Not to be cliche but it was life changing Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a ton in the classroom. I loved learning about politics from a non-American perspective. What surprised me the most was our field trips. While traveling somewhere new, we learned about southeast Asian history and current events, and how they affect the particular location.

On-site administration of your program

I am extremely grateful for Nala, a Thai member of the staff, who helped us plan trips and events, and made Thailand feel like home.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I opted a Thai roommate, which worked out very well for me! Having separate bedrooms and a common area allowed us to spend as much time together as we wanted. I can't wait to visit her again!

I knew I loved Thai food before going to Thailand. I'm not picky in what I eat, but if you are, it's a touristy country that has western food on every block.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN did an amazing job getting us oriented into a new culture from day one. We learned about how to be ethical tourists. The philosophy of "it's not wrong, just different," resonated with me all semester. I appreciated TEAN even more after talking to local people, who pointed out how our group seemed very respectful of the country.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I've never been hospitalized in America, so I don't have much to compare it to. I stayed at Chiang Mai Ram hospital when I was hospitalized, which is private and a little more accommodating to tourists. I feel like my care was as good as I would imagine it would be in America. I received a few extra vaccinations before traveling, but mostly came down with random viral or bacterial infections. Dengue fever is common in Chiang Mai. Hospitals are cautious of fevers, especially foreigners, so they are more likely to keep you overnight. Wear mosquito repellent and go to the hospital if you aren't feeling well. I suggest you order the french toast :)

I never felt unsafe among people in Thailand. Thailand is developing still, and is not dummy proofed in the same way the USA is. Sidewalks are bumpy, because they may be built over tree roots, rather than having the whole tree removed. I grew to love those little differences and question why the US does it the way we do.

ABSOLUTELY! I learned so much about the world and my country, while having the time of my life. I appreciate how TEAN taught us how to be ethical visitors. I was weary about signing up for a program that had expensive trips built in when I knew I could do it cheaper. Reflecting back on it, I realized they gave us the most ethical options, despite the cost. The built in trips allowed us to spend time with other people from the program, and not worry about the costs.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

If you eat like a local, you can live very cheaply. Eating out and riding to the city for more fine dining adds to the cost, but it still much cheaper than doing so at home.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We learned very practical phrases first. I was able to order food and negotiate with people early on. In class, we always shared phrases we learned outside of class with out teacher and friends.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• Cultural experience
• Program size
• City

• More interactions with local people
• more optional events on the first few weekends
• I liked that we didn't have Friday classes, but wish there weren't mandatory events on random Fridays/ Weekend

The Avid Adventurer