Greatness Awaits Past Review
By Edwin Morales (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/14/2018 to 12/13/2018 with
CIEE: Khon Kaen - Development and Globalization in Thailand
I learned to love, express compassion, and recognize my privilege. As an American citizen I recognized my fortune and the opportunities that are afforded to me as an educated American male. I was challenged to think outside of the box and find comfort in the unfamiliar. My time abroad was more enriching than any other semester in my college experience and I urge everyone to take the step of bravery and go abroad! Studying abroad teaches you about yourself, the world, and expands your insights and understanding. I learned the value of needing less and doing more. I want to continue to live a life that uplifts marginalized populations and provides a voice to the voiceless. I want to make this world a better place for the generations to come and I know that begins with myself.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic experience in Khon Kaen, Thailand with CIEE was extremely flexible. Instructors allowed students to guide their learning and supported the interest and curiosities of students. There was an immense opportunity to develop leadership skills and unite as a cohort to expand our understanding, question our privilege, and immerse ourselves in the issues and topics at hand. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The great majority of the staff of CIEE Khon Kaen is wonderful and the experience would not have been the same without them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful location in Khon Kaen. The housing arrangement allowed us to engage with fellow program participants and Thai roommates alike! The social and work spaces are a huge plus and allow for bonds to forge and unforgettable experiences to flourish! |
| * Food: |
Thai food is exquisite and there are a number of delicious offerings! Khon Kaen and any other place you visit in Thailand or in Southeast Asia will have amazing choices. Spicy, sweet, savory, and down right AMAZING! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt wonderfully integrated into the local culture. The roommates are great at immersing you into the Thai way of life and the Thai university setting fosters a great deal of opportunity to experience cultural and social life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Program staff were very available to assist and translate during my visit to the hospital after a knee injury. Hospital visit went swiftly! |
| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe while in Khon Kaen or traveling around Southeast Asia. Program staff outlines guidelines and have protocols in place to ensure your safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Khon Kaen provided me with memories for a lifetime! There were such beautiful opportunities and people that allowed me to flourish and find deeper meaning to life. I am eternally grateful for my time in Thailand with unforgettable people. I feel empowered to continue pursing the curiosities and interest that were nurtured and awakened during my time in Thailand. Greatness awaits and my time on this program was magical. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150-200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much as you can before you go abroad! There are so many opportunities available and if financial aid is an issue it is important to do as much as you can to empower yourself to seize the moment and being in new places! |
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 |
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| 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? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Learn a few things before you go abroad, especially if it's an entirely new language! Knowing how to say hello and thank you get you very far! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | Rest assured that everything will work out. Trust yourself and develop a support system of close ones to lean on! It is okay to ask for help and as always, expect the unexpected! Greatness awaits. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Human Perspective on Development and The Environment |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | John Mark Belardo and Phinitnan Chanasabaeng |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The nature of the course is very immersive and the community visits were a major highlight of the program. John and Tony are masterful at allowing the topics and experiences to become one of a kind and work diligently to ensure that the student experience is superb. This course would not function without the expertise and work of such wonderful teachers who are caring and genuine. The topics of discussion are extremely relevant and though provoking and usher necessary conversation surrounding climate change, the environment, culture, human rights, poverty, globalization, and development. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
