Eye and mind opening experience in Asia Past Review

By (Marketing, Marist College) for

Marist College: Traveling - Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The world is bigger than Marist College campus.

Review Photos

Marist College: Traveling - Asia Summer Abroad Program (ASAP) Photo Marist College: Traveling - Asia Summer Abroad Program (ASAP) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

People think classes should be easier when we go abroad, but the course work was extremely rigorous. I enjoyed that because it really tied the trip together for me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The strength of this program is that we learn theories and models in class but we see it in real life.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in hotels all summer and being able to interact with locals living at the hotel taught us phrases to help us get around.

* Food:

You will be able to eat whatever you would like. Avoid the American food as much as possible, try the native food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We stayed at a women's temple for four days and it was insightful to see Buddhism in practice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Asia might be safer than anywhere America.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $150 per week on discretionary spending.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure to bring multiple credit cards, debit cards, and extra cash for any unanticipated events, like losing your wallet.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Culturally Immersive
  • Travelling program
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live in the moment.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Economic Development

Course Department: Econ 340
Instructor: Professor Terence Lau
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course work on this program is rigorous but Professor Lau broke it down so well that I got a lot from the class. Professor Lau worked in Ford Motors Thailand before becoming a professor so he practiced the theories and concepts in Asia. He is a brillant man, I wish I can take his class again.
Credit Transfer Issues: No