Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Above and Beyond Past Review

By (Anthropology., Clemson University) - abroad from 08/05/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was above and beyond what I expected of the program. I have made friends from all walks of life that I will cherish forever. I now have a more complete understanding of the direction I am heading in for the future as I pursue a degree in International Development. I was able to take advantage of once in a lifetime opportunities to meet with Parliament, UN representatives, and directors of NGOs along with experiencing a wonderful culture with incredible people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN in Chiang Mai partners with the Institute for Southeast Asian Affairs and in my experience the administration from both programs, from professors to in-country staff are incredible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

TEAN pairs students with a Thai roommate which, in my opinion, really improves the study abroad experience. Having a Thai roommate creates a unique opportunity for foreign students to experience the local culture and engage in activities generally unknown to the tourist community.

* Food:

Delicious, fresh, local food for the adventurous

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN provides opportunities for their students to engage in the local culture, through the program and with their Thai roommates. The program includes excursions with an emphasis on culture to other parts of the country, something I think is very unique to the TEAN program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The resident directors were caring and helpful in all health issues presented during our time in Chiang Mai. Healthcare was easily accessible and affordable. The program ensured I was taken to the right hospital and cared for with daily visits. The local healthcare system in Chiang Mai was beyond my expectations. There are no prevalent health issues in Thailand that require vaccines.

* Safety:

Chiang Mai is a very safe city for foreign students.

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)

The program was instate tuition for my home university and since the exchange rate in Thailand is 30baht to a dollar living expenses we very affordable!

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

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Local Roommates
  • Cultural Excursions
  • Resident Directors
* What could be improved?
  • More variety in courses offered for different departments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Start exploring when you arrive and don't stop until you get on your flight home. It's easy to become complacent while you're abroad for several months, it's great to feel comfortable like a local, but don't forget this your time is limited and your possibilities are endless.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!