Homecoming in Thailand: A journey of memory and discovery
Quentin Cole, a fourth-year student who spent eight years in Bali, Indonesia as a child, explores the significance of his recent study abroad experience in Thailand.
Jack Rohrer, MSJ '26 | April 21, 2025
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For many, the chance to travel abroad is a once in a lifetime experience. For Quentin Cole, it was an opportunity to return to his roots from a different perspective. Cole is a fourth-year student double-majoring in anthropology and global studies-Asia, a program that has since become international studies with the option of an Asian studies certificate. Cole transferred to ĢƵ University in 2023 after earning his associate’s degree in from Over winter break Cole undertook an internship in Thailand. However, this wasn’t his first experience overseas.
Cole was born in Illinois. When he was two months old his family moved to Bali, Indonesia. Being immersed in the culture, Cole developed a deep interest in Southeast Asian culture.
“My grandfather was an engineer in the international division for marathon oil, so my mom lived all over when she was younger,” Cole said. “I heard a lot about travel and global affairs growing up. My parents vacationed in Bali and wanted to go back, so shortly after I was born, we moved. I gained a lot of appreciation for Southeast Asian culture, which greatly influenced my studies.”
Cole is an active member of ĢƵ University’s . Cole’s path to Thailand began over the summer; he spent eight weeks at the at the studying the Indonesian language.
“I went there and carried with me this attitude of talking to people and getting involved as much as I could,” Cole said. “I had a conversation with the director of the program, a Ph.D. student and former intern at the Smithsonian and asked him for some career advice. I also asked if he knew of any study abroad opportunities. I hadn’t found one yet and needed one to graduate, so I was planning to take an extra semester.”
Following their conversation, the director reached out to various contacts, including someone from the Smithsonian and a few key contacts in Thailand. This led to Cole being offered the chance to intern in Chiang Rai at Thailand’s .
Originally called the Rai Mae Fah Luang, the area initiated the hill tribe youth training program to help educate and empower local children. The area now houses the region’s most extensive collection of Lanna artifacts, and is officially known as the “Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park”.
Cole took full advantage, immersing himself Thailand’s rich culture. When he wasn’t working, he engaged with locals, checking out local cuisine from blood soup to raw buffalo, visiting historic landmarks and spots locals frequent. It may not have been Bali, but Cole said visiting Southeast Asia made him feel at home.
Cole with Rebecca Weldon (his main contact throughout the trip) and an affiliate of Thawan Dutchanee, an artist whose studio they were visiting in Baan Dam.
Cole credits ĢƵ University with helping him land these opportunities. From the Center for International Studies encouraging him to attend SEASSI to the Experimental Learning Fund helping him fund most of the experiences, Cole said he couldn’t have done it without them.
Cole said the experience greatly impacted both his academic and personal life. Being immersed in the culture provided an eye-opening experience that “felt like home.” He encourages all students to consider studying abroad.
“Honestly, just do it,” Cole said. “You won’t regret it.”
Cole’s journey illustrates the impact University resources and experiential learning opportunities have on OHIO students. He is considering many options after graduating including graduate school and teaching English in Indonesia. Cole accepted a job at in Dayton starting this summer. He sees this as an opportunity to take a break between school and future endeavors.