New Experiences on the Other Side of the World September 25, 2024
By Hannah L (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2024 to 05/10/2024 with
University of Minnesota: MSID - International Development in Thailand
I learned a lot about Thai culture, including food, religion, language, and art. We also learned a lot about other cultures within Thailand. I enjoyed learning about human rights through engaging with groups working on these issues. Experiencing a completely different culture and being forced outside of your comfort zone is always worth it!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The intensive Thai language course is tough but helpful, however it is worth noting that the teaching style is not designed for everyone. The other classes often include site visits which are great but the classes themselves often have assignments that do not feel beneficial to the student. There are many resources available, but others had issues with the academics during my attendance. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There is a bit of a lack of communication between UMN and ISDSI, but the staff is incredible and willing to listen. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We had our own rooms in a great area outside of the main city. The market next door is the best and we got our own space while also being able to be close to each other and experience a great community. |
| * Food: |
Definitely consider any dietary restrictions before coming to Thailand, as they can be hard to accommodate, but the food overall is amazing! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Site visits, language class, and village stays helped to integrate us with the local culture, yet ISDSI exists in a sort of ex-pat bubble. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We COVID tested each week, medicine is easily available, and we were taken to get our J-vax. When I got sick, I was taken to the best doctor for that issue prompty. |
| * Safety: |
Chiang Mai is not a walkable city, which is the main danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would absolutely go back to this program! It was not perfect, and we had things to complain about, but being in Chiang Mai with the best people truly made everything so great. The staff made adjusting easy and really made sure we made the most of our time there. |
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) |
The stipend provided through the program fee truly makes a big difference and covers most expenses related to food. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Included in the stipend given |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | N/A |
| 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? | Talk to friends! |
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? | It's important to think about if you will be in Chiang Mai during the burning season, as that can really impact your experience. ISDSI provides school supplies, and you really can buy most things in Chiang Mai, so don't overpack! Be realistic about clothes, because it is super hot. One of the only things you cannot get is shaving cream, and I totally did not expect that. Carry around tissues if you are not comfortable with no toilet paper in public spaces. Make friends with locals who will show you around. You won't have as much free time during the internship as you'd expect, so do as much as possible before then! Also, Thai class starts at 8:30 AM. Walk past the 7/11 to get muu ping (grilled pork) and gai tod (fried chicken) with sticky rice for breakfast. |
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.' |
