Go with the flow and see the beauty of life through positivity. Past Review
By Italia W (International Marketing., University of Tampa) - abroad from 01/15/2013 to 05/25/2013 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai
My study abroad experience was challenging, serene, and unforgettable. I learned so many things about the world and most importantly myself that I would have never discovered otherwise. Studying abroad in Thailand taught me the beauty of another language, race, and culture. One of the most important things I learned in Southeast Asia was to calm your mind and truly open your eyes to the beauty of the world. My experience was worth every dime and I would do it all over again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| 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. |
Many of the professors at Chiang Mai University were extremely knowledgeable about the history of Southeast Asia. The classes pushed each student to learn the religion, culture, and politics. However, the classes weren't extremely rigorous nor were they extremely demanding. The course load was quite manageable throughout the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration for the program were very helpful. If a student had a question, they provided an array of information in order to answer your question. They went out of their way to consistently inform all of us about festivals or events occurring in Chiang Mai. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was extremely convenient and nice. Our apartment was right outside of the university which made the commute to school easy. However, they were extremely strict about keeping girls and guys separate. Also, as compared to other housing options in Chiang Mai, the apartments where we lived were quite expensive. |
| * Food: |
The food was delicious. It took many students a long time to get accustomed to the spices and taste of many of the dishes. It was somewhat difficult to eat healthy since many of the dishes were cooked with an excess amount of oil, but it was never hard to find a good meal each day. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I feel that Thai's were very accepting of foreigners in their country. Many of them were extremely nice and wanted to help any way that they could. Every once in awhile, you encountered those who didn't want to converse with you because of the language barrier or because you were a foreigner, but for the most part I socially and culturally felt integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program was extremely efficient when it came to healthcare. If students were to become ill, all program directors made sure that students had transportation to the hospital and received the proper antibiotics or medication. The major difference with the local healthcare system as compared to healthcare in America was their privacy. There really is not patient/doctor confidentiality. However, there were no prevalent health issues in Thailand. Prior to arriving in Chiang Mai, I only received two vaccinations which were readily available. |
| * Safety: |
Chiang Mai was extremely safe. There was never a point where I felt threatened or in danger. When I wanted to enjoy the night life in Chiang Mai, I always went with at least 2 other students to ensure nothing would happen. Although I believe Chiang Mai was a very safe place, I encourage all students to travel with at least one person. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not think in terms of the American Dollar when you're purchasing things in Thailand. A dollar can go a long way in Thailand so use it wisely. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | I don't think there is anything that I know now that I wish I knew before the program began. The fact that I was uneducated about everything eliminated expectations and it just forced me to go with the flow of life in Thailand. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
