The Best Decision I Have Ever Made Past Review
By Carolyn W (Human Services and Social Justice, George Washington University) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/23/2014 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai
Going abroad with TEAN to Chiang Mai completely changed my life. If I could stay there forever, I would have. I learned all about Thai culture and life and even more about myself. From the Thai's, I learned a new way of life and a new path to happiness. My mind was opened to the diversity that fills our world and I learned not to judge a culture before experiencing it. I am grateful for every second abroad because of how it changed my perspective and attitude towards life. I had the most exiciting, relaxing, and rewarding 5 months of my life and I owe so much of that to TEAN.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Amazing professors and class content. I was able to learn so much valuable information about Thai history and culture that enhanced my experience abroad. I learned a lot from the courses but was never swamped with work. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our TEAN staff was amazing! I saw them as my cool psedo-parents who were there whenever I needed anything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Uniloft was the nicest place I have ever lived! I was great to have a Thai roommate and still have my own room. The facilities were clean and had everything I needed! |
| * Food: |
TEAN dinners always gave us a great new place to eat in Chiang Mai. And thai food in general is amazing. There were lots of options on campus and around our apartment that were delicious and very cheap. The dining was not catered to tourists and allowed us to be more fully absorbed into Thai culture. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I don't think I could have been more integrated! TEAN provided me with a Thai roommate and Thai friends who enriched our experience so much more. Also TEAN offered volunteer placements which allowed me to interact with Thai people not attending the university. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was sick a few times and TEAN staff was always there to care for me. Whether is was helping diagnose my problem or bring me to the hospital, it was nice having people caring for me when I was away from the comforts of home. |
| * Safety: |
I never once felt at danger in Chiang Mai. There is no bad part of the city and I never saw anyone who looked dangerous in anyway. Your biggest danger is having too much fun! |
| 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) |
Chiang Mai is so inexpensive! Every meal was a dollar and every taxi ride 60 cents! I didn't have to focus too much on saving money and was still able to travel a ton! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat local food- its cheaper! And always negotiate with a songthaew driver for a 20 baht trip. Also with songthaews- the more people the cheaper it will be. |
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 |
I used Thai everyday interacting with my roommate and locals who lived on our street and worked around town. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had never taken any Thai courses! |
| 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? | Practice is as you learn it! A lot of Thai people know english but LOVE when you speak Thai to them! |
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? | 10+ |
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? | That there is nothing scary about Southeast Asia and that every moment is an opportunity to do something you'll remember forever. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
