Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My experience was self-reflective and transformative. Chiang Mai - Study Abroad + Service Learning in Thailand Past Review

By (St. Lawrence University) - abroad from 01/11/2017 to 05/20/2017 with

IPSL: Reviews from former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to reflect on my home culture in a more worldly view.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not as much homework or busy work, but the grading standards were difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Pretty good, Adam was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great!

* Food:

Food was great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was very integrated. My Thai roommate helped me with that. She showed me around and introduced me to her friends and family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues requiring a visit to a doctor.

* Safety:

Dogs will chase or attack you if you are running or biking at night.

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

I like the service aspect as well.

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)

hard, but manageable

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat street food/ local food. Touristy food is a lot more expensive.

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? The more time spent practicing, the easier it will be.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Service aspect
  • Rooming with a local student
  • CHIANG MAI
* What could be improved?
  • IPSL organization!!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To wander on my own a little bit more.

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.