The best semester of my college career! Past Review

By (Virginia State University) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/12/2016 with

KEI Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from my experience abroad thats it is hard to point everything out at once. However, one thing that stuck out to me the most was the people that I met on my journey. Each individual that I met, whether a local or an international student, was easier to relate to than I expected. I had zero international experience before departure and this one trip has inspired me to continue to expand my knowledge about the world I live in. Studying abroad will be the one experience that I will carry with me forever in order to fuel my aspirations for future journeys!

Review Photos

KEI Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand Photo KEI Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand Photo KEI Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand Photo KEI Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

* 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

I believe that KEI prepared all of its students for the adventure before departing and also provided assistance with returning home. The program gave me extra cultural experiences that i probably would not have had on my own.

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)

5, My student budget exceeded my expectations. I went under my budget on living expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat near home and the living accommodations. The area is very inexpensive, do not spend a lot of money on the commercial food and shopping places. The local markets usually have better food for cheaper prices!

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? 0
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 best way to practice is to try to use the language as much as possible with the locals around the city and at the university. Even if you do not pronounce the words right at first, keep trying until you get better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Planned Excursions
  • Being housed with other International Students
* What could be improved?
  • Pre departure guidance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now really understand how to be culturally sensitive to others from different countries.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.