Most amazing diverse experience I've ever had! Thailand is beautiful! Past Review
By Marika W (Environmental Science., Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/07/2013 to 12/06/2013 with
ISA Study Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand
I became much more independent and it opened my eyes to issues all over the world. It put things into perspective.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes I took were pretty easy! Much easier than classes back at Western. Great student resource center to help all of the international students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were in basic dorms, which I loved. It was a lot of fun meeting and living with students from all over the world. |
| * Food: |
Great food, and super cheap! Try everything! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Taking the Thai language course makes a huge difference. I could speak some Thai to the locals which helps make the abroad experience more comfortable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had an allergic reaction to a bug bite in northern Thailand. The health care system I experienced there was definitely much difference than back home. Not quite as experienced doctors, with very basic facilities. THere are great hospitals in Bangkok though! The doctor at Mahidol is also very helpful. He helped a lot of international students with a wide variety of medical issues. |
| * Safety: |
Thailand is a very safe country to live and travel through. I never had any issues. Just be cautious of local customs and traditions. Try not to get into any altercations with Thai people. It will turn into 10 vs. you, since they all protect each other and you are seen as the foreigner. |
| 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) |
Depending on what activities you do, and how much traveling on the weekends, it is very cheap to live in Thailand. I spent a lot of money because I did a lot on the weekends, such as rafting and visiting an elephant refuge center. Both great experiences but also on the pricier side. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It really depends. Just at the dorms maybe $20, but on weekends $100- $200 if I traveled to other parts of Thailand. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be careful how much you go out if you are trying to save money. |
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 |
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| 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? | I have taken 2 years of Spanish in college, but no Thai. |
| 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? | Use it no matter! The locals there love it when we tried to practice our Thai with them! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | Make friends right away. Don't be shy! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
