Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Summer Ever! Past Review

By (Western Washington University) - abroad from 06/26/2016 to 08/13/2016 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand - Summer in Bangkok

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself as a person and about the world that I live in. I gained experience outside of my comfort zone and came back a more motivated, inspired, and open hearted person. I wouldn't trade my time in Thailand for the world!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I absolutely loved studying with TEAN in Thailand because it provided me with an educational experience that included a great balance of in class material and outside of class excursions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration in Thailand were helpful and excited to have us there. I felt very taken care of while there and have them to thank for that!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the opportunity to live with a Thai roommate and it was the best living experience I've had! Learning about the country firsthand from a roommate is the best way to get accustomed to Thai culture!

* Food:

Everyone knows that Thai food is some of the best! Even if you don't like Thai food specifically, there is always something for all tastes and dietary restrictions. A plus is that TEAN provides students with a meal stipend for the summer!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt extremely integrated with the local culture. Between having a Thai roommate and Thai buddies to chat with to learning about Thai culture in class and then having the opportunity to put that knowledge into action during excursions, I felt that I got a holistic understanding of Thailand!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I didn't have any instances in which I had to seek medical help, I had a couple friends who did. Each of them said that they felt very taken care of, that the healthcare was accessible, and TEAN did everything they could to help as well.

* Safety:

Chiang Mai is a safe city. I never felt as though I was in danger.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would choose TEAN's summer in Thailand program again because it was the ultimate experience! I felt as though there was a great balance between learning, outside of the class excursions, opportunities for extracurricular activities, and the living situation was amazing.

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)

Thailand is the best destination for those living on a student's budget. Everything is extremely cheap, especially when it comes to food. I didn't even reach my budget amount and came home with more money than I thought I would at the end!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Thai roommate
  • Class excursion
  • Chiang Mai
* What could be improved?
  • Length of program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I would love Thailand so much! If I had, I would have stayed much longer!

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.