Chiang Mai Forever Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work was intense in the sense that in doing it you were learning poignant information about where you were now living. The work itself was not too much to the point where it took away from your experience in the country. The work enhanced your time there because you were able to make more sense of your surroundings. There were many resources available through professors and in those who oversaw your academic experience.

On-site administration of your program

Whether it was our academic director onsite, or the those specifically with the TEAN program, there was always someone with a smile that had an answer to your question. Everyone was very friendly and I never felt intimidated to approach anyone with any type of issue.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Uniloft was very nice. I loved living with a thai roommate. The building was safe, close, modern, and clean. It was a very nice transition to somewhere very different, especially considering I am a westerner who had never traveled before.

I love Thai food!! I miss it everyday!! I love spicy, but even if you don't it is easily avoidable. It can seem a little daunting to think of eating rice everyday, but you will learn very quickly to love it. I miss having a thai style omelet with rice, and mango sticky rice, and khao soi, and suki...I could go on and on. Don't be afraid of street food!!!! It will become your new favorite thing!! Another favorite pastime of mine would be to go to a restaurant with some thai friends and have them order for me. They always knew what was good. Be adventurous with food, you won't regret it.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did feel vey integrated, I lived in a more residential part of the city where many thai students lived. I conversed quite frequently with locals and I went to school and in my spare time hung out with locals. However not being asian does get you a few looks thrown your way.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have to deal with the healthcare system, however I did have friends in the program who did. It was cheap, moderately quick and efficient. I did get food sickness once, not to the point where I had to seek medical attention, but if I had to pick a prevalent health issue, that would be it. The food is different and takes some getting used to.

Chiang Mai is so safe! During my time there, out of 30 something international students, none of us had a run in with any type of crime. I never felt nervous about walking to school alone, or even walking to get food at night alone. I always felt safe.

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

Thailand is very cheap. You have to eat out for every meal, because you don't have a kitchen in Uniloft. However, most normal thai meals are $1 or less. Some are a little bit more than a dollar depending on where you go. $2 for a meal is reasonable and $5 or more for a meal is a super splurge. Most meals that are $5 or more are western foods, most thai dishes are not that expensive. But if you're in a rush you can get a toasty (a little croissant-looking sandwich with various stuffings) for under a dollar at 7-11. Oh yeah, there are 7-11's everywhere, and I mean literally everywhere and they are so convenient. So if you budget about $5 a day on food, you're giving yourself a lot of wiggle room.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I spoke thai everyday.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• The people!!
• The places!!
• The food!!

• Mover Thailand closer to the US