Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Endless Adventures in the Sun Past Review

By (Creative Writing, Chapman University) - abroad from 12/27/2014 to 01/16/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Thailand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was my third study abroad experience and it was a program unlike any other. The program exemplified the 'learning through experience,' pedagogy. Everyday was filled with activities and conversations and classes that never felt like busy-work.

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.

Both classes were hands-on and completed mostly in the field. Learning wasn't confined to a classroom, which was a incredible experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing in Bangkok could be greatly improved, but we spent a very limited number of days in the city. The housing on Koh Samui was incredible - beautiful bungalows right on the beach!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because we were in Thailand during tourist season and were there for a short time, integration into the local culture felt a little hindered.

* 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

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)

Everything from food to shopping to activity excursions was extremely cost effective.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? probably less than $50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • excursions
  • scenery
* What could be improved?
  • living arrangements
  • cultural authenticity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I understood just how quickly a January term program goes by. It was over far before I was ready for it to be.

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.