Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Summer of My Life Past Review

By (Interdisciplinary Studies, San Diego State University) - abroad from 05/25/2018 to 07/14/2018 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Summer in Bangkok

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. I learned so much about myself, a different culture, and what I want in life.

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 program was absolutely amazing. The staff are wonderful and really make an effort to be there for the students. It's a very family feel. Another thing I loved is their commitment to sustainability and ethical tourism. For example we were given reusable bamboo straws and reusable bags to use throughout the program. For ethical tourism, the program does NOT do elephant riding and discouraged us from participating in shady animal tourism, explaining why. The classes were great and the trips that TEAN planned for us were so fun and a great way to bond and hang out with everyone. This was the best summer of my life thanks to TEAN!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration is great. Lauren, Nala and P-Neung are so friendly and approachable. I went to Nala with so many things and she always answered promptly and was so helpful. Lauren even gave me tips and advice on traveling to Myanmar, even sending me a Facebook article she personally found.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in Uniloft. I was pleased to find out that although you share a common space and bathroom, you have your own separate bedroom.

* Food:

THE FOOD IN THAILAND IS INCREDIBLE.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN really wants us to interact with locals and learn about local culture. We had a presentation during orientation about do's and donts in Thai culture which was helpful. You also have the option to have a Thai roommate. Many of us hung out with the Thai roommates as well!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

TEAN provides health insurance. I had to go to the doctor and it was hassle free; medical care in Thailand is also inexpensive especially compared to the US.

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe in Thailand.

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 extremely inexpensive- street food is as low as $1. Even if you go to a more western style trendy sit down restaurant, the most expensive meal there on average was around $7-8. It all depends on what you want to eat, do, etc. Of course, if you are planning to travel you do have to budget for transportation.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't take Air Asia if you're planning to go outside of Thailand lol. They totally screwed me over with a baggage issue where I ended up paying more for my baggage than for my flight to Burma.

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 took Thai Language. TEAN also gave us some helpful phrases during orientation.

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? AP French
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? Practice with locals- street vendors, 7/11 cashiers, Thai friends, red truck drivers.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • TEAN organized activities
  • Sustainable/ethical
  • Amazing staff and support
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't take Air Asia

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.