Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

no words... Past Review

By (Sociology., Colorado College) - abroad from 01/05/2012 to 07/20/2013 with

ISDSI: Sustainable Development Studies: Thailand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
leadership skills, how to work with differences and adversity, how to cope with uncomfortable/hard situations, how to laugh at mistakes and roll with the ambiguous, how I perform when emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted, how to respect and learn from another culture. 100% worthwhile

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Depended greatly on the month course we were taking.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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? nothing in Thai
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? Don't be shy, everyone in Chiang Mai loves it even when you poorly attempt to speak in Thai. Take advantage of the time with your host families.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the expedition+academic curriculum
  • the handfuls of "once in a lifetime" chances I had
  • how ISDSI fully embraces "non-conventional" learning styles
* What could be improved?
  • more chances to become friends with locals our age
  • greater willingness to receive feedback
  • better teachers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? the first month is especially draining and frustrating at times, stick through it and stay optimistic!

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.