Everything started on February 7^th when Prof. Dr. Kraas, my fellow students, a student from Myanmar, and I met in Bangkok to take the night train to Nong Khai later that day. It was my first time sleeping in a bed on a train, an exciting and new experience that set the tone for the adventure ahead.

The field work itself started on February 8^th in collaboration with Thai students, as well as students from China and Indonesia who were joining the work. We formed mixed-nationality groups, each including two German students and at least one Thai student. My group’s topic focused on tourism, and relating to that we did a data collection in the central area of Nong Khai over the next eight days. During that time, we also had to face quite some challenges such as differing opinions and language barriers. However, through open discussions, compromises, and teamwork, we found a productive rhythm as time went by. In the end our work operated satisfactorily due to a mix of close cooperative group work but also labour division.

The research itself was eye-opening and a completely new practical experience. Concerning to our proceeding we got in touch with diverse methods we used - from directly approaching tourists for quantitative questionnaires to conducting structured qualitative interviews with experts. We had interviews with governmental departments, an agency, and local businesses. Stepping out of our comfort zones became essential, and with time, we adapted, learning not only about tourism but also about cultural and academic differences in research approaches. The final three days, until February 18^th, were spent visiting Khon Kaen University’s campus in Nong Khai, where we were welcomed with a vibrant Thai cultural event organised by the students there, before exploring the university itself in Khon Kaen. This trip was more than just an academic experience - it was a deep dive into a new culture, a lesson in adaptability, and an invaluable step toward my future professional pathway. It reinforced my confidence in working internationally, proving that stepping beyond familiar boundaries leads to the most rewarding experiences.

Eileen Hube