Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I couldn't imagine a better trip if I tried. Past Review

By (Environmental Science - Marine Ecology, Western Washington University) - abroad from 01/22/2013 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?
I gained invaluable experience living in another country and adjusting to other customs and lifestyles. I tried new foods, new toilets, new places, new languages, etc. It was absolutely a worthwhile experience and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a similar experience.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our on-site instructors were indispensable! They were extremely knowledgable, helpful, and invested in providing us with an unforgettable, educational experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was absolutely amazing. We tried so many new things and had access to a wide variety of 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? $30-$50/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is very tempting to buy a lot of the souvenirs that you see at the beginning of the program but they will all be available later on and most likely at a cheaper price. Wait on buying anything until at least halfway through the program and I guarantee you will be able to get anything you want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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 amazing food!
  • The pristine beaches and the chance to explore the nearby coral reef habitats.
  • The chance to meet amazing people with similar interests and similar passions in life.
* What could be improved?
  • More information prior to the program regarding the living situations while abroad.
  • I would have liked to have been advised to bring more spending money (maybe $600-700 rather than $400-500).
  • I can't even think of a third thing. It was incredible.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program does not involve a great amount of backpacking so don't worry too much about the size of your backpack or your physical fitness. Pack light and be in decent shape but don't panic about it.

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.