’ll always be thankful to the staff members who picked me and gave me the chance to experience this. I’m 52-years-old and just didn’t expect to be selected for an experience like this. I’ll never forget it.”

Reflection

“I definitely feel like I’ve left a part of me back in Thailand. I want to return and let my family experience everything I saw. We’re already planning out our holiday there for next year.

“I’ll never forget Thailand and seeing people who were just so grateful for life. Even though they were staying in what we would regard as really deprived conditions, they all had the biggest smiles on their faces. Everyone was just so happy and content, which I think gave us all a different perspective on life. I think that’s one of the biggest benefits of a trip like this.”

“The fact I applied for something like this and was chosen has undoubtedly built my confidence. My self-esteem has improved and I just smile every time I think about my time in Thailand – it was genuinely life-changing.”

By Ross Clark

Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk