Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So much better than I ever could have imagined! Past Review

By (Journalism., University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 01/16/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My spring semester in Thailand through The Education Abroad Network truly could not have been better. I learned about Thai culture and customs, met the most wonderful, genuine and kind Thai people, became familiar with the Southeast Asia region, made lifelong friendships with other international students from Cambodia, Vietnam and Italy, as well as made incredible friends with the other American students on the program. I gained an entirely new perspective on a part of the world I previously knew nothing about, opened my eyes and my mind to various cultural and spiritual practices and had an amazing time doing it. The Education Abroad Network made it so easy to take advantage of everything that Chiang Mai offered and was an amazing resource throughout my time in Southeast Asia. It was the most worthwhile experience of my entire life.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40-$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

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

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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 shy to try using the language - the Thai people are so friendly that they'll smile and nod even if they have no idea what you're saying.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The location
  • The local program director
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing needs improving.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that the weather would be a little chillier in the northern parts of Thailand during the last few weeks of January, because I packed exclusively for warm weather.

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 Urbanite
A 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.