Coral reefs and coastal ecosystems of Thailand Past Review

By (Environmental Planning and Policy, Western Washington University) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 03/04/2013 with

Wildlands Studies: The Thailand Project: Marine And Coastal Ecology Of The Indo-Pacific

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I got the credits i needed to graduate while learning about coral reefs in a hands on way.

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? 50 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy local cuisine, not western style food. Be adventurous with your meals.... it saves you money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • hands on learning
  • travel within the country
  • camping and outdoor focus
* What could be improved?
  • predeparture planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to scuba dive, even though it wasnt required, and more of the Thai language.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'