Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It really was an amazing, eye opening, AWESOME experience Past Review

By (International Studies, College of Charleston) - abroad from 01/13/2015 to 05/23/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Too many things to mention, I gained an understanding of Thai culture as well as asian culture in general, an appreciation for spicy food, amazing friends that I know will be life long friends, an understanding of Asian Relations and politics. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes that I took and the teachers that I took them with were all incredible! I could not have asked for a better academic experience for my study abroad program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing that TEAN provided for us was amazing. It was a very nice, clean living space that was perfect for the semester.

* Food:

The food in Thailand is sooo good. I miss it everyday now that I am back in the USA

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

very, having Thai roommates really helps to integrate you into the culture. This is something that set TEAN apart from competing programs when I was making my decision, and it made a huge difference in my experience abroad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt more safe and comfortable in Chiang Mai and travelling with TEAN than I do in most cities here in the USA. I felt that the program prepared us very well for 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and stick to it. The first week I got to Thailand I looked at my bank account and decided how much money I wanted to have available upon returning to the USA. Then I divided the total I allotted for spending into categories ie. food, transportation,gifts etc.

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? none, it was my first Thai language class
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? Make flashcards at the end of every week and study them all weekend. Keep adding throughout the semester.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Location
  • Excursions provided by TEAN
  • Culture of Thailand
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known I would love it so much, and made my return ticket much later than it was.

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 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.