Best 5 Months of My Life Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/14/2016 to 06/01/2016 with

Thammasat University: Bangkok - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
SO much! Cultural awareness, language, the power of a smile, the power of a frown, body language, and everything will work out!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

A certain type of person decides to study abroad in Thailand. This program has the greatest community of exchange students who are laid back, easy going, fun, kind, caring, open minded, and adventurous. I learned and grew more in these 5 months than I have in the past 5 years. I know that these friends will last a lifetime and I miss them so much already. Thailand has a piece of my heart and it will forever impact how I live my life.

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a roommate! And the smallest room at Amarin! Eat the street food!!! Buy plane tickets in advance!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

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? n/a
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? Just learn when you get there. It is very tonal so you need a Thai person to teach it to you!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • the people
  • the locals
  • the food
* What could be improved?
  • the classes at host uni
  • the knowledge of transportation
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cabs must use a meter!!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'