Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A cultural blast of knowledge September 19, 2024

By (Health: Science, Society, Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2024 to 05/10/2024 with

University of Minnesota: MSID - International Development in Thailand

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile as I learned about myself, how to live in a new environment, and

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 feel like the amount of class time in a day hindered many students from exploring further.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After the program finished, I visited another city in Thailand and my knowledge in the language and culture made the experience so much easier and nicer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 cultural immersion
  • The country
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • Class timing
  • Class rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about how to optimize my luggage and that I didn't have to bring much abroad.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!