Chiang Mai Forever Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Siena College) - abroad from 01/15/2014 to 05/24/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was beyond worthwhile! I think I became a little more relaxed having been in such a lay back culture. It has also broadened me being in a culture very different from my own. I think I am more open to different ways of thinking. I've also gained lifelong friends from around the world.

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 work was intense in the sense that in doing it you were learning poignant information about where you were now living. The work itself was not too much to the point where it took away from your experience in the country. The work enhanced your time there because you were able to make more sense of your surroundings. There were many resources available through professors and in those who oversaw your academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Whether it was our academic director onsite, or the those specifically with the TEAN program, there was always someone with a smile that had an answer to your question. Everyone was very friendly and I never felt intimidated to approach anyone with any type of issue.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Uniloft was very nice. I loved living with a thai roommate. The building was safe, close, modern, and clean. It was a very nice transition to somewhere very different, especially considering I am a westerner who had never traveled before.

* Food:

I love Thai food!! I miss it everyday!! I love spicy, but even if you don't it is easily avoidable. It can seem a little daunting to think of eating rice everyday, but you will learn very quickly to love it. I miss having a thai style omelet with rice, and mango sticky rice, and khao soi, and suki...I could go on and on. Don't be afraid of street food!!!! It will become your new favorite thing!! Another favorite pastime of mine would be to go to a restaurant with some thai friends and have them order for me. They always knew what was good. Be adventurous with food, you won't regret it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did feel vey integrated, I lived in a more residential part of the city where many thai students lived. I conversed quite frequently with locals and I went to school and in my spare time hung out with locals. However not being asian does get you a few looks thrown your way.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have to deal with the healthcare system, however I did have friends in the program who did. It was cheap, moderately quick and efficient. I did get food sickness once, not to the point where I had to seek medical attention, but if I had to pick a prevalent health issue, that would be it. The food is different and takes some getting used to.

* Safety:

Chiang Mai is so safe! During my time there, out of 30 something international students, none of us had a run in with any type of crime. I never felt nervous about walking to school alone, or even walking to get food at night alone. I always felt safe.

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 very cheap. You have to eat out for every meal, because you don't have a kitchen in Uniloft. However, most normal thai meals are $1 or less. Some are a little bit more than a dollar depending on where you go. $2 for a meal is reasonable and $5 or more for a meal is a super splurge. Most meals that are $5 or more are western foods, most thai dishes are not that expensive. But if you're in a rush you can get a toasty (a little croissant-looking sandwich with various stuffings) for under a dollar at 7-11. Oh yeah, there are 7-11's everywhere, and I mean literally everywhere and they are so convenient. So if you budget about $5 a day on food, you're giving yourself a lot of wiggle room.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably spent about $40 a week. Maybe a little bit more if we were going out a lot at night multiple nights.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to splurge on food. If everything you eat can be about a dollar, then you will have a lot of left over money for going out or traveling. But if you need that burger or burrito, set aside a day a week or every two weeks to splurge on something you absolutely cant be without.

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

I spoke thai everyday.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had never taken Thai before.
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? Befriend the thai roommates! They will help improve your thai tremendously!

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
  • 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 places!!
  • The food!!
* What could be improved?
  • Mover Thailand closer to the US
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think I knew everything I could. There is an element of surprise, of the unknown until you try, of adventure that is essential when going to a place like this.