Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fast Times in Thailand! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2019 to 05/16/2019 with

CIEE: Khon Kaen - Community Public Health

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about another culture, people, and language that I didn't really know anything about before going abroad. What was worthwhile about the program is that by placing myself in a different context, it was only then did I learn so much about myself.

Review Photos

CIEE: Khon Kaen - Community Public Health 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?

I love the fact that this program matches American students with Thai university students. I adored my roommate and learned so much from her.

* Food:

The food was amazing, however, I personally had to adjust to a more rice based diet because I normally do not consume that much rice on a daily basis.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved having the access to different Thai lifestyles. I saw the lived experiences of the youthful urbanites, rural families, and suburbanites.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

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

Overall, I enjoyed my experience and still keep in contact with the people I met in the program.

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)

I gave this a score of 4.5 because coming from the US, it is very easy to live on a student's budget, however, if you plan on extracurricular traveling. The expenses begin to add up, FAST!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between $30-$50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your money. Even though things are cheap, pace yourself, keep a record of your spending since Thailand is a cash based society and set a budget for various things: food, activities, travel, etc.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Do not be afraid to say things incorrectly. Do not worry about perfection, just jump in and try. That is the only way you'll learn. I made the mistake of not speaking when I wasn't confident in my ability and from my perspective, it stunted my progress with speaking the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Research project
  • Going to rural communities/ having host family
  • Roommate
* What could be improved?
  • Internal Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't think, just jump into any (somewhat safe) adventure life presents in front of you.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Public Health Field Practicum
Course Department: PUBH 3003 THPH
Instructor: Anootnara T. Kuster
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Yes, the course was challenge, but never overwhelming. The teacher was Thai and has taught this course for many semesters so they were very knowledge, prepared, and supportive. I did participate more than at my home institution because the small/intimate nature of the class. We were assessed with small homework assignments, and check-ins with each step of the research project i.e. literature review, research proposal, diagnostic tools, data collection, analyzing data, presentation of findings, etc.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A