Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Program if You Want It, But Not For Everyone Past Review

By (HSSP, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/17/2014 to 05/15/2014 with

CIEE: Khon Kaen - Community Public Health

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about healthcare systems, the Thai educational system, friendships, self-reliance, I can't put it all here. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While the school work was fairly easy, there was a lot of time spent in lectures. The first course required a lot of long days. Overall, there were a couple of great lecturers, a few were okay, and some were not very good. Despite this, I still feel like I learned a lot because I started with only a little public health knowledge and put in effort to learn more. The internet wasn't very good, but the staff was really helpful in finding resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My roommate was awesome!

* Food:

Overall, it was good, but there were difficulties during the trip to Laos

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Some people made friends with KKU students outside of the program. School was on summer break during the second half of the semester, but that will change this year.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My personal health experience was okay. I needed to continue treatment from the U.S. and had no trouble getting to a doctor. But two of my friends had difficulty accessing the care they needed.

* Safety:

I felt safe enough to walk alone at night. Just watch out for drunk motorcycle drivers.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Average cost of a meal was $1.25.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40-45
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own breakfast. K-mart offers some cheaper breakfast items.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Mandarin level 3
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your roommate, Thai ajaans, and food vendors.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Homestays
  • Opportunity for independent work
* What could be improved?
  • Lecturers
  • Staff interactions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!