Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Land of Smiles! Past Review

By (Pace University) - abroad from 01/15/2018 to 05/19/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through this program, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and experience a one in a lifetime opportunity! One of my favorite memories from this program would be the one week home-stay we did in the beginning of the semester. Despite not knowing the language, I truly developed a relationship with my family that I'll never forget. My peers and I tasted authentic Thai food, planted rice in the open fields, and attended Buddhist ceremonies with our families. I received more than I could have imagined due to this trip - life-long friendships, a love for travel, and a home away from home. TEAN is a wonderful program because it values both the importance of academics and the importance of cultural immersions. These were two aspects that I personally hold as top priority, so I knew this program was a great fit for me, and it could be for you as well!

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.

* 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

Studying abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand has to be one of the best decisions I've made in my life. It is a beautiful country with the most friendliest people. I loved my experience with TEAN because their supportive staff made me feel comfortable and safe throughout my whole semester abroad. TEAN values the importance of cultural immersion and pure adventure. I absolutely loved the excursions and field trips TEAN designed for the students because it allowed us to meet local Thai students at the University and get a better grasp of all that Thailand has to offer. The academics were challenging, but I enjoyed learning general subjects such as art, history/political science, and public health in a different country. It's one thing to study Thai art from a textbook back home in the United States, but it's much more powerful to study Thai art when you are in the country itself. I would absolutely recommend this program!

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 so so cheap, it's insane! You can eat an authentic meal (absolutely delicious) for under $2.

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

It's much easier to study a foreign language in the country you are studying in. It was useful to have classtime dedicated to learning the language (practicing, speaking, learning grammar) and then be able to use those skills once we left campus.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ability to fully immerse myself in Thai culture
  • Excursions and field trips planned by TEAN Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Possibly an adjustment to class schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!! It is SO worth it!

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 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.