Beyond my wildest dreams Past Review

By (West Texas A&M University) - abroad from 01/03/2017 to 04/11/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Bangkok - Semester in Thailand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that life is short, and time fly's by faster than the blink of an eye. There is so much more to see in the world than just the traditional places. This trip was more than worthwhile, I would not trade my experience for anything. Everyday, I miss it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor was fair. The professors were very helpful in assisting us, and I actually felt that the academic load was much less than back at my home university. There was not many resources to get help from, but the professors helped in any way possible, and the exams correlated directly with what was being taught.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was okay, our program leader always answered extremely quickly and to the best of his knowledge. However, he was never really physically around.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living at Bundit. We had access to the pool, gym, and plenty of little shops around to eat from. We also had very clean rooms, and wifi worked the majority of the time. I could tell Buan Suan was more of a homey feeling, but I loved Bundit and made great friends. The staff were extremely friendly as well.

* Food:

The food is CHEAP. Almost every meal cost me around $1 and it was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt at one with the culture. I was able to take a Thai language course which was EXTREMELY helpful. I was able to get around on my own, order food, check in places and make simple conversations with the Thai people. All of which connected me closer to them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Before this experience, I was never really interested in Asia. Now, I have fallen in love with Southeast Asia. The people of Thailand were beyond friendly, the food was amazing, the scenery was breathtaking, everything was amazing.

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)

Thailand is CHEAP, Southeast Asia is CHEAP. You will feel like royalty.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$40 on just food. IF i went traveling or shopping around $100-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead, and make friends with the locals. When you do you can save a lot of money, and get great deals. If you're planning on flying, book your flight ASAP so it will be cheaper. Don't worry about signing up for tours online, whenever you get to the place you're going there will be plenty of stands selling tours for way cheaper than online.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Take part in a Thai language course. You will find yourself practicing the language more often, and not only speaking but understanding it faster and better than those not enrolled in a Thai language course.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The country
  • The people
  • my friends
* What could be improved?
  • Better field trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about Southeast Asia, so I could have planned my weekend trips more wise. Other than that anything unexpected never caused me to think twice about my decisions.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.