Peammy Samrejsuk came to Otago from Thailand to study a Master of Politics. “For me, studying at Otago became more than just getting a degree. It was also about growth, experiences, friendships, and learning more about myself."
The lack of academic work connecting Thailand and New Zealand – beyond topics like trade, dairy, or business – was a key motivator for Peammy Samrejsuk’s research with Otago.
Peammy graduated with a Master of Politics on Saturday 9 May, travelling back to Dunedin from her homeland of Thailand to celebrate.
It's obvious that the connections she's made between the two countries have also been at a personal level.
“I’m Thai, originally from Bangkok, Thailand, and a Kiwi at heart,” Peammy says.
Peammy was working in Foreign Affairs in Thailand before she came to New Zealand as a Manaaki Scholar, supported by the New Zealand Government. She almost chose a different route.
“I was accepted into a programme in Germany at the same time, but my boss, who was a diplomat, told me, ‘Choose New Zealand'. I thought, ‘why not?’ I had never been there before, and it felt exciting to start a new chapter somewhere completely new.
“I chose Otago because of how beautiful the campus looked and because it felt so far away from home, in a good way. Coming from Bangkok, I felt like I had already experienced enough big-city life, so I wanted somewhere quieter and different.”
Peammy says she was initially nervous due to a difficult experience as an exchange student in Europe during her undergraduate years, but things turned out differently at Otago.
“One thing I really appreciated about Otago was how easy it was to get involved and try new things. I joined different clubs and activities, became a class representative for both semesters, and pushed myself to be more active and connected within the University community.
“Overall, my time at Otago turned out to be incredibly rewarding, not only academically but personally as well. It gave me friendships, experiences, and memories that I’ll always carry with me.”
Peammy’s dissertation focuses on New Zealand’s foreign policy identity, particularly the gap between how New Zealand sees itself and how it's externally perceived by Thailand. She says the academic programme wasn’t easy, but that makes it rewarding as she grew academically as well as personally.
She found her supervisor Associate Professor James Headley and former supervisor Dr Leon Goldsmith, both with the Politics programme, supportive and encouraging throughout her studies.
Peammy is now exploring a career in her field of research such as international relations, politics, or foreign affairs. She aims to continue to work in an international environment, to meet and work with people from different backgrounds and use her English language skills in her career.
“For me, studying at Otago became more than just getting a degree. It was also about growth, experiences, friendships, and learning more about myself. So, if you’re thinking about it, take the chance. You never know where it could lead you."
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