Muay Thai, Management, and Mahidol: Ava's Global Exchange Experience

Participating in a Global Exchange was ‘the best decision I made in my life,” said Ava De Gaetano (Undergraduate, Management Information Systems). She studied at Mahidol University in Thailand during the Spring 2025 semester. When deciding to go on an exchange to Thailand, she said she wanted an independent experience, wanted to travel, and believed a Global Exchange would bring about personal growth – plus she always had an interest in Thailand. “It could be daunting, but there is a network of support with the FSU exchange advisors and the people at your exchange university. If you’re apprehensive – go for it. This time in your life is the perfect time to go.”

When not enjoying her classes at Mahidol, she participated in learning Muay Thai, a martial art, with her friends and was able to travel to many nearby countries such as Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more. When asked about the benefits of her exchange, Ava remarked “My exchange shaped me as a person and made me more confident in every situation. I was able to navigate social situations as the only FSU student on campus which built my confidence in the ability to talk to strangers and navigate local transportation.”

This exchange also validated Ava’s career path with hopes of becoming an international tech business consultant, saying “I was able to meet so many other international students with similar career goals as mine.” She mentioned that her program was incredibly immersive, sharing that she got to go to local restaurants to look at their business processes and was able to network and socialize with her peers with many group projects and presentations. “Every internship and interview I’ve gotten since returning was because of this exchange experience.”