South East Asia- The experience your looking for! Past Review
By Kara M (Anthropology, Iowa State University) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Semester in Chiang Mai
When people ask if I would do Thailand again, there isn’t a moment I hesitate to say yes. There has not been a day that goes by that I don’t yern for some pad Thai or miss the good friends that I made there from all over the world. I’ll say it, Study abroad changed my life, and my world view.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Studying at an international university is an experience in its self. Seeing how other countries grade and test their students was very interesting! Our program used traditional US grading systems, teaching methods and work load. The program really understand that studying abroad is a reflective study, its not something that can be quantified by ABC or D. Its being introduced to a theory or cultural asspect and then finding examples of this in Thai society. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We became very close with our faculty in Chiang Mai! They came on all of our week long excursions and invited us into their homes for dinner. They work for the Thai Studies program and it is really their life and passion. I'd never met teachers so invested in their students education. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing at the dorms was absolutely beautiful! Each room had its own bathroom. We were paired with a Thai roommate who took us around the city, invited us into their homes, and became our good friends. The dorm food is something that could be improved. |
| * Food: |
The food in the dorms was hit or miss. There were many days we struggled to find anything to eat. The term "international dining center" is misleading. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Thailand. One semester is hardly enough time to explore the food, the people, and the history this city has to offer. On our days off, we went to the markets, temples, and waterfalls. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My family was very apprehensive about me studying in Thailand, they were concerned for my safety. There was never a moment I felt unsafe in the city, I felt safer in Chiang Mai than I do in my on college town. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
At first I was very intimidated to take a Thai language class, but it turned out to be one of my favorite classes. Being able to communicated with Thai's and gaining their respect as more than a traveler was an indescribable feeling. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | When I set out to find the perfect study abroad program, I had no idea that I would end up in Chiang Mai Thailand. I found The Education Abroad Network through my Study Abroad office and fell in love with the program. Five months in the cultural capital of Thailand, a Thai-orientation in Bangkok before classes start, three week-long excursions to the villages and ancient kingdoms of Thailand, all for half the price of any program in Europe! From application to my first international flight landing in Bangkok, I was guided every step of the way by the lovely staff of the Education Abroad Network who became family to us. Although Thailand was my first time out of the US, I am convinced it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world! The mountainous landscape, beaches, and remote villages were breathtaking. Our classes greatly enhanced our experience in such a foreign country and helped us understand the culture on a deeper level. I was anxious about taking a Thai language class, but it turned out to be one of the funest classes! We were able to communicate with locals and order our own food. When we weren’t in class we were exploring waterfalls, temples, and markets in the “Old City” with our Thai roommates and friends from all over the world. Chiang Mai is rich in culture and the people are so beautiful and welcoming. The local Education Abroad Network staff became our Thai family that took us on trips and volunteering at orphanages and teaching English at Monk schools. Having such a supportive staff with the Education Abroad Network comforted both my parents and I. Education Abroad Network is an amazing program, weather your looking to study in Asia or like me never imagined it! Also, Spring semester is when Songkran, the Thai New Year is held. Be there! |
