Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Gaining Perspective and Amazing Friends Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/18/2017 to 05/18/2017 with

CIEE: Khon Kaen - Community Public Health

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned communication skills, how to work in small groups, how to be brave and take risks in a country I'd never go to, and how to travel alone!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't waste money on eating lots of American food: it's more expensive and not that tasty. Only buy it when you're feeling homesick or really craving it because the country you're in has amazing authentic food!

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

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? Talk with taxi drivers and food vendors

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Thai Roommates
  • Thai Class
  • Other American Students
* What could be improved?
  • Transportation around Khon Kaen
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be flexible! The academics are not strict so if you're expecting to learn a lot from the classroom, look outside. The city and the roommates are your best resources. I learned 10% in the classroom and 90% talking with people and learning about Thailand through interactions and observations.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!