Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'm moving to Thailand. Past Review

By (Iowa State University) - abroad from 01/12/2016 to 05/19/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about travelling and going with the flow. Things don't always turn out perfect but you have to make them work. I gained so much confidence to travel because of my time in Thailand.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My semester in Chiang Mai was the best 4.5 months of my life! Everyday was new and exciting living in a culture so different than what I was used to. I also made Thai and American friends that I hope to have for life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Thai food=life

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Thai people are some of the most kind and generous people I have ever met. They were eager to help us out and be friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If something is to happen, health care is very affordable here.

* Safety:

When people think of Thailand they don't think of safe right away. But I never felt unsafe once while in Chiang Mai, in fact it feels much safer than most cities in the U.S.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program is much more unique than one in another English speaking country. Go out of your comfort zone and you won't regret it!

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)

I spent between $1-2 per meal on a typical day, $2-3 on transportation around the city, and probably a couple dollars extra everyday for random things.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $35
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Hostels might not always be luxury, but it saves so much money over the course of the semester when you travel. You'll barely even be in them when you travel and Its $4-5 a night vs $30 at a real hotel.

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

It was a must to learn basic Thai, but the instructor was awesome and Thai people love teaching foreigners Thai!

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? No Thai
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? Learning numbers before departing could be helpful, but you figure out how to get around with the language barrier very quickly.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Food <3
  • Thai people
  • The easy access to travel to other countries
* What could be improved?
  • Uniloft being single gender- it's hard to hang out with all the students this way
  • More classes available
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to bring so much stuff!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.