Incredible Experience Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/13/2019 to 12/05/2019 with

CIEE: Khon Kaen - Development and Globalization in Thailand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So many skills in handling NGOs and government officials, research and language learninf

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Absolutely incredible experience. Im a psychology major and this program didnt correlate at all to my major (it filled in a few gen eds but thats it), and I think everyone should experience this program in their life. It really was amazing beyond words and Im a harsh critic for everything. I learned more than I ever thought I would, wrote an article for one of the biggest newspaper companies in Thailand, published two research papers, helped at an orphanage, traveled to the coolest places every weekend, and much, much more. The list could go on for pages.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Its not what you might be used to

* Food:

best food ever.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safest place for female solo travelers in the world

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe $20-$30 at MOST
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Youre probably going to save money coming here even while youre traveling every weekend. Its really cheap and the quality of food, hotels, and services are remarkable

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? 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? Youre going to end up “accidentally” learning thai. I went in not knowing a word and when you just listen in class youre going to be able to have a fluent and detailed convo with your friends or taxi driver.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Food
  • Friends
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to pack as much

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.