Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An introduction to a new world and way of living. Past Review

By (Nutrition, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/10/2013 with

USAC Thailand: Chiang Mai - Southeast Asia Culture, Politics, and Business

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to appreciate many things I did not pay attention to from home. I realized, after seeing how many other people lived that I come from a very fortunate home. I saw a complete new lifestyle where people lived in small huts and in villages in the jungle with no electricity or running water.

Review Photos

USAC: Chiang Mai - Thailand Study Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep note of what you spend your money on in a notepad when traveling to make it easier to stay within the budget you had in mind.

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
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? Try to practice the language as much as you can with local businesses and people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The different scenery throughout the entire country
  • Traveling during my stay
  • Trying new food
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with Thai students
  • More volunteer opportunities that follow through
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew not to record items in a package being sent to me from the United States. In Thailand all the items you receive in an international package are highly taxed and can cost up to hundreds of dollars to pick it up. However, if the sender does not write down what is inside you are able to pick it up tax free.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.