Summer Fiori traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where she studied Thai Language and Buddhist Philosophy at Chiang Mai University. Summer befriended many people at her host university, including her teacher and an intern named Arm. In particular, Summer and Arm talked about the cultural differences between The United States and Thailand, specifically pertaining to differences in school, food, and how Thai people spend their free time. Summer felt fully immersed in the culture when Arm took her traveling to new places around Chiang Mai, including museums, restaurants, and parks. Befriending these individuals gave Summer an opportunity to practice speaking the Thai language, as well as to assist her Thai friends with his skills in English. Additionally, Summer found the opportunity to practice the language at restaurants, street vendors, and the weekly Walking Street market. In addition to this, Summer volunteered at Thailand's first sanctuary for elephants, Elephant Nature Park. During her week as a volunteer, Summer spent her time at the Journey to Freedom project located three hours away from the city of Chiang Mai. This project introduced disabled, overworked elephants to a natural environment that was free from work. Within this unique experience to observe elephants outside of captivity, Summer was able to interact with and observe six rescued elephants. Through this, she was able to learn about elephants from their mahouts (caretaker), as well as become educated on the neglectful work elephants are forced to do for tourist businesses. Through the project, Summer became acquainted with fourteen other individuals from around the world as they worked together to cut, clean, and prepare food for the herd. The volunteers spent the evenings visiting local Karen Hill Tribe villages. In the villages, Summer assisted the children with their English homework, played soccer, and asked the children questions about their schooling, activities, interests, and hobbies. The volunteers also had the opportunity to spend time with a local kindergarten. During this time, the volunteers taught one-hundred and fifty students the names of foods in English, which were provided in order to cook lunch for the class. As a result of her international experience, Summer gained greater confidence, better communication skills, a love for her host country and its people, and inspiration to travel. Summer reflected on her international experience through her willingness to share her fond memories and with gratitude toward the Vira Heinz program, which made her experience possible.