Cambodia/Thailand: Something Out of the Ordinary Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were much more difficult than I expected a study abroad program to be, but although it was a challenge I know that I learned a great deal from all the required classes and I feel much more educated than I believe I would have been if I had chose a different program. This program required us to take a Buddhism/Culture class, both Thai and Khmer language classes, and Economics/Politics classes in both countries as to better compare Cambodia and Thailand to each other. It was a great learning experience.

On-site administration of your program

This was the second time that this program has sent students to the Cambodia portion of this trip, but with that being said the program ran smoothly. Although the administration did change somewhat when we went to Cambodia, we had two RAs that helped us with everything that we could possibly need, such as simple things of taking us around town or helping us find a certain restaurant, club, bookstore, or whatever it was that we could possibly want. They were wonderful and a great help, and became some of our closest friends.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In this program we were able to live in both a dorm with local students while in Thailand, and in an apartment with the other American International Students when we lived in Cambodia. Also, we did several home stays where we were immersed into the culture and lived with host families in villages, but were able to do so with one or more other American students. This helped us to get the full effect of immersion and understanding the culture, and it was great to be able to mix things up and live in several different living situations. All of these living situations were extremely safe even when going out at night.

We tried so many different foods that I couldn't possibly begin to describe. Some were incredible and the best things I've ever tasted, and others weren't my favorites, but it was great to try new things. You never know what you are going to like (or not like) until you try it, and you are able to try A LOT of things. Also, don't worry about going hungry. From my personal experiences, no one wants to make you starve and if anything, you will have the opposite problem of having way too many tempting foods to try.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program helped me make some of the best friends I've ever had and it was great to share this experience with all of them. By doing this semester long program, you are able to participate in many cultural holidays and events, see a lot of the country, and participate in several field trips both organized by the program and ones that you can arrange by yourself.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never felt unsafe in Cambodia or Thailand. The people are friendly and personally, nothing was ever stolen from me and my safety was never threatened. That being said, one has to be aware of their surroundings because theft can be a bigger problem in large cities and many tourists purses or wallets are stolen, but one must be careful and always hold on to one's possessions. Health was not a huge issue, but several students did get sick, which can be expected from the many different foods and just traveling in general. The biggest problem in Cambodia was stomach issues, but the healthcare system isn't bad and I went to a clinic that had American/english speaking doctors, so I was treated immediately and my issues were resolved.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Although many people do have a minor understanding of English, learning some of the language in each country was extremely useful and entirely necessary to be a functional citizen in each country. We all used our language skills on a daily basis and were able to practice with anyone and everyone. It was great to learn two new languages and everyone was learning these languages for the first time also, so there was no pressure of having no prior experience with the languages.

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• Apartment
• Dorm
• Other

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Local Students