Thailand: Learning in the Field Past Review
By Kathryn K (International Studies, University of Washington) for
CIEE: Khon Kaen - Community Public Health
I learned a lot about myself first and foremost. I also learned about the values of Western society versus an Eastern society. In general, it was an amazing experience that really changed and shaped my life and my way of living.
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. |
This program is all hands-on. Your experience comes from fieldwork, rather than a classroom. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty are friendly and easy-going. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
While on campus, student apartments were provided to be shared with a Thai roommate. While in the field, students are paired with Thai families. |
| * Food: |
Thai cuisine is well known globally for its appeal. Of course, being in the country also allows you to be exposed to foods that can be strange or challenging. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Thailand is a great place to learn about a completely new culture; the people are friendly, the weather and scenery are pleasing, and the food is great. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Health care is available to a satisfying standard. Safety should never be an issue while with the program. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Since you are constantly exposed to local people, students need to learn the language to operate. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program requires people to get out of their comfort zones because the culture is very different - and also it requires initiative to get the most out of it. |
