Summer in Thailand = Summer of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Brooklyn M (Social Work, Arkansas State University) - abroad from 05/25/2018 to 06/15/2018 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Summer in Bangkok
I felt that I gained a much better appreciation of a culture that I knew almost nothing about. I gained confidence, gained new friends, and had an experience that many people would die for. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity.
Review Photos
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. |
I enrolled in the Cultural Foundations course, and I loved it! It was a great way to get to know more about Thailand, and the home-stay included in the course was my favorite part of my study abroad experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the TEAN staff I came in contact with throughout my study abroad adventure were awesome. The on-site administration was no exception. They are so fun, and I could tell they really cared about making sure we had a great experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The D-Condo apartments were close to campus, held a 7-11, and were located on a street packed with vendors, restaurants and shops. |
| * Food: |
I MISS THAI FOOD. I was so nervous about eating the food before I came, but now I crave it. I just had to be careful about the spice. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In my opinion, it was impossible to not feel integrated with the local culture. We wore Chiang Mai uniforms, ate and even lived among the locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not experience any health issues, but there was a boy in my group who busted his chin open. They fixed him up fairly quickly, and gave him medicine. He said the care was awesome. Also, our staff assured us over and over that health care in Thailand is top notch. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Thailand. As long as one follows the rules, they should stay perfectly safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I can't imagine a better group of staff. They were friendly, patient, and always helpful. The classes were awesome, and everything seemed so organized. Also, TEAN plans many activities for students to do together, and offer additional excursions such as the one that travels to the Southern Islands. |
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) |
Thailand is so cheap! Living cheap there is VERY easy. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent no more than $50/week on food and essentials. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take snack food with you. I felt like that is how I spent most of my money. Do as much price research and comparison as possible for food and activities. Also, travel in groups! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known that everything was going to work out fine. I was so nervous and afraid that I would be homesick. Also, I wish I would have thought to bring more snacks! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
