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
* 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. |
* 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. |
* 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! |
* 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. |
* 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) |
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 |
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? | 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
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* 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. |