TEAN: Study Abroad in Thailand

My study abroad experience with TEAN in Thailand was unlike anything I could have ever imagined! I woke up every day feeling as though I was still dreaming. I couldn't believe that a place like Thailand even exists! The people are happy and friendly, the food is to die for, the educational experience that TEAN provided was conducive to student learning while also emphasizing the importance of out of the classroom excursions, and the setting of Chiang Mai is perfect for adventurers and city lovers alike! Because of this experience, I now know so much more about myself and the world around me. I know I will be visiting this wonderful city again soon!

Studying abroad in Thailand was by far one of the greatest semesters of my life. Through my classes and traveling I was able to learn so much about the Thai culture and about myself. One story in particular that is my favorite was our trip to a waterfall in Mae Sot. I just remember climbing up this beautiful waterfall with my classmates some American and others were Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Philipino along with our Thai and American teachers. We all were laughing and getting soaked by the waterfall but didn't care because we were having so much fun. No matter the differences in our cultures and home countries we were all together in this moment just enjoying the beauty of life. I am so thankful for the TEAN program for giving me the opportunity to experience such a beautiful moment and many others like it.

Going to Thailand for my study abroad was the best decision I ever made. And on top of that, choosing TEAN as my program made my experience that much better. After about a month of getting comfortable in Chiang Mai, TEAN took us on an excursion to the southern islands of Thailand. It was an all-inclusive trip that included the airfare, lodging, food, and activities we did there. They lodged us in the most amazing resort I have ever stayed in, overlooking Railey Beach in Krabi. Every morning, we got to look over the water while eating a deluxe breakfast. For one day, we went island hopping to many different islands and we were able to go snorkeling through huge schools of fish. That was the most incredible thing, being surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of colorful little fish. Because of TEAN, I was able to experience a whole different side of Thailand that I wouldn't have been able to experience in Chiang Mai.

Before this summer, I didn't think that I would be able to study abroad due to an extremely heavy class schedule. However, researching differet programs, I was able to find that TEAN's Public Health in Southeast Asia course corresponded to both my schedule and interests. TEAN was extremely helpful with all sorts of pre-trip planning (e.g. flights, Visas, and credit transfer). Once we arrived in Thailand, we were greeted by three TEAN representatives, who lived in Chiang Mai. All logistical items were handled before we even got there, so our transition was very smooth. The TEAN orientation took us all around the city and taught us key phrases and mannerisms to help integrate into the culture. Our housing was spectacular, probably better than at my home university. We lived at Uniloft, which is a hybrid dorm/apartment student-living complex that is only a 5 minute walk from the university's back gate. The complex has a great location and awesome amenities; there's 2 swimming pools, study rooms, multiple ATMs, gym, laundry service, and a 7-11. There's so many bars, restaurants, and cafes nearby (even a cat cafe!). I was really happy with how the program encouraged us to get a more authentic experience. By rooming with Thai students, we were able to learn about their favorite places to eat, local nightlife, resources on campus, how to stay polite in social interactions, and fun places to hangout. I had a great time touring the country with my roommate and was honored when he took me to his hometown to meet his family. The program really shows you the breadth of Thai society and culture. In class, we studied topics ranging from history to Buddhism, which were able to apply by visiting local temples, landmarks, and NGOs. By far, my favorite part was the Thai village home-stay. By living in a village for several days, we saw a totally different side of Thailand, the hardworking life of the rural populations.

I am so happy I chose to step out of my comfort zone and study abroad in Thailand with TEAN. The day I started my application the TEAN staff got a notification and a staff member called me right away to see if I had any questions. From then on they were so helpful answering all of my phone calls and emails and made me feel prepared for my 5 months abroad. TEAN makes sure that students get a genuine feel for the culture of Thailand, so that includes living with a Thai roommate and doing a village home-stay for a week. Living in the village was one of the highlights of my time abroad. The Thai people made us all feel so welcome and although the language barrier was tough it was amazing how we could communicate in other ways and learn about each other. Living with a Thai roomie was also really cool, they would show us the good places to get Thai food and they organized activities for us to do every month. TEAN sets up a dinner every month to check in on the students and see how we're adjusting, as well as monthly excursions and a weekend trip to Krabi which was another highlight of my time abroad. My 5 months in Southeast Asia were the happiest months of my life, I made lifelong friends with other TEAN students and have memories that I will truly cherish forever.

The reasons for studying abroad with TEAN in Chiang Mai are so abundant. For me it was the perfect balance of academics, social life, volunteering, travel, culture and downtime. My classes were all relative to Thailand, and Southeast Asia and it was fascinating to learn about the region while living there. TEANs excursions were all incredible, the trip to Krabi (southern part of Thailand) was a definite highlight, as well as the monthly dinners and cooking class at the end of the semester. The TEAN staff were all incredible and such a pleasure to work with. If you choose to study abroad I have no doubt that it will be a highlight in your life and you will be so happy you chose to take a leap and do it! I know I am! :)

The five months I spent living in Thailand were the most amazing, action packed months of my life! I wouldn't trade it for the world. From helping me get my visa to booking me a hotel for a lengthy layover The Education Abroad staff had my back before I even touched down in Chiang Mai. We were given all (if not more) of the immersion usually only found in direct exchange programs on top of included excursions and on site directors who were always there when we needed them-- but had absolute independence when we didn't. I got to experience the awe inspiring Yi Peng lantern festival, feed Asian elephants, and explore Thailand's captivating southern islands. But if someone was to ask me what was hands down my favorite part of this experience-- I would have to say my roommate. TEAN matches each of their students with a local roommate which really shaped my time abroad. She honestly became my sister, my best friend. She and her family were always having me over to their home and would frequently take me out to dinner or to festivals. She introduced me to her friends and helped me experience the real Chaing Mai. One of my favorite memories was driving up to the top of Mt. Doi Suthep with her and standing there mouth agape as we looked over the whole city, lit up like stars that night. Integrating into the Thai community can be difficult, but The Education Abroad Network made it easy; I made Thai friends that I know I will have for life.

With the country being 95% Buddhist I never felt unsafe once while in Chiang Mai. TEAN offers support when needed and guides you on prepaid adventures but also lets you explore on your own as much as you'd like!