Asia: Living in the Moment Past Review
By Lauren47 (University of Dayton) for
Marist College: Traveling - Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP)
My experience was definitely worthwhile! My goal used to be to travel and work in Europe as it was a culture that I am familiar with. Now after traveling to Asia, my vision has expanded to the desire of working and traveling across that region. I can now feel comfortable returning to these areas and can acknowledge the differences between my own culture. I have a new found appreciation for the Asian culture and an intense desire to return.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were reasonable with the course load. The ASAP program is unique in that it offers upper level business courses rather than the general studies classes found in most study abroad programs. I was able to relate the knowledge that I acquired in class during our meetings with real business professionals. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Before arriving to each country we were given information about the current economic, political, and social situations. The program size was perfect and it provided a great social atmosphere in which to become friends with one another. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt safe in each of the places that we stay in, though general precautions regarding security were always taken. We were able to experience sleeping at Hostels, Hotels, Tents, Trains, and Airplanes which provided uniqueness to the learning atmosphere. |
| * Food: |
The food across Asia was very cheap, very fresh, and very good. I was never unsatisfied with a meal and loved trying and experimenting with new and different cuisine. Be prepared for spicy food and lots of vegetables! Both of which I don't eat enough of back at home but loved tremendously abroad. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of the greatest experiences I personally had was in Tibet. The culture and lifestyle is so different from everything you can even imagine. Being in Tibet was an immersion into Buddhist life and the society that evolved from those ideas is astounding. There were many aspects of Buddhism that I could have learned by just reading a book; I gained so much more by experiencing it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There were a few times that people were sick because of something they ate, but we all came prepared with medication to help get better faster. If you didn't bring the right medication for the ailment, there were stores readily available across our travels. I personally became ill in Bangkok and had to be taken to Bumrungrad Hospital by one of the program coordinators, Windy. She helped me tremendously in making sure I received the right medication from the right place and was feeling better within days! I received 3 vaccines before going on this study abroad but it is really up to you on if you want to receive them or not. Check with your doctor and go to a clinic where they can refer what vaccines you might need for traveling in certain areas. |
| 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | The Asia Study Abroad Program was an experience that changed my life. I learned how to be independent, how to be confident in myself, and to never give up on my dreams. I was able to experience everything that I was being taught in my classes and integrate it into my own life. I would encourage any student who likes the ideas of independence and adventure to participate in this program. |
