The Most Epic 5 Months Ever. Past Review
By Zoe S (Photojournalism., Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 01/16/2014 to 05/24/2014 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai
My heart seriously aches to be back in Chiang Mai. Every day I think about the amazing experiences I had, the fabulous people I met and the way my life is forever changed for the better. Previous to boarding the plane to Thailand, I had never been to Asia before. Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Little did I know that Chiang Mai would steal my heart. Studying abroad in a "developing country" teaches you how to go with the flow, let go of westernized ideals and enjoy simplicity. The landscapes are arguably the most beautiful I've ever seen. Ancient temples line the streets next to restaurants and stores. At the right time of year, the rice fields are the greenest greens you'll ever see. I met the most amazing and fascinating people from all over the world, whose perspectives on life shaped the way I now view the world. Through TEAN, we got to spend a week in a rural village in northern Thailand called Baan Ton Chok, which was truly life changing. It was only our second week there so we hadn't learned much Thai and lacked any form of communication except hand signals. Nevertheless, by the last night, we were dancing and singing around a fire with our host families, crying about leaving in the morning. That experience not only taught me to appreciate all that I have but to see that you don't need much to lead a happy and healthy life. Not only did I study abroad in Thailand, I traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia (and Laos for one hour!). I learned, contrary to popular western belief, each Asian culture is starkly different. They each speak different languages, use different currencies, have different traditions. But the one thing I found consistent through them all is how kind, generous and funny they all were. The transition of returning stateside has been 100 times harder than getting accustomed in Asia. Every day I'm researching and planning ways I can permanently move my life over there. There's a magical energy throughout that part of the world. If there is any advice I can give, it would be to break out of your comfort zone and go for it. You won't regret it!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education I received at Chiang Mai University through TEAN was excellent. The classes were intimate and engaging. Coming from a university of 40,000 undergrad, I was thrilled to be able to make personal connections with our professors. Many of my friends that studied abroad in other countries didn't get an education about their home country, the politics, the history, the traditions, etc. but by the time we left, I was thrilled to be so well-versed in all aspects of Thailand and the culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The TEAN staff based in Chiang Mai were awesome. Within our first few days we had a comprehensive orientation that consisted of touring us through the city, spending the day at an elephant conservation site and heading to the mountainous town of Chiang Dao for the night. Lauren was so helpful every step of the way. Whenever anyone got sick, hurt or needed assistance, no matter the time, she always made herself available for us. Every few weeks TEAN hosted a dinner for us at different restaurants around the city so that they could check in and make sure we were having the best experiences possible. We felt very lucky to have them! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a Thai roommate made it easier for us to immerse ourselves in the Thai culture. We adopted their customs (shoes off before entering the room, gift giving) and in turn, we were able to teach them some of our traditions as well. Uniloft is located about a mile or so from the University and in a very Thai area, so it wasn't common to see other westerns around which I loved. We were able to practice our Thai with local restaurants and by the end, we had developed friendships with many local businesses. Uniloft is very nice, equipped with a gym, a pool and round the clock security. I loved living amongst Thai and international students because you're constantly able to grow your perspective on the world. |
| * Food: |
I miss Thai food so much! The flavors are amazing (be prepared for spicy!!) and being back stateside, the Thai food doesn't compare. Even better than the flavors is how cheap it is! Meals range from $1-$5 (5 or so if you're looking for a western meal). Don't be afraid to try new things! There are a lot of traditional meals there, especially in Northern Thailand, that aren't made in the US and they are by far some of my favorites. Street food isn't as scary as us westerners think it is! After a few months of eating lots of rice, eggs, veggies and chicken you'll probably be craving a little comfort food. Well, one thing I didn't know before going to Chiang Mai was the variety of restaurants that are available. Everything from pizza to Mexican to Burmese food, you won't get sick of the food I promise. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of my favorite things about my experience compared to my friends who went to other countries was how immersed we became in the culture. Even when our Thai language knowledge failed us, we got accustomed to reverting to charades in order to get our points across. The Thai people are so patient and always made us feel welcomed and included. Even though we were foreigners, after living there for a few weeks I felt that Chiang Mai was my home too. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The TEAN staff was awesome when it came to health issues. They had warned us at the beginning of the program that there was a likely chance that we would get sick because our bodies weren't accustomed to the lack of sanitary regulations when it came to the food and water and most of us did. But, anytime this happened, they were right there to help us any way we needed. The local healthcare system in Thailand is very cheap and very good. There aren't doctors offices like in America so everyone just goes to the hospital. Many people in my program had to go to the hospital for one thing or another during our time there and it was always relatively quick and painless. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Chiang Mai. In fact, I often felt more safe walking around at night there then in New York City. The culture is relatively crime free, partially because it is a Buddhist country with a strict moral code and partially because of the relaxed, just go with the flow energy there. |
| 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) |
If money is an issue, I would highly recommend studying abroad in Thailand. I didn't even spend all of the money I had saved during my 5 month stint there and when I returned home I found out that my friends studying abroad in western countries spent an average of 3 times more than I did. |
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 |
We not only took Thai twice a week, we were encouraged to practice our skills by ordering food, getting directions and conversing with our Thai roommates. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to speak Thai with the locals!!! They appreciate your attempts and will often give you better deals! |
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? |
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? | How much I was going to miss it once I left! I had my hopes up that this experience was going to be the best thing I had ever done, but now that it's over, I miss it more than I ever could've imagined. |
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. |
