Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

the best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Xavier University) - abroad from 05/24/2019 to 07/12/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes definitely worthwhile!! Prior to studying abroad, I have never experienced a culture quite like the culture in Chiang Mai or encountered nicer people than the local Thai people. It was the most eye-opening experience and I would recommend every person who is thinking about this program to do it!

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.

While abroad, I took a Buddhism course and a Thai Dance course and both were incredible!! I throughly enjoyed both of the instructors and both classes were very immersive and experiential. The Thai Dance class was amazing and we got to perform our dances at a local festival which was such a cool experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN was amazing throughout the entire duration of the trip and were always super helpful. I am so happy I chose to study abroad with TEAN and really could not imagine going with a different program!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in UniLoft which was a University dorm and I thought it was great! I lived with one other American student and we each had our own separate room in the dorm with a shared common room and bathroom/closet and it worked out perfectly! There was also a gym and pool in the complex which was really nice to have.

* Food:

the food in Thailand was INCREDIBLE and definitely some of the best food I've ever had, especially if you like spicy food! I loved trying all of the street food and it was super affordable too!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture as I was constantly interacting with the local people on an every day basis at coffee shops, getting street food, or at the local markets!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the local hospital one time during my trip for bug bites and my experience was very pleasant. I got to the hospital and was checked in right away and only waited about 20 minutes to get checked by the doctor. The doctor was very nice and prescribed me antibiotics to take that healed my bites. Overall, I had no issues with the hospital.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Chiang Mai!!

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

I gained a whole new outlook on life after studying abroad in Chiang Mai and couldn't imagine studying abroad anywhere else or with any other program than TEAN!

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)

Chiang Mai is extremely affordable and because of that, it was very easy to budget!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend eating at the local Thai restaurants as much as you can because they are super cheap! Also walking places instead of taking red trucks or other transportation can help save costs as well.

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

During the orientation the first couple of the trip, the TEAN staff taught us basic Thai phrases that would help us interact with the locals!

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? Italian 4 Accel
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? I brought a Thai phrase book that was small enough to carry around with me which was helpful to use!

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?
  • Thai dance course
  • the affordable yet delicious food
  • TEAN staff
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If I could go back, I would have picked a longer program!

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.