Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life = Changed! Past Review

By (Baldwin-Wallace University) - abroad from 05/28/2017 to 08/05/2017 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Summer in Bangkok

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a strong sense of self while abroad. I had to depend on myself to, in many senses of the word, navigate Chiang Mai and I'm better for it. I learned a lot about what really matters to me as a human being and what I need to be successful in this world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I could not be more happy with my experience this summer. The TEAN staff was helpful, friendly and efficient. I loved my intern placement and both of the classes I took. I wouldn't trade this summer for anything!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Every administration member I encountered was helpful and clear. They were very welcoming from day one and were always available to assist the TEAN students when we needed it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not spend a ton of time in my housing. I was out exploring Chiang Mai and utilized the housing as a crash pad more than anything. It was sufficient, safe, and the perfect size. I also loved having my own room.

* Food:

I miss the food every day! Thailand definitely influenced my pallet and I miss my favorite Thai-sti dishes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to more fully immerse myself culturally because of my internship. I got to meet and work with the diverse population of Chiang Mai. This was so valuable to my experience and I was very thankful for the exposure. The local culture of Chiang Mai is rich and the locals are happy and ready to share it will foreigners!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally never had to seek healthcare while abroad. However, one of my good friends spent several days in a hospital during the trip. The hospital was Chiang Mai Ram and was very clean, and helpful. All of the doctors spoke English and it was fairly easy to communicate.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while in Chiang Mai. People are very respectful and I was not concerned for my safety while there.

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

The program was absolutely wonderful and I wouldn't change a single thing. I am so thankful I had this opportunity!

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)

Chiang Mai is very inexpensive. I only spent about $7 USD a day on food and most of the weekend day trips I went on cost me around $30-$40 USD.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Street food in Chiang Mai is delicious and inexpensive! Great for a quick lunch!

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? 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? 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? The best way to learn Thai is to speak it often. I used my Thai on Uber drives, street venders, and the students I taught with Arts Relief International. Speak boldly and don't be afraid to be wrong!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The internship
  • The culture
  • The people I traveled with
* What could be improved?
  • I did not love the housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I honestly don't think I would have wanted to know anything more. The personal growth I experienced was so valuable to me that I wouldn't want anything to alter it.

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.