{"id":53221,"date":"2025-05-06T01:18:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T08:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carpediemeducation.org\/?p=53221"},"modified":"2025-05-26T01:37:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T08:37:28","slug":"julias-latitudes-year-in-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carpediemeducation.org\/julias-latitudes-year-in-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"The Depths of Discovery: Julia\u2019s Latitudes Year in Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Written by <\/strong>Julia Kate Thompson<\/b>, 2024-25 Latitudes Student<\/strong><\/p>\n

Diving Into Conservation on Koh Tao<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

This semester abroad, I\u2019ve been interning with a dive shop on the island of Koh Tao, working on their Reef Conservation Team. I\u2019ve been a part of several projects such as environmental monitoring, shark snorkels, measuring key species, water testing, turtle rescues, artificial reef building, and client work.<\/p>\n

My first month of the three was spent in classes with the program to prepare me for this work. Outside of diving, I\u2019ve also taken part in social events like Songkran (Thai New Year), a whale shark fundraiser, and volunteering at the local school! It\u2019s been an action-packed 12 weeks, and the support and team I\u2019ve found here have truly changed my life and reshaped how I view adult workplaces.<\/p>\n

Learning to Care for Myself Abroad<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

My biggest challenge abroad has been balancing health, work, and social life. As a teen who\u2019s never lived alone before, setting my own rules around getting things done, establishing a healthy bedtime, and eating well has been a real struggle. I\u2019ve learned the hard way that neglecting those things often means getting sick\u2014and when that happens, I end up missing out on work and social activities. I\u2019m learning that taking care of myself is essential to showing up fully in all areas of my life.<\/p>\n

A Moment I\u2019ll Never Forget<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

My top highlight has been seeing a whale shark at Shark Island. Just the fact that I got to swim next to such a beautiful creature crosses my mind at least once a day\u2014it was truly unforgettable.<\/p>\n

Skills I\u2019m Taking Home<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

The improvement I\u2019ve seen in my diving has been incredible. I never thought it was something I\u2019d be good at or that I\u2019d see such a noticeable change in. My buoyancy, air consumption, and overall comfort underwater have improved by miles\u2014and I\u2019m so proud of the work I\u2019ve put in to get better.<\/p>\n

Inspired by Julia’s gap year? Learn more about the Latitudes Year<\/a> and carve out your own journey!\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n