Land of Smiles Past Review
By Anne P (History, Washington State University) - abroad from 09/08/2015 to 12/15/2015 with
KEI Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand
Life is different yet the same, everywhere. Focus on the similarities. Build connections while appreciating the differences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The material was mostly easy, however hard at times depending on the experiences you were trying to gain on the side. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Little help on issues such as paperwork and money, or anything specific really, but the group outings were great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I adored living at Bundit Home. Nice pool, nice rooms, nice workout space. Close to campus with a shuttle option to school! |
| * Food: |
Thai food - amazing. Be adventurous, it doesn't get more delicious than this! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved living alongside Thai students and going to a University with lots of student clubs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
I saved money alongside what I got for financial aid but either way, much cheaper than living in the US. Besides the program cost I spent about 2,000 more on food and pleasure - including trips to Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30-40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat off the streets! Save money and love like a local. If you are making a big purchase, direct it towards excursions and plane tickets! |
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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | Practice basic language a bit. Create a budget. Research cheap travel options. |
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. |
