Why am I in Indonesia?

Research
Written By Thao Nguyen

Back in 2012, I did a study abroad in Singapore for one semester. Til this day, I still believe that was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I took full advantage of Singapore's international airport to hop all around Southeast Asia. Unknowingly, I ended up making 3 separate trips to Indonesia.... Pulau BIntan because it was a short ferry ride away to chill on a beach with friends. Bali...because it's Bali and I got to scuba dive with manta rays. Pulau Weh in Sumatra to get my advanced open water certification.

If you haven't caught on my now.... I LOVE SCUBA DIVING. One of the greatest lesson's I learned in grad school is how to turn my passion and hobbies into research. Thanks to some incredible advisors, hours of re-writing my proposal, and a bit of luck....I'm back in Indonesia for the 5th time and this time... as a Fulbright Student Researcher. Researching the Indonesian perception about their marine protected areas. I get to do all the things I love: reading, writing, making connections and hearing people's stories, and scuba diving in some of the world's coveted underwater ecosystems. 

#manifestthelifeyouwant

Thao Nguyen

Thao Nguyen is a travel writer and field-based storyteller exploring the intersections of conservation, politics of travel, and location freedom with her new RV.

Holding a Master’s degree in (1)Political Science and (2)Environment and Natural Resources, she examines how environmental policy and public lands shape not only landscapes, but also the communities connected to them.

Her work moves across America’s national parks, Southeast Asia’s coastal communities, and tropical underwater ecosystems, with a focus on sustainability, cultural connection, and the serendipitous encounters that define meaningful travel.

Fulbright Researcher - Indonesia 2018
Scuba Schools International (SSI) Certified Dive Master & Dive Guide

http://thaotalks.com
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