Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Chiang Mai changed me for the better Past Review

By (University of Georgia) - abroad from 01/10/2017 to 05/20/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From my experience, I learned independence. I learned how to live in a culture so different from my own and love it for all that it is. I gained a sense of self being able to thrive in another country, and I will forever be thankful for that. Thailand became a home away from home and the level of comfort I felt in Chiang Mai is unmatched.

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.

The class schedule was easy to build on arrival and the classes offered were intriguing yet challenging to the right extent.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site help was perfect. They planned fun events and provided assistance whenever necessary.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in the dorms was the perfect combination of cultural immersion and city life. I enjoyed living in dorms with mostly thai students seeing how they live daily. I also enjoyed being in a location that had much going on and also provided easy access to any location in the city.

* Food:

Thai food is amazing and the program not only took us to amazing restaurants, but also showed us local places and provided recommendations for where to go.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt incredibly incorporated in the local culture through the thai buddy program that TEAN had provided for us.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health issues were addressed correctly. When needed the program would send someone to come with us to the doctor or hospital based on the issue. They were incredibly helpful when anyone was in need.

* Safety:

The city was incredibly safe. There were no incidents, even with theft. The city is safe at all hours, yet the people in the program chose to be together typically.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

TEAN offered me the best experience possible. Not only was it a small inclusive program, but they mix of support and experience was perfect. The program was incredibly helpful in preparing me for what was to come, and the orientation was hands-on. Throughout the semester, they were there when needed, and provided us with the excursions that increased our knowledge of the culture, and helped us to feel immersed while also bonding as a whole. It was hard to leave.

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 cost of living in Thailand is very low and you can easily live on a student budget and be happy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would come prepared with all of the travel necessities that way you can avoid large malls and spending on quality items. Other than that, I would say budget. Decide how often you want to eat out at nicer or western restaurants per week, and how often you want to do classes such as yoga or art.

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

We were required to take Thai 1 where you learn to speak, and it was heavily encouraged to practice and use it. It was also necessary to use it.

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? none
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? Speak with locals as often as possible. You have the opportunity to use it at restaurants, in taxis, with local friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The people
  • The location
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing serious
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much I would love it. I would have stayed for an entire year.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.