Amazing Experience Abroad Past Review

By (Biology, General., University of San Francisco) - abroad from 06/01/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From my experience, I learned a lot about myself, gained a greater sense of independence/confidence, and gained an even greater appreciation for the cultural diversity around the world. I also had the opportunity to meet and form friendships with a lot of amazing people, eat delicious Thai food everyday, and see how truly beautiful Chiang Mai, Thailand is. My study abroad was definitely worthwhile and reinforced my desire to travel more and to return to Thailand soon.

Review Photos

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

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?

Living arrangements in the dorm were even better than at my home institution. Each American student was placed with a Thai roommate. Living in the dorms gave me the chance to meet a lot of Thai students as well as meet up with the other American students.

* Food:

Plethora of affordable and delicious food practically everywhere. Food options on the street near the dorm (go to P'fon for the fried pork with yellow curry!) and along CMU were particularly plentiful and cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone I met (especially the Thai roommates) made us feel welcome and were always eager to include us in activities and help us feel at home.

* 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

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)

It's usually about 30 baht to 1 USD and you can easily spend 30 baht/meal (if you're in a very touristy area, it can be higher ~150 baht or up).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? <$40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You don't need to spend a lot to enjoy Thailand, but just remember to budget/plan wisely if you want to do any excursions/day trips (during the weekend or during your week off) and to save money for souvenir/gift shopping.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Thai Students as Roommates
  • Sukhothai Excursion
  • Program Coordinators
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I only wish that I had brought more clothes because the weather is definitely hot/ humid so you'll be showering multiple times a day and changing a lot.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Thai Dance

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The class was at a dance academy about a 20 min walk away from the main Chiang Mai University campus (across from the dorms). The teacher, who had an extensive dance background, choreographed all our dances, and taught the class well. Grades were based on attendance, a short paper, and two performances.
Credit Transfer Issues: