Gain Some Hmong Relatives and Have The Best Summer Doing It - Nan Field Studies Past Review
By Richard G (International Relations and Affairs., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/24/2013 to 08/09/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Thailand
I gained tons of research experience, interviewing experience, a chance to see life changing "real" poverty, compare the difference between two countries, to see how minorities are treated, to learn many new aspects of a culture and people I had previously spent 3 years studying and living with in the US.
Review Photos
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. |
It was a very intense class in which I learned many practical skills and theoretical practices. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I got to live in a Hmong house while studying the life and culture of the Hmong, what more could I ask for? The squatty toilet, the chickens, the family were all genuinely awesome. |
| * Food: |
Authentic Thai food, authentic Hmong food. Even the boiled toad cut into 4 chunks was surprisingly delicious. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As much as possible, Hmong culture and Thai culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got really sick with a long term thing with my immune system. The hospital I attended was kind of sketchy, but it got me the treatment I needed and it was super cheap. The assistant to the professor was extremely helpful and patient. |
| * 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) |
Other than the program fees - $5000 and the plane ticket- $1200 which were not covered by the program, living there was very reasonable. Not withstanding that, I am in some heavy duty debt from the program. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Look ASAP for plane tickets, have a host family that is home and will cook. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't be picky and cling to American foods. |
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 |
I was a translator in Hmong. I got to start learning Thai also. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 394 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Meet returned missionaries or move to Northern California or Minnesota and practice like crazy. |
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? | To bring more antifungal creme, and that I wish I would have known more Thai before the program. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
