A term in Thailand Past Review
By Siripot S (International Business., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 09/09/2012 to 12/18/2012 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Bangkok - Semester in Thailand
I gained a lot self confidence and experience in dealing with new people and situations. I learned the value of money and the difference between poverty and well off people and that I should cherish what I have.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A very satisfied experience that left me wanting more. I have a totally new outlook at new culture and diversity. I can't wait until I go abroad again. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were there when I needed them, but I didnt really get to know them since they were always busy and initiation was an issue. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
very nice housing that CIS has set up for me. the rooms were nice with king size bed and personal bathroom with hot water and a maid who cleans after you once a week. there is also this small family owned restaurant that makes amazing food right in front of the apartment. |
| * Food: |
Its thailand. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very. Pretty much 8 out of 10 I would meet Thai people. The rural location of the housing and university forces you to make Thai friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Didnt have a situation where I had to rely on it. |
| * Safety: |
It is Thailand. Just be smart on where to go, like dont walk alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Not easy. I must have spent about 3 grand over there within 4 months. I love food so I will spend more than i should to have good food. Shopping and random buys happens a lot. Just be prepared to spend quite a bit, even if youre saving money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $3,000 + |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat out at street foods are cheap. Any chains at the mall will be expensive and I dont recommend it every day. save a lot of money before hand. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Pretty much to get to school you needed to use the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Get a dummy book and practice up. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How much I would spend |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Developmental Psychology |
| Course Department: | Psychology |
| Instructor: | Ian Mcdonald |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The Professor was extremely entertaining and left a very positive impact on me. I recommend anyone to take a class with him. I was never bored during this class. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | none that I know of currently |
