My experience was self-reflective and transformative. Chiang Mai - Study Abroad + Service Learning in Thailand Past Review
By A student (St. Lawrence University) - abroad from 01/11/2017 to 05/20/2017 with
IPSL: Reviews from former Locations
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
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not as much homework or busy work, but the grading standards were difficult. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Pretty good, Adam was great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great! |
| * Food: |
Food was great. |
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* 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. |
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* 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
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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) |
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 |
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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? | 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
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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? |
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 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 AdventurerThe 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. |
