Living a Dream in Thailand Past Review
By Maria J (Liberal Arts, University of Cincinnati) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/12/2013 with
USAC Thailand: Chiang Mai - Southeast Asia Culture, Politics, and Business
I learned so much about myself as well as Thailand and Southeast Asia. I really value the fact that I was able to feel like a local by the end of my semester, and I know I will always consider Chiang Mai a second home. It was absolutely worthwhile to go abroad, and I wish I could do it forever!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Thai food is amazing! I can't believe how much I miss it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Thailand is an extremely safe country, I felt way safer than I even do back home. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
The low cost of living in Thailand really kept me afloat. The fact that I saved money on tuition by choosing an inexpensive destination made it that much easier for me to afford to travel in my free time! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Hard to say, but could be as low at $1/meal |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just cut out the little costs - it will pay off in the long run to live a little more frugally in the US. Think of the big picture and how much fun you could be having with that money while abroad! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
It wasn't a requirement by any means, and we didn't practice Thai together much, but it was very helpful to learn solely to get immersed in the culture. Giving even a bit of effort goes a long way with 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 |
| 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? | It always helps me to sing songs! That's the easiest way for me to retain information. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make the most of every day because you may never be back! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
