Life-changing program... Past Review
By Alvin S (Theatre, Pomona College) - abroad from 08/01/2013 to 12/18/2013 with
CIEE: Khon Kaen - Development and Globalization in Thailand
This is an INTENSE but infinitely rewarding program. No where else will you get the experience to learn firsthand about the most pressing issues facing the planet around sustainability. The program creates incredible reciprocal relationships between many different village communities and students. It also provides priceless opportunities for personal growth, practicing teamwork, and hands-on projects.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This is an INTENSE but infinitely rewarding program. No where else will you get the experience to learn firsthand about the most pressing issues facing the planet around sustainability. The program creates incredible reciprocal relationships between many different village communities and students. It also provides priceless opportunities for personal growth, practicing teamwork, and hands-on projects. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Incredible and dedicated staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great mix between university life/dorm life and home stays. Mainly in the dorm except for 4-5, week-long trips to many different communities. Excellent, kind and welcoming home stays while on field trips! |
| * Food: |
So delicious and very cheap! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Incredibly well thought out to encourage positive and reciprocal relationships with many local communities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Program covered almost all costs while on trips and cost of living in thailand is very low (averages $1 per meal). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10-20 |
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 |
Awesome and very practical language curriculum. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | To be engaged the WHOLE time and do ALL the reading, could have gotten a lot more factual information! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
