Thailand is truly the Land of Smiles! Past Review
By Jessica O (recreation, California State University - Chico) for
USAC Thailand: Chiang Mai - Southeast Asia Culture, Politics, and Business
Yes! Better understanding of how people in other parts of the World live and their ideals, customs, beliefs, and values. Full immersion was the best way to learn about a different culture as well as learn about myself and grow tremendously from it. You learn about yourself significantly when you're pushed outside of your comfort zone.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Rangsit University |
| 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. |
Great professors and staff at the International University. While the classes are challenging the professors are a bit more laid back about work load. Thai culture in general is more laid back. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
GREAT PEOPLE. Very attentive to the foreign students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment complex that had several houses. In each house everyone shared a kitchen and a living space but there were bathrooms were in every room. They were well kept and comfortable. The set up was nice because USAC students as well as Thai and other international students all lived there. |
| * Food: |
Street vendors have some of the best food in town.all of the local restaurants/shops are great places to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Trip to Chiang Mai was incredible. Other various trips to the Thai islands were fantastic, beautiful beaches but lots of tourists. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The Thai people are respectful and nice. Just like in any other country it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and travel with at least one other person. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Thai friends, Professors, fellow USAC students. Yes, everyone at the International University knew English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make the best of your experience, it goes by fairly quickly. Get to know the local people, learn from them, teach them, form friendships with other international students as well. Be respectful of new things you are introduced to even though it isn't something you practice in your life. |
