An intense, challenging yet fulfilling and accomplishing experience. Past Review
By Daniel R (Health Sciences General, Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 01/26/2015 to 05/24/2015 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai
A lot of interpersonal skills. Communication skills. Cultural sensitivity and diversity. Yes worthwhile.
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. |
I thought they were okay. I only took Buddhism (easy and informative) and Thai language (fun, easy, but your grade is not known until finals). It's hard to get an A as the grading system in Thailand is 95+ is A and you have to build your grade up...it doesnt start at 100 |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
TEAN organized everything for their students well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
TEAN required us to live with Thai roommates, which I thought was a good idea. It gave us a more in depth exposure to the Thai culture. I loved it personally. And where you lived was very comfortable. |
| * Food: |
Food was awesome. Thai food is great. We had to buy food every day but its super cheap. It was like $1-2. A lot of street vendors and amazing Thai walk-in restaurants near by. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
TEAN does very well in making sure that we integrate into the culture. That is why we had Thai roommates. TEAN made us very well aware that the program has a strong focus on cultural activities. I loved it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
TEAN made sure each student was feeling fine. If there were any concerns, we would just call our TEAN providers and tell them how we are feeling. They would come right away and support us. We could easily get a ride to the doctor or have medications come to us. TEAN did well with the health issues. |
| * Safety: |
TEAN made sure we were safe ALL THE TIME. We were given personal cell phones (by TEAN) so if we had any concerns, we were just a phone call or text away from reaching TEAN. |
| 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) |
very very doable. everything is super cheap |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $25-75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save like $2000 for expenses and you are golden. |
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 |
A LOT. We were told to practice with the locals. Thai roommates would force us. |
| 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? | 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? | practice with the locals. they will appreciate that. |
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 to speak the language (minimally) and the Thai culture |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
