Cultural Immersion in Chiang Mai Past Review
By Peyton Brock (Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 06/07/2019 to 08/03/2019 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Intern in Thailand
I learned communication skills, how to be more autonomous, and how to live in the moment and laugh at myself.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academically, the program isn't very challenging. Credit for participating in the internship is not a required component, though I chose to get credit through the PSU partnership with CIS. The course work was very easy, and consisted of a few journal entries and reflections. The daily work was emotionally and physically rigorous in a clinical setting. I learned a lot from my observation and hands-on experience in my placement. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My onsite coordinator was Phin. She was so helpful in adjusting to Thai life! She was available 24/7 and served as an informative mentor and friend |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
In my homestay, I had a personal bedroom and bathroom and was able to regulate the temperature. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The homestay contributed greatly to my integration. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues while abroad, but the resources were available if I had needed. I did receive anti-malarial medication and two rounds of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for mosquito-borne illness. The vaccines were pricey, but I felt comfortable getting those. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Great people, great opportunities! |
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) |
With the program, two meals a day were covered. |
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 |
Language use was not only encouraged but essential while communicating and traveling. |
| 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? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I had known that the language would be as large of a barrier as it was. I would have learned more prior to my departure! |
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. |
