Thailand was amazing! Past Review
By Lindsay S (Dance, Pitzer College) for
Payap University: Chiang Mai - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My experience abroad completely changed my life. I discovered a lot about myself personally and how I relate and fit in with American culture. My issues with cultural awareness were broadened beyond belief, leading me to believe that I have become a more informed, worldly person.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Shukugawa University, Japan |
| 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. |
Similar educational system and rubric. The teaching methods were extremely effective! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was accessible, Thai administrators were very accepting, knowledgeable, and respectful of American culture. The size of the program was small--only 20 Americans, although we were the largest ever. Expectations were entirely met! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very safe, on campus, brand new dorms with air conditioning. We were required to buy our own bedding and other accouterments, but the school provided the basics. |
| * Food: |
Not a great variety of food. Students should dine with street vendors they would save a lot of money that way. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Attended a multitude of cultural events and attractions, field trips, historical sites. Each field trip was filled with people who were incredibly knowledgeable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Chiang Mai is up and coming, but it was very safe. It may appear to be "third world"-like, but it is a bustling city that is developing rapidly. Never involved in any safety related incidents. The healthcare was extremely accessible (my friend was able to get her wisdom teeth taken out cheaply and safely with no pain). I needed certain vaccines to attend, but those vaccines are standard in any new country that people visit. One included Typhoid. Overall, the healthcare was good. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practiced the language with Thai professors. We were able to use the language in every situations and tried not to speak English with most people. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student willing to leave every Western custom behind to respect and indulge in Thai culture. Be as respectful as possible and do not allow our seemingly "liberal" western ways in get in the way of your cultural immersion. |
