The Land That Made Me Smile :) Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes at Payap are great. They can be a little overloaded on work, but as long as you go to class and engage in the material a bit, you will be fine. The Professors at the University are extremely excited to have you, and want to educate as best they can on the region, so you will know more of it, feel more comfortable, and excited for your time abroad. Small classes, very good environment to learn. The Professors are there for you.

On-site administration of your program

I absolutely could not have been more satisfied with my time abroad, nor the country, nor the staff, nor the program. SEAIGS and Education Abroad Network was BEYOND great. Extremely affordable program, innovating, enriching on all levels cultural, academic. The program was very well organized, included 3 excursion embedded in the program. Staff was extremely friendly, and helpful for anything.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms at Payap are absolutely beautiful. Brand new building, just a few years old. You get your own bathroom, beautiful big windows, your own desk. MUCH bigger than what I'm used to back home. As far as what to buy. You have to buy your own sheets and toiletries and pay for electricity bill (water and electricity) but nothing too expensive. $10 a month roughly.

The food was not entirely the best in my opinion. Thai food is BEYOND amazing, but as far as the University Food since it is catered towards a large audience, buffet style, it wasn't particularly the best. A little different than American food, but still eatable. However, the University does offer a MENU in which you can order food for just $1 or $2 per meal. Those were EXTREMELY good. So you can decide buffet or good meal for a $1.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program was absolutely the best in providing us with cultural events and attractions. Speaking to other friends studying abroad, their programs did not seem as engaging, organized, nor enriching. Program included 3 excursion, 2 Village home stays, and a trip to the Ruins of Thailand. Our Professors came along with us during our field trips where instead of just reading the books, articles, we were learning up close in action. It was absolutely great. Have no complaints. We also had a PAYAP FILM FESTIVAL in which we got to see films that were banned in Southeast Asia, and we were able to engage with the directors by asking questions, and participating in panel discussion. Very enriching, for sure.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Chiang Mai is an extremely safe area. It is the second largest city in Thailand, but extremely safe. I never felt scared, worried. I never had anything stolen from me, nor did I hear of any one experiencing this. As far as healthcare, their is a hospital of which our school showed us the very first day in case anything ever occured to us. Thankfully, I never had to go, but everyone who seemed to go had no complaints. Very functional, practical.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

When studying abroad in Thailand, the language barrier will surely be difficult considering it is composed of an entirely different alphabet. However, it is a fun language to learn, a little difficult, but Payap University has excellent Thai Language Teachers who guide and teach you. They are not Americans, nor Westerners, they are Thai, so you will be speaking correctly, not Americanized. Will help you integrate into the culture quite a bit. I practiced with my roomate, my teacher. Most people do speak basic English, so not terrible if you don't get the language down.

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• Dorm

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• International Students