Isaiah Berry, Class of 2026

Redefining Success Abroad

When Isaiah, a Finance major at Rivier, boarded the plane to begin his study abroad semester at Mahidol University in Salaya, Thailand, he had already meticulously planned every detail. Guided by his strict financial mindset, he was determined to stretch every dollar.

“Before studying abroad, I was so focused on making and saving as much money as possible,” Isaiah says.

However, while living in the “Land of Smiles,” what he found instead was something far more valuable: perspective.

Immersed in Thailand

Isaiah’s favorite memory abroad? Exploring Buddhist temples on a tour in Bangkok.

“The temples in Thailand are a whole different kind of beauty that I’d never experienced before. They’re so intricately decorated and laid out that it felt like looking at art,” he says. “Walking through them was almost otherworldly because there’s nothing like that in America. It gave me a deeper appreciation for Thai culture.”

But the real transformation came from routine, everyday experiences. From attending classes at Mahidol University, to exploring his new surroundings, Isaiah connected with locals, embraced a new culture, and reflected on his own values.

“I realized that real happiness doesn’t come from having more money; it comes from building meaningful human connections,” he says.

Studying Abroad with Rivier

Through Rivier’s Center for International Studies (CIS Abroad), Isaiah’s study abroad experience was planned from start to finish. While in Thailand, Isaiah could access valuable resources, including free care from a nurse and support from a Rivier director available by phone anytime, which helped him feel connected while away from home.

“Rivier helped me so much by making the process as easy as possible. They don’t see you as just another student; they want you to have these amazing experiences for your own benefit,” he says.

To make Isaiah’s class registration stress-free, Rivier’s advising team carefully matched his courses with Mahidol University’s offerings and ensured everything was approved before he left the country. That level of support gave Isaiah peace of mind, knowing his schedule was fully prepared and free of unexpected hurdles.

Isaiah also worked with Rivier’s Registrar and Financial Aid offices, where staff walked him through the process and broke down the numbers. As a Finance major, that clarity gave him confidence.

“Once I saw the numbers, I thought, ‘Okay, I can do this,’” he says.

He praised Rivier’s Office of Global Engagement (OGE) for making the study abroad process straightforward. The OGE team answered his questions, walked him through each step, and offered their full support, from his inquiry about studying abroad to his arrival in Thailand.

“Rivier sees you for who you really are and wants you to be your best self,” Isaiah says. “I felt that support the whole time, and I know anyone going abroad will get the same guidance and encouragement.”

Memories Made for a Lifetime

Leaving Thailand was the hardest part of Isaiah’s journey, but he returned to Nashua with a deeper understanding of both himself and the people around him. Though he dreams of returning and reconnecting with the friends he made abroad, he’s now focused on balancing his passion for finance with a newfound appreciation for life’s simpler moments.

“Studying abroad is such an authentic human experience. I think everyone should have the opportunity to do it,” he says. “It opens your mind to new perspectives and helps you understand other people and yourself much more.”

To see where an international experience could take you, visit the Rivier Global Engagement Office.