The first chapter of my Erasmus journey.

A little bit about my background…

I am in my third-year of university, majoring in Journalism and mass media communication. My name is Paweena Ninbut. People usually call me by my nickname ‘Parn’. I used to be a very introverted, timid girl. But do not get me wrong, I am still an introvert. Nevertheless, without realizing it, I am more adjusted to the journalism world. Strive to learn and observe new cultures, interview people with inspiring questions, and continuously search for new and controversial topics.

I am relentless, enthusiastic, and persistent. I used to always buggged people when I was a kid. Asking most random questions to cure my curiosity, which is endless. And i think why not use all these personalities in the most creative way. Since, I am always passionate about Journalism. To travel the world and see the world as it is ongoing, capturing the history, visually and verbally. Be a part of something big. These are also parts why I chose LMU because the university has a lot of history and a good reputation in Journalism. And now I am a part of it myself.

Life in Munich so far…

It has been two months already since my life has changed drastically. I still can not believe it myself. I can still remember the excitement when I was packing my bags, sitting in the airplane, and when the plane landed. I did not know what was waiting for me. Going Back 6 months ago, I decided to apply for an Erasmus exchange. Knowing it is one of the most competitive and famous scholarships. I, as always was enthusiastic to learn and find something new and did not hesitate to go for it. At that time I did not even know how to speak German and had never once been to this country ever. However, I was not scared.

‘Awe enables us to sense in small things the beginning of infinite significance, to sense the ultimate in the common and the simple. To feel in the rush of the passing the stillness of the eternal’

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Since I arrived in Munich, I have made a lot of new friends, observed new cultures, and had a good time. However, there are also some struggles I faced. I came from Thailand which is very far away. There are numerous differences between Asian and European cultures. The food, the living costs, and others. Even though I have been to Europe multiple times, still, it is different from living in it. It took me quite sometimes to adjust and settle down. But I can say I am loving it. Everything is new here but I look at it in an optimistic way. Something new means a new challenge, which I can prove myself that I am strong enough. It might get hard, and it is supposed to be. That is how one learn to grow and broaden one’s perspective.

What I expect from being an exchange student at LMU…

And as I always do when I start a new chapter in my life, Setting a goal, or so-called expectation. It is not like something big or a grand achievement, because I am the kind of person who gets easily happy with simple little things. It is just my tradition, I would say. In my one semester at LMU, 5 months to be precise, I plan to make the most out of it. I am planning to become skilled in Journalism, expand my perspective on things, and make a lot of new international friends. Because having a chance to be an exchange student is a privilege. I will not take it for granted. To put it in other words, I just try to make the most memorable memories in my life. Every second, every bit of it.