Wonderful Experience, But Iffy Acadmics Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were not rigorous but educational. The onsite library was greatly understocked especially in the areas of social science and public health. I was unaware that the MSID program had linked itself to the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute. So most of our excursions focused on environmental studies so the six students who were in social sciences felt neglected. The excursion were interesting and physically challenging. I loved the elephant conservation activity. The last two excursions dealt with public health and human trafficking. Those two excursions were more interesting and engaging for me but the written activity we were required to complete was lacking when compared to the previous questions/

On-site administration of your program

The program director and assistant director informed us that the program coordinator had recently left so they were learning how to schedule students' activities. The packing list was lacking so I brought many unnecessary items with me to Thailand including a school uniform. We bought uniforms while there. Also we were informed that we shoudl get our Japanese Encephilits vaccine orior to coming to Thailand. The two shots cost $375 each. When we arrived, the program took many students to recieve theirs. IN country, each shot of the vaccine is 30 USD. I was greatly disappointed. It seems as if there was a greta disconnect between the MSID program overall and the Thailand branch. The syllabus changed at least three times and the final change was a week prior to spring break. All students had to study for a midterm and complete the three papers within the week. Secondly, the final paper and presentation requirements was unclear until three days before the paper was due. The syllabus we were provided before spring break explained that students either chose the research or internship track. Each track had its own separate requirements for the paper. The three days before the paper was due, the director instructed us that we all had to complete a research style paper when many of us had not completed research. Lastly, the structure of the Thai classes was unsatisfactory because the three teachers constructed their own separate curriculums, but students were tested based upon on instructor's class schedule. My class was grossly underprepared for all the exams. The classes were fun but the lack of structure and clarity made it difficult to fully engage with the material.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great but my host family was not very outgoing so that hampered some of my experience. I spent more time exploring by myself or with friends than I did my host family.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated because I had a host family and took local transportation.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I visited the emergency room once and had a follow up. The care was accessible, cheap, and excellent. I prefer my care at home of course, but the doctor I had spoke very good English. I needed the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine and polio vaccine prior to going on this trip.

I never felt unsafe on this trip. My one complaint is that my host family never provided me a helmet when I rode the motor bike, and I asked for one.

I would choose this program because I love the American friends I met and studied with. We were a small cohort of 13. Also my host family was very sweet.

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

The first eight weeks I spent approx. $30 a week. Spring Break I spent approx. $150. The last six weeks I spent $500 because I had to buy more luggage, pay for medical costs, and was no longer in classes. In total I suspect I spent $1200.

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

Our host families spoke Thai and we took Thai classes.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• American collegues
• Excursions
• Host Family

• Adminstrative Policies
• Thai Classes
• Internship Selection process