an experience I could never be more thankful for. Past Review

By (University of Utah) - abroad from 01/08/2019 to 05/18/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned not only about Thai society and culture but also about myself in the best possible way.

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.

TEAN offered courses that allowed me to expand my knowledge of Thai culture and society. They required a Thai Language 1 class that I'm so glad I got to partake in because I really got to push myself into the local life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our on site resident coordinator was so helpful in every step of my study abroad experience! She gave tips to make the most of our time as well as giving us recommendations on the best places around town.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I could not have imagined a better way to integrate ourselves with other students! I got to meet so many locals and other international students as well.

* Food:

I thought I loved Thai food before I went abroad but little did I know that I had no idea on what I was missing out on! From our dorm we could walk down the road to street food vendors and get anything and everything. So good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN pushed us into activities as soon as we got there which really helped with not feeling so intimidated by a new setting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually had multiple occasions where I needed to go to the hospital, specifically 4 times. This was nothing to blame the program for or location, I just happened to be allergic to quite a few things. I went to two hospitals and I would say that Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai had the best English speaking doctors who could understand my needs.

* Safety:

There was never a time that I felt unsafe.

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

Every moment was one I will never forget. I love being able to share my experience with others.

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 affordable considering the currency exchange conversion.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Locals
  • location
  • social integration
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish had looked into students reviews and recommendations so I could experience even more.