Studying abroad has been the best experience of my life. Past Review
By German R (New Mexico State University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
ISEP Exchange: Bangkok - Exchange Program at Thammasat University
It definitely opened my eyes and help me understand the World better. My vision is broader and I believe I'm more open, mentally and culturally. It also changed my career goals. It was, no doubt, worthwhile. I would do it again 10 times.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration at Thammasat University was not very efficient, especially dealing with visas. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived at Amarin Mansion. I loved that place and the atmosphere. |
| * Food: |
Thai food is delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Thai people, especially out of the big city, are very friendly and welcoming. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I didn't have any safety problems, but scams are a big thing in Bangkok. |
| 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) |
The living expenses are very low. Such as eating for 1USD a meal. But it also depends on the students habits: party and going out. Overall, it is very easy to live with a low budget. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 100 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Stay away from food and goods from your own country. Those are very expensive, and in the end they are not worth the 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 |
Everybody here tried to speak English because they also want to learn, so it was a little hard to learn Thai. At school students are encouraged to learn. |
| 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? | Beginning Thai Language. |
| 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? | Get along with the locals. Find local friends that way you will listen to the language more often, and you will also understand the culture better. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | If you are going to Thailand, you just need a backpack. There is no need for several suitcases. Everything you need you can find it there. |
