Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unexpected Home Away From Home Past Review

By (Cornell University) - abroad from 01/10/2018 to 05/18/2018 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 to be a kinder person. From living in Chiang Mai for a semester and traveling to a few countries in Southeast Asia, I was met with a kindness and unselfishness I have never witnessed before. I learned to listen, say yes and treat others with kindness and laughter. I learned to walk slow, embrace the heat and always smile.

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?

I had an illness while I was abroad, and the Chiangmai Ram Hospital gave excellent care. I was impressed with how clean the facilities were and how diligent and skilled the doctors were who assisted me.

* 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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Engage with locals as much as you can! Simple things such as ordering your food in Thai or greeting/thanking someone pushes you to use Thai and people appreciate it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Homestay in the village
  • Krabi excursion
  • Dorm experience with a Thai student
* What could be improved?
  • Classes (rigor, content)
  • More weekends allowed to travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not stress the little things and allow yourself to go with the flow! Living in a new country is difficult, but everything that comes your way is an exciting opportunity.

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.