We have outlined here TEAN’s six easy steps to studying abroad. Your TEAN Program Manager guides you through the entire process, reminding you when and what we need from you as you move along the journey to studying abroad. These six steps also include all the vital information you need to know as you prepare for your time abroad. If you can’t find the answers to your questions here, then don’t hesitate to call or email us.
Congratulations! You have applied to a TEAN Thailand semester program, so you are already one step toward the best experience of your college life! This section walks you through how to complete your application, paying your deposit, how to obtain a passport and check that yours will be valid for the duration you need, the best ways to contact TEAN, and all the important dates to mark down on your calendar now. As usual, if your questions are not answered here, then don’t hesitate to contact us! Step 1: Get Started explained in 60 seconds.
1. If you haven’t already started your application with TEAN, you will need to visit the apply now page to start the process. You will be asked to pay a $100 application deposit that is counted toward your total program fees.
2. Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the application deposit, our team will review your application.
3. After your application has been approved by TEAN you will receive an email from us with information on how to login to your account and access your application.
4. Now you can start to work on the checklist items listed for your application. You will see a list of things that need worked on including the following:
5. Submit your most recent transcripts. In order for us to fully accept you into the program, we will need to review your official transcripts. For students studying in the Spring semester, we will need transcripts including grades from the previous Spring semester. For Fall students, we require transcripts including grades from the previous Fall semester.
Please request an official copy of your transcripts from all universities attended, be sent to our offices at:
The EDUCATION ABROAD Network
505 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654
If you withdraw from the program, the $100 application deposit is non-refundable. If you withdraw before the withdrawal deadline, the $500 program deposit is refundable. However, after the deadline (typically 3-4 months before departure) this deposit is non-refundable. Please refer to the program deposit invoice for the specific refund date for your program.
Obtaining a passport for international travel may take a considerable period of time as the State Department can often have a backlog of applications to work through. Therefore, it is crucial that you apply for your passport as early as possible to avoid any last minute complications. You can apply for your passport at your local U.S. Post Office.
You can obtain necessary information regarding passports from the U.S. Department of State: Passport Services Department, download passport applications, find a nationwide list of passport agencies, etc. here.
As a condition of your student visa, your passport must be valid a minimum of six months post your anticipated return home. If your current passport is set to expire before then, you will need to apply for a renewal.
Email is the primary form of communication during the application and enrollment period. Please provide us with an email address you use regularly, as important program announcements and instructions will be sent via email. Also, please check your email on a regular basis and make sure to update your online application if you change your email address. Please also periodically check your junk mail to ensure that messages from TEAN are not being filtered into “spam”. If messages are being filtered into spam, please add the TEAN email address to your contacts.
In addition, please be sure to include your full name on all correspondence (including emails). We work with many students so providing your full name will ensure timely responses to questions and inquiries.
The Education Abroad Network
505 N. LaSalle, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654-7093
Toll Free: 1-800-585-9658 (from within U.S.)
Local Number: 1-312-239-3710 (from outside of U.S.)
Fax: 1-312-239-3713
TEAN is open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Central Standard Time and observes all major holidays. If these hours are not convenient, you may schedule a time outside of our normal business hours to speak with us. If you are currently international, it is possible to set up a time to Skype and get to know your Program Managers.
We finalize our program calendar several months before each semester abroad. During that time, we work with our overseas partner universities in order to determine our orientation schedule. We will provide updated information pertaining to orientation, key semester dates, flights and excursions once our program calendar has been finalized. We will send you an email notification once the updated calendar information has been posted on the website so you can plan accordingly.
Once the program calendar has been finalized, we will post this information on our website and you’ll be notified by your Program Manager. Once the calendar has been released, all dates are still subject to change. While we do not anticipate any date changes once the calendar has been finalized, we reserve the right to make changes, particularly if one of our partner universities institutes their own date modification. All program participants will be contacted in the event of a date change.
The program officially begins at the start of our Orientation Program in Bangkok. Students arriving in advance of our orientation will be responsible for their own transportation from the airport and any necessary accommodations prior to the orientation start date. See the current Thailand Semester dates.
Students are encouraged to disclose medical conditions with TEAN. Though TEAN does not require this information in our application procedures, we urge students to start a dialogue with us as soon as possible so we can offer guidance and direct students to further resources. Your TEAN Program Manager will open up the TEAN medical form for you to complete later in the application process. However, students with an existing physical or mental health condition are encouraged to start planning now how they will manage their condition in Thailand.
There are very limited mental health services in Thailand. While students do have access to some counseling services at Mahidol University International College, any student that currently has regular counseling should discuss with their counselor/therapist how they will manage these sessions while away from home. Any student taking regular mental health medications should discuss travel plans with their regular doctor, and develop a plan for the duration of the student’s time abroad. Thailand does have restrictions on some medications, particularly for mental health conditions, that are more commonly used in the U.S. Students should always bring a copy of their current prescription with them as well as contact information for their U.S.-based doctor.
For more information on medications abroad, please see the following online resources:
Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Any student with a physical condition that affects mobility should be aware that accessibility is an issue in Thailand. We encourage students to disclose any medical condition that may affect their mobility so we can offer guidance and direct students to further resources. The TEAN Program Manager is best equipped to field questions related to Thailand.
From February to April a combination of factors including burning farm land to prepare fields and the lack of rain often results in air pollution across northern Thailand. Students who have respiratory conditions may be affected. Face masks are readily available to purchase in Chiang Mai at this time and TEAN’s in-country staff will advise students accordingly if they plan to travel there during this time.
One of our main goals at TEAN is to make sure all of our students are thoroughly supported from day one of the study abroad process. Embracing diversity in all its forms is very important to us. We’re dedicated to providing the most information and resources possible so students can make an informed decision on what program will best suit them, both academically and personally. We encourage all students to read through our Diversity and Identity page of our website to find resources useful for you directly and learn more about the students you will be studying abroad with.
Congratulations again! If you’ve gotten this far you are well and truly on your way to an incredible semester in Southeast Asia! This section contains information on selecting your courses and ensuring you get credit for them, financial aid and how to navigate the system to ensure your aid transfers, as well as details regarding TEAN scholarships and other scholarships you may want to apply for. Step 2: Get Schooled explained in 60 seconds.
TEAN has established an integrated direct enrollment model with Mahidol University International College. By enrolling our students directly, we are able to give you access to a majority of the courses offered throughout the International College’s academic departments. All courses in the International College are offered in English with the exception of language courses. This means that the course selections offer American students the opportunity to be in the company of Thai students looking to improve their English-language skills. This is a factor that distinguishes our programs from those offered by other island or satellite campus programs.
Please Note: Mahidol University does not typically release their finalized course schedule until a couple weeks before you depart for the program. We are able to provide you with courses that have been offered during previous semesters so you can gain approval from your home institution in advance. Your Program Manager will work hard to distribute the course details as soon as it is released from the university. You will enroll in your courses about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
All students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Most courses are 3 credits. Each 3-credit course meets for three hours per week. As the semester is 15 weeks in length, courses are thus typically 45 contact hours total for the term. Final credit allotment is at the discretion of each student’s home university, and is typically based off of the total number of contact hours for each course.
Students are able to choose from a wide selection of courses at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), as long as they meet the prerequisites.
1. The course schedule for the upcoming term hasn’t been released yet (fall course schedule won’t be available until late July and spring course schedule won’t be available until mid-December). However, course offerings typically don’t change dramatically from year to year. We recommend looking at courses offered for your correct term from the year prior to find available classes. If you don’t see a course listed on the schedule, reach out to your Program Manager for assistance.
Note: MUIC uses a trimester system, so a TEAN spring semester program would be during Trimester II; a TEAN fall semester program would be during Trimester I.
2. The courses you pick at this stage are for pre-approval. You are not actually signing up at this time. Your preferences will be submitted to Mahidol University once the course schedule is posted, and then MUIC will enroll you in your selected courses on your behalf.
3. You can find the course schedule for previous trimesters here. (Note: this will automatically open to Trimester II. Please be sure to search for your respective Trimester.)
For course descriptions and a complete list of offerings, refer to the MUIC Course Catalog. If you need specific course syllabi, please reach out to your TEAN Program Manager.
4. While you will only enroll in 4-5 courses, we ask that you select at least 8 courses to get approval in case some courses are not offered during your specific term or are cancelled at the last minute due to low enrollments.
Note: Some courses contain a lab component or extra contact hours that will have additional fees. This can be identified by looking at the number set that follows the course name. A regular 3-credit course will begin with a 4 following the course name (e.g. Introduction to Thai History 4(4-0-8). Anything with a number higher than 0 in the middle digit indicates a lab component or extra contact hours and will incur additional fees (e.g. ICHM241 Introduction to Drawing 4(2-4-6).
5. Make sure to review your preferred course selections with your academic advisor in order to ensure that your credits will transfer back to your home university.
6. Once you have identified your 8 courses (minimum), submit them in the “TEAN Course Selection form” that is now available in your online TEAN application. Please be sure to add the ENTIRE course code (can be found under “Subject” on the course schedule page). Include the number set that follows the course name [e.g. 4(4-0-8)].
Course Name: Exploring Global Realities
Course University: Mahidol University International College (or MUIC)
Course Code: ICCM202 Exploring Global Realities 4(4-0-8)
Course Period of Study: Fall or Spring Semester that you are attending
Course Credit Points: 3
Course Comments: Use this section to rank the order of preference for your courses. If you don’t have a preference, leave this blank or type “N/A” in this section.
It is highly recommended that you have your academic advisor approve your classes before leaving if you wish to ensure you receive transfer credit. If you do not wish to receive any credit when you return home you may be able to forego the approval process. Some students negotiate the credit transfer issues when they return from their program, but at the very minimum you should meet with your academic advisor/dean before departure so they are fully aware you will be studying abroad. They will be able to help you select courses that will count toward your major and that will be easily transferable for credit when you return.
Contact your study abroad office at your home university to discuss study abroad credit approval and other specific procedures to be completed for your program overseas. This is an important step as it may reveal crucial steps towards avoiding complications and making your transition abroad seamless. In addition, your study abroad advisor will need to sign our “Statement from University” form. You can send this to them from your online application.
While we strive to keep our programs affordable, we recognize that many students need financial help. The good news is that most financial aid you are currently receiving is applicable toward study abroad. Generally, you can transfer federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, that do not need to be repaid until after graduation.
See the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Public Law 102-325, 106 Stat.448): The act was reauthorized in the summer of 1992 to include a number of provisions to facilitate the use of federal financial aid for study abroad. (NAFSA: Association of International Educators Newsletter, Volume 44, No 3/Dec-Jan 1993).
The U.S. Department of Education advised that the Perkins Loans, SSIG Grant Program, Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, Stafford Loans, SLS loans, PLUS Loans and Consolidation loans can now be used for study abroad. Your study abroad experience does not have to be compulsory for your degree program in order to apply your aid. Please contact your home institution financial aid office to discuss your financial aid options for study abroad.
If you are currently receiving financial aid (federal loans, grants, scholarships, etc.) from your home institution please follow these steps. The financial aid you currently receive may not be processed in the same manner and the same amounts may not be awarded to you.
Step 1: Visit your home university’s financial aid office and inform them you will be studying abroad through TEAN. Ask them how much of your current aid will transfer for a study abroad experience. You will also need to check if there is additional paperwork specific to your home university.
Step 2: Ask your financial aid office if they have a “consortium agreement” (do not worry if this is a foreign term to you, they will know what it is!), which essentially means they will complete all paperwork regarding your existing financial aid while you are studying abroad. This is the ideal arrangement as it makes the whole process easier for everyone. You will also need to have a TEAN Financial Aid Agreement form filled out that will be provided to you by your Program Manager.
Step 3: If they have a consortium agreement, most likely they will have an existing agreement that is university specific. TEAN will likely have to sign this for you and send it back to them. It will not go to your overseas institution. The TEAN Financial Aid Agreement form should then be faxed or emailed to us.
Unfortunately, not all universities will sign a consortium agreement. If this applies to your school please consult us immediately for further guidance.
Please note: The financial aid process is very complex and adequate planning is necessary. You should contact your home institution’s financial aid office if you will, or think you may need to, apply loans or aid to your study abroad program. TEAN is not a lending institution so unfortunately, all financial aid and loan discussions will need to be made within your home university’s financial aid office.
In addition to the current financial aid you receive, you may want to consider one of our many scholarships. Each year TEAN awards thousands of scholarship dollars to qualified program participants. Awards range from $500 – $3,000 and we have categories including need-based and merit-based awards. In addition, there are scholarship opportunities available through several host universities and external organizations. Review details of the available study abroad scholarships.
TEAN provides students with a unique living experience to aid in cultural immersion on a daily basis. You will live in off-campus student accommodation located just a free 10-minute shuttle ride from the MUIC campus in Salaya. Each room is fully furnished with wardrobes, desks, a refrigerator, air conditioner, TV and bathroom. Students share a room with another TEAN student or visiting student. Within the complex, you will find a pool, small fitness center, laundry facilities, a rooftop area, and several restaurants and shops that offer affordable options. Within a short walk from your front door, you’ll also find many cafes, restaurants and awesome street food. Step 3: Get a Room explained in 60 seconds.
TEAN students on the Semester in Thailand program live at Bundit Home. This contemporary student dorm complex features our standard housing and is included in the program cost for the Thailand Semester Program.
Bundit Home provides:
Check out photos of the housing here.
Your utilities are covered in the housing cost.
Your accommodation has free weekly cleanings. You are responsible for laundering your own sheets and towels. There are laundry facilities within the accommodations offering students cheap coin operated washing machines. Most students dry their clothes on a drying rack on their room’s balcony.
A linen pack is included in the total program fees by TEAN. The linen pack includes a fitted sheet, comforter, pillow and pillowcase. Note that it does not include a top sheet as most Thai people do not use top sheets. It is advised if you want a top sheet to bring it from home, as they are relatively expensive in Thailand.
WiFi is included in the accommodations.
In order to place you in your preferred housing and match you with a roommate, you will be asked to complete a housing questionnaire. Your Program Manager will provide you with these details.
It’s time to book your flights! It’s really happening – get excited! This section details information regarding booking flights for the Semester in Thailand program. Step 4: Get Booked explained in 60 seconds.
The best route (and airfare) for flights to Thailand will depend on your departure point. Please read the Steps for Booking Flights, Important Flight Booking Notes, and FAQs in full before booking your flights.
Important: Do not book your flights until you have received instructions to do so by email from TEAN and you have completed all steps in the TEAN application portal.
Step 1: Do not book your flights until you receive instructions from TEAN by email and you have completed all steps in your TEAN application. If you have any questions about your outstanding items, please reach out to your Program Manager.
Step 2: Read all the information in this document carefully and be sure to contact us with any questions, so as to ensure you understand the airfare booking procedures.
Step 3: Review the arrival date and end of program date. You should book flights departing on or after the program end date. Note that if you depart after the program end date, you will not be able to stay in TEAN housing beyond the end date.
TEAN staff will meet you at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and transfer you to your accommodation if you arrive in Thailand during the designated arrival window. These times correspond to arrival times of the most common flights.
Step 4: Decide if you are intending to travel independently prior to or after the program dates as this will likely impact your travel dates.
Step 5: Research travel itineraries and costs. To assist with your search, please read “Important Booking Notes” below.
Before you purchase tickets, feel free to contact us or send us your tentative itinerary so we can ensure it is correct and/or the best routing for your situation.
Step 6: Book your international travel and submit your entire travel itinerary by completing the Thailand Arrival Form (sent by your Program Manager)
How much should I expect the airfare to be?
The estimated cost for all international flights varies from approximately $1,200 – $2,000. This range is due in large part to the departure locations from within the U.S. (for example: New York, NY versus Omaha, NE), as well as the return travel dates.
Why doesn’t TEAN offer a group flight for Southeast Asia programs?
Airfares for individual flights to this region are cheaper than group flights, and for this reason we provide advice on booking your flights individually.
What if I want to arrive prior to the recommended arrival date?
That’s fine! You will just need to arrange your own accommodation until the official program arrival date. Your TEAN Program Manager will be able to provide you with details of the TEAN accommodation and a time of when to meet up with the group on the arrival day. Please be aware that airport pickup is only available if you arrive on the official program arrival date.
During the semester, TEAN students will participate in the included Chiang Mai weekend and Krabi excursions.
TEAN will cover the cost of your transportation to and from Chiang Mai, so no need to arrange this on your own. We will send more details about the itinerary closer to the date of the excursion.
This excursion will take place after the final exam period ends. TEAN will cover the cost of your flight to Krabi, but you will be responsible for booking your return flight – this will allow you to book independent travel plans after the program ends.
This section is very important. It also tends to be a little boring, so please stick with us. Before you jet off for the time of your life, there are contracts you need to sign, forms you need to complete, a Thai student visa you need to apply for and a final payment you need to make. Please read this section carefully, and when the time comes, your Program Manager will guide you through it all – step by step. Step 5: Get Documents explained in 60 seconds.
You will receive several contracts (TEAN program contract, housing contract, and privacy consent release) from TEAN that will cover important notices and policies for you to keep in mind during your time abroad. The Privacy Consent Release will also allow us to introduce you to other participants prior to departure. Both you and a parent/guardian will need to electronically sign the documents to confirm your understanding of the terms and conditions of your program.
All students studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand are required to apply for a student visa (Non-Immigrant Visa Category “ED”). Your Program Manager will supply you with specific, step-by-step instructions when you are eligible to apply, but it is important to understand the process and what you can expect.
To apply for a Visa “ED”, you will be required to submit with your visa application with an official Letter of Acceptance. This letter and very specific instructions will be provided approximately two months prior to departure.
The Thailand student visa costs approximately $200 USD (Thailand Semester) + shipping costs. The cost for obtaining a student visa is not included in the final program fee.
Thailand applications are mailed into a U.S. consulate office and most students receive their visas in approximately two weeks.
Final invoices will be sent out approximately 60 days prior to your departure. Financial Aid Agreements must be submitted by this time as well to account for any delay in payment. If you are relying heavily on Financial Aid funds, please note that we will require a minimum of $4,000 to be applied to your account prior to your departure.
A $500 program deposit is due upon acceptance into your program. It will be credited to the student’s overall program fee. The deposit is refundable, should the student withdraw 3–4 months prior to the start of the program. After this date, the deposit is non-refundable. The $100 application deposit is not refundable. Please refer to the welcome letter and deposit invoice for the specific refund date.
You can make checks payable to The Education Abroad Network and mail them to us at:
505 N. LaSalle St., Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654
For your convenience we accept credit card payments for the $500 program deposit and excursion deposits. We are unable to accept credit card payments on final program balances due to the high cost of credit card processing fees incurred on those transactions.
Refunds Prior to Semester Commencement
If a student withdraws from the program prior to arrival overseas, we can only reimburse the portion of the program fee that has not already been allocated to some aspect of the students program (ex: housing, deposits, etc). Generally this will be less the $500 deposit (see above), but is subject to our program contract, though students are usually eligible to receive close to full refund amount. See your program contract for the withdrawal date for your program. Any withdrawals after this date will incur a $2,350 cancellation fee plus any additional costs that can’t be recovered.
Refunds During the Program
In these situations, refunds are only available for the amount of the program fee that is recoverable at the time the student returns home. The amount recoverable relates to tuition and housing fees only and is dictated by the refund policy of each host university. Our official refund policy is outlined in the program contract provided to each participant.
All past-due amounts will accrue simple interest at 12% per annum.
It’s almost time! Now you just need to review some last minute pre-departure information including the below quick tips, insurance while abroad, our packing tips, planning how you will manage your money while abroad, reviewing cell phone arrangements, and reading up on details regarding your arrival and Orientation in Bangkok. Our Thailand-based staff are looking forward to meeting you when you get off that plane! Step 6: Get Going explained in 60 seconds.
Photocopy all important documents – Leave one set of photocopies with your parent/guardian and keep one set with you (on your person) as you travel. Important documents to copy include, but are not limited to: passport, airline tickets, medical insurance details and inoculation details.
Bring copies of important numbers/contact details – Details include, but are not limited to: emergency contact details (i.e.: parents/guardians), TEAN contact details (to be provided), arrival details (to be provided).
Exchange money in advance of your arrival into Thailand – If possible, it is advisable to exchange some funds prior to your arrival into Thailand. Most international airports have currency exchange kiosks where you can exchange funds for a small fee. Rates are competitive with local banks, and will be much more convenient than attempting to exchange funds after your arrival in Thailand following a long and exhausting journey. It is recommended that students have enough funds to get them from the airport to the accommodations (if necessary) and cover any initial expenses while in Thailand ($50 is ample and you can use excess funds to get you through the first couple of weeks!).
Arrival Instructions – Be sure to carry all airport arrival instructions as provided by TEAN. This will be extremely helpful in the event you are unable to locate your guide at the airport.
Bug Spray – This is highly recommended for your stay in Southeast Asia, however rather than bring it along, it is advisable to wait to purchase bug spray until after you have arrived in Thailand. Doing so will allow for more space and less weight.
Clothing – Please refer to the Packing Tips in regards to appropriate dress, especially in consideration of school uniforms. Please also note that beyond these campus requirements, it is still important to practice “conservative dressing” while in Southeast Asia. Be careful not to expose too much of the shoulders or arms (tank tops are okay for daily wear, but can’t be worn for temple visits). Clothing exposing the torso or with low-cut necklines should not be worn. Shorter skirts and shorts are generally okay outside of temples and rural areas. In regards to exposure of the shoulders – when in doubt, throw a thin lightweight shawl or scarf over your shoulders.
Gifts – Students should bring 4–5 small gifts that are representative of where you are from or your home university. These should be handed out to any local friends you make and also to your host family in the village during your homestay (if applicable). Gift giving is an important part of most Asian cultures and would be a good gesture towards local people you spend time with. An appropriate gift would ideally consist of something that is representative of where you are from, your home state, country, school or something similar. If you will be staying overnight with Thai hosts (homestay) you should consider gifts for the family. They do not need to be expensive – kids love stickers, for example.
Thai language phrasebooks – We recommend purchasing a Thai phrasebook to bring with you. Past students have found these phrasebooks helpful:
Mini Thai Dictionary
Instant Thai Phrase Book
Flexibility – Students are encouraged to be flexible at all times and to expect changes in the schedule as this is part of the “spice of life” in Southeast Asia! Try to accept the differences between American schedules and Thailand schedules as much as possible and you will have an amazing time.
Bring a positive attitude and a willingness to experience new people and surroundings!
TEAN requires that all international students possess health insurance coverage through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of their studies in Thailand. The cost of this insurance will be included in your program fee and enrollment is automatic.
Your medical insurance policy includes the following:
There are some limitations to this medical insurance, including dental and optical services. If you have any existing health concerns, contact your current insurance provider before you leave for Thailand. Medical insurance for higher levels of need is your own responsibility.
We recommend students put anything of value, i.e., digital camera, jewelry, musical instruments, cellphone, laptops, etc., on a Personal Articles Policy (many homeowners already have this policy so students most likely can add their items onto their parents’ Personal Article Policy). This insurance often covers the full value of the items worldwide, with no deductible. Typically, items valued up to $3,000 can be covered for an approximately $30 premium. We encourage students to take pictures of items and note their model, make and serial number, as well as saving receipts when possible. Purchase of this insurance is left to the discretion of the student and his/her parents.
Trip insurance is optional and is not included in TEAN program fees. We recommend considering supplemental trip insurance to protect against unexpected mishaps (i.e. lost luggage) that can occur while traveling. Plans range from $100 to $350 and can be purchased through various insurance carriers.
TEAN is committed to the health and safety of every participant. It is very important that students make informed decisions about their study and travel destinations. TEAN continually monitors the safety and security of our study abroad program locations as well as popular student travel destinations. We continue to advise students of the safety and health risks associated with studying and traveling abroad based on the information from the U.S. Department of State travel warnings, local law enforcement, the Southeast Asian governments, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the World Health Organization.
TEAN has created an Emergency Response Plan for our study abroad locations that will be implemented by both our staff in Southeast Asia/the South Pacific, and our U.S.-based staff in Chicago. TEAN staff will work with students, parents, and study abroad staff at both the student’s home and host institution to provide the most up-to-date information regarding situations that may arise while studying abroad.
Emergency Contacts: Be sure to designate a parent or guardian as your Emergency Contact. This way, information regarding an emergency situation will automatically be passed on to your parents. Also make sure to provide TEAN your Emergency Contact’s most up-to-date contact information.
Communication Information: Provide TEAN with accurate and up-to-date contact information regarding your mobile phone number, WhatsApp details and email address. Be sure to notify your parents and Resident Director in case of an emergency.
Keep Others Informed: Tell others (your roommates, your parents, your Resident Director) your travel plans. Keeping others informed will make it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.
Stay Informed: Research the political, cultural, and social climate of your study and travel abroad destination before heading overseas. While abroad, whenever possible, read local newspapers and watch local news broadcasts for developments that may affect your health and safety. If you have questions, please contact a TEAN staff member either in the U.S. or abroad.
What about anti-foreign sentiment? Although individuals are generally well-liked abroad, host nationals will often question the activities of foreign governments and may hold anti-foreign views. This has occurred for some time, in periods of both peace and crisis. Participants in the past have found these tips useful: use common sense, dress to blend in, speak softly, avoid overt displays of home country patriotism, and stay away from known established locations frequented by foreigners. TEAN also advises that students avoid all public demonstrations.
There is no need to have malaria shots or take malaria pills. Malaria is not prevalent in the areas where you will be studying. It is always common sense to have general vaccinations up-to-date, including tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, etc., but no immunizations are mandatory to participate on the program.
If you have any health conditions that may cause issues, please make sure to consult a doctor before departing.
TEAN urges students to be extremely cautious about food and water while studying in Southeast Asia. Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:
Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself. Keep in mind that even if you do follow all tips, it is common to find yourself unwell with food poisoning at some time during your stay in Southeast Asia. Usually you can obtain medicine from a local pharmacy a short walk from your accommodation, and your TEAN Resident Coordinator is just a quick phone call away to take you to see a doctor if needed.
All undergraduate students at Thai universities are required to wear student uniforms. Please review the details below and prepare your attire accordingly.
First time wearing a uniform? Check out our YouTube video of former students describing their experience in Thailand!
The typical uniform for male students consists of black slacks and a white collared-shirt. Students should ensure that their short sleeve uniform shirts are collared and have buttons down the front (similar to a standard “dress shirt” in the U.S.). Students would be wise to purchase several dress shirts as the weather is quite warm and shirts may need to be laundered frequently. Please also bring black closed-toed shoes to wear with your uniform. It can be difficult to find shoes larger than size 10 in Thailand.
The typical uniform for female students consists of black skirts and a white button-up shirt. Students should ensure that their short sleeve uniform shirts are collared and have buttons down the front (similar to a standard “dress shirt” in the U.S.) and that shoulders are not exposed. No jeans, miniskirts, sleeveless shirts, sandals or sports shoes are acceptable. Students would be wise to purchase several dress shirts as the weather is quite warm and shirts may need to be laundered frequently. Please also bring black closed-toed shoes to wear with your uniform. It can be difficult to find shoes larger than a size 9 in Thailand.
Uniform apparel may also be purchased on the MUIC campus, or at the uniform shops near campus. Most students bring one set of clothes for the uniform with them, and purchase more inexpensively upon arrival. Students can choose whether they want to wear a male or female uniform based on the gender they more comfortably identify with.
TEAN’s university partners in Southeast Asia have wireless internet access throughout the campuses, although please be aware that the internet speeds in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are sometimes slower than that of the U.S. Students should bring a laptop. Having a laptop will make typing papers easier. Universities have computer labs, but they do operate on limited opening hours (i.e. will not be available late at night).
Internet is also available in your housing in Thailand. Local cafés are also great places to go to find a strong – and free! – WiFi connection.
PLEASE NOTE: The packing list provided is a suggested list. Triple check to ensure you have everything necessary! TEAN is not responsible for forgotten items.
Loose fitting pants or skirts that cover the knees and tops that cover your shoulders with high necklines. Note that leggings are not suitable attire for rural Thailand and temples.
Medications: Most medications you would use at home are readily available over the counter at pharmacies in Thailand. You can purchase Ibuprofen, Tylenol, nausea medicine, cold medicine, and even antibiotics without a prescription from a licensed pharmacist.
Clothing: Please keep in mind that Thailand is more conservative than the United States. It is important to dress appropriately for the culture as well as the climate. We recommend loose, flowy clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. You can wear shorts and tank tops (so long as they are modest) out and about in Thailand, but not at temples and not during the village homestay or academic excursions. Observe the behavior of those around you and you will pick up on what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate to wear in certain settings. You will also be able to purchase inexpensive lightweight, loose-fitting comfortable clothing at markets all throughout Thailand (think: flowy elephant pants).
Adaptors/converters: Electric outlets in Thailand are often the same as those used in the U.S. but sometimes feature two-pronged round outlets. You can probably get by without an adaptor but sometimes may find you need one, like while working at a cafe with round outlets. If you plan to travel to other countries in Southeast Asia, it’s advised that you research whether or not you’ll need an adaptor there. These can all be purchased while you’re in Thailand. Converters are recommended for larger electronics such as hair dryers or computer chargers.
International Flight to Thailand: Most airlines allow all passengers flying internationally two checked items, one carry-on and one personal item. Please contact your air carrier for their current baggage restrictions (including dimensions and weight) and fees for additional checked items. If you will exceed your air carrier’s baggage restrictions, it is generally more economical, more reliable and easier to pay the airlines for additional checked baggage versus shipping items to Thailand.
While there is little chance of this happening, if you plan on the airline losing your baggage for at least 24-48 hours you will be prepared and avoid extra inconvenience. Pack travel sized toiletries (no more than 3 bottles, 3oz or less in a clear bag), medication and change of clothes in your carry-on. This will more than likely not happen, but if it does you will be ready.
Since Thailand is a very relaxed country, many tourists seem surprised when they visit a temple and realize there are strict rules. Please respect the Thai Buddhist culture and follow these etiquette tips.
For students entering on a student visa, when you arrive in Thailand, make sure that the Immigration Officer in Bangkok sees your non-immigrant visa and stamps 90 days admittance in your passport – not 30 days. This sometimes happens if the Immigration Officer overlooks your student visa, so make sure you receive the correct stamp before walking away.
Specific arrival details will be provided prior to your departure.
Prior to your departure your Program Manager will provide you with contact details for all key TEAN personnel, including your Resident Director, as well as information on your local embassy and emergency contacts.
Home to more than eight million people and often the most-visited city in the world, Bangkok offers a kaleidoscope of culture, color, cuisine and traffic congestion. Arriving in the city can sometimes be overwhelming for first-timers but, don’t worry, you’ll soon fall in love with the electric pull of the Big Mango. Ease into the transition with TEAN’s 4-day included orientation that will introduce you to your new campus, go over cultural backgrounds and differences, show you how to use public transport and take you to a range of the city’s most interesting sites, such as the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center, Lumphini Park (the equivalent of New York’s Central Park) and the riverside arts, dining and entertainment hub of Asiatique.
Your university orientation is held the day after the TEAN Orientation ends. This orientation is mandatory. Topics discussed may include cultural tips, security, and academic enrollment/expectations. Although there may be some overlap, your university orientation will touch on specific details related to the program.
We do not recommend bringing large amounts of cash with you for security and safety reasons. However, you may wish to bring a small amount of foreign currency for any initial personal expense needs. Most major banks in large U.S. cities have foreign currency in stock, but smaller, regional banks may be able to order Southeast Asian currencies. Therefore, do not wait until the last minute to place your order. Alternatively, you can exchange money at the airport before you depart for the overseas flight. This is slightly more expensive than using a local bank (1-2% higher fees), but much more convenient.
Opening a Thai Bank Account: Unfortunately it is not possible to open a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner unless you have a 12-month visa. For this reason we recommend opening a Charles Schwab bank account before departing the U.S. if you are staying in Thailand for longer than a one-month program. See below for more details.
Using a U.S. Bank Account: You can avoid paying ATM fees by opening a Charles Schwab account because they refund all ATM domestic and foreign transaction fees worldwide and it is free to open an account. They never charge a fee but if the foreign bank does then Charles Schwab refunds the cost at the end of each month. Accounts can be opened online. It is always good to check your local bank’s policy as well.
It usually takes 7-10 days for Charles Schwab to mail the actual ATM card (so don’t wait until the last minute to open an account). All transactions can be done online (including funding the account from another bank account you have in the U.S.).
If you plan to withdraw money from an ATM using your regular U.S. card, ensure you notify your bank that you will be accessing money in Thailand before you leave the U.S. Thailand is very much a cash-based society and ATMs can be found absolutely everywhere, however note that most Thai bank ATMs charge 220 THB per withdrawal. When you consider that a local Thai meal costs around 50 THB, then that’s four meals in just one bank charge. This is why you’ll see most popular American travel bloggers recommend using a Charles Schwab bank account for travel to avoid these fees.
U.S. Credit Card: We recommend that you have a credit card for your time in Southeast Asia and not just a debit card. You probably will not use it much, but it’s good to have for emergencies or to purchase flights for regional travel.
The cost of living in Southeast Asia is considerably lower than that of the United States and thus day-to-day expenses will be less for most students. However, as students are in one of the best regions in the world to travel, participants may find themselves booking regional airfares and optional excursions at additional expense.
