By Scott Jackson
As a first-generation college student, Oswaldo Medellin (’25 Intl. Busi.), began his academic career at community college before transferring to WSU. At first, Medellin says it was a bit overwhelming, but with the help of mentors at the Carson College, the Pullman campus quickly began to feel like home.
“Everything was new, so I couldn’t seek advice from people I’m used to seeking advice from,” he says. “I feel like my English isn’t so great, so just adapting to the flow was challenging. I met people that advised me through it, and I’m happy to be here.”
Having spent his life moving with family between Mexico and the US, Medellin had never traveled much beyond those familiar places.
Medellin says he saw study abroad as an opportunity to grow by challenging himself academically in a new environment, broadening his cultural perspective, and networking with international peers.
Embracing growth in Thailand
Initially, Medellin considered traveling to Mexico or Spain, but with encouragement from advisors, he decided to try Thailand—something less familiar. Though he anticipated challenges, he was surprised by the warm welcome he received.
“I thought it was going to be hard just because of the language barrier, but the Thai people and everyone else in the program were so welcoming and heartwarming,” Medellin says. “It didn’t feel like I was too far away from home, even though I was on the other side of the globe.”
Medellin’s exchange program brought him to Mahidol University in Salaya, a quiet university town just outside Bangkok. He found the program to be rigorous but rewarding. Sometimes he visited local temples to enjoy a little peace.
“Most exchange students at Mahidol take three classes; meanwhile, I was taking five,” he says. “I have to admit, it was overwhelmingly chaotic at times and definitely stressful, but at the end I was able to adapt and handle these challenges head on.”
Among his courses, Medellin says Data Analytics was the most challenging, as it required proficiency in Python—a programming language he had never used before. He picked up the basics while completing class projects, which pushed him to develop new skills quickly. Still, he says the most useful course for daily life in Thailand was Intro to Thai Language and Culture.
“Learning about the language and culture definitely helped me feel more comfortable during my stay,” he says. “I would often apply phrases I learned in class, and the locals always seemed very happy when I tried to speak their language.”
Medellin says adapting to new ways of communicating gave him a stronger sense of empathy and a better understanding of how to navigate cultural differences.
The international nature of the college also allowed him to meet and build a network of peers from around the world. He quickly began making friends, and they have already started making plans to travel together in the future.
Preparing for a global career
As he approaches the end of his studies, Medellin says he hopes to find a professional role that allows him to travel. He says study abroad, along with support from the Carson College, have given him the tools to succeed in a global business landscape.
“Study abroad helps you grow as a person, as a professional, and as a student—it’s worth it to just take the risk,” Medellin says. “Business is all about taking risks, and I feel at the end of the day, it’s going to pay off.”
Medellin credits WSU’s Global Learning team and his advisors at the Carson College with helping him take that first step. He now sees the experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his education.
While his post-collegiate plans are still taking shape, Medellin says his time abroad gave him greater clarity about the kind of future he wants to build. The experience deepened his interest in international work and reinforced his desire to keep exploring new cultures and perspectives through his career.
“This program gave me a glimpse of what kind of life I could have with a career that puts me in the global space,” he says. “Now I’m even more determined to pursue a career that allows me to keep exploring the world.”
