Breathtaking! Past Review

By (San Diego State University) - abroad from 05/27/2019 to 06/10/2019 with

San Diego State University: Liberal Studies in Thailand, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very beneficial. I learn s so much that will help me as a future teacher.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The experience was unique and unforgettable! In this trip I learned so much about Thailand in regards of their culture, history, politics, and educational system. I was so in love with the experience that I stayed an extra weeks in Thailand to continue to learn more about the culture nd enjoy the beauty of this place.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Jane was an excellent host! Extremely welcoming and very friendly! She was also very professional, always on time and she ensured we were in track with our schedule and that we were safe.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels were beautiful! Breakfast was perfect and always warm. The location at which we stayed when we worked in the schools was a little uncomfortable since it was going under some remodeling, but I like to think this last of our experience!

* Food:

The food was really good! It is completely different to what I am used to, but I know that due to my pickiness I am a lot more sensible to the options. With this said I found myself enjoying the foreign food a lot of the times!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural experience was phenomenal. I learned so much, and I truly appreciate the vivid experience!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were kept safe and did not need health care assistance while abroad.

* Safety:

The people are friendly, and I felt safe most of the time.

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)

Thailand is not expensive at all! Like any other trip you should expect to spend money,but I don't think it will break your pocket!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can! It is so nice to be able to spend your extra money on souvenirs for yourself and loved one

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Visiting the Elephants.
  • Shopping.
  • Temples
* What could be improved?
  • Camp housing.
  • More variety of food.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Using jeans in Thailand is a terrible idea especially for Temple visiting. I also wished I knew what was appropriate clothing, we were misinformed on what we could wear.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.