<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Study Abroad Thailand Archives - TEAN</title> <atom:link href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/tag/study-abroad-thailand/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/tag/study-abroad-thailand/</link> <description>The Education Abroad Network</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 20:44:10 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cropped-TEAN_favicon1-32x32.png</url> <title>Study Abroad Thailand Archives - TEAN</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/tag/study-abroad-thailand/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>5 Life Hacks for the Chiang Mai University Campus</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-life-hacks-chiang-mai-university-campus/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[TEAN Alum]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2018 07:20:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiang Mai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Alum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thailand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Living in Thailand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Study Abroad Thailand]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://teanabroad.org/?p=13894</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Before leaving for Thailand, I looked at pictures online of students studying abroad at the … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-life-hacks-chiang-mai-university-campus/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-life-hacks-chiang-mai-university-campus/">5 Life Hacks for the Chiang Mai University Campus</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Before leaving for Thailand, I looked at pictures online of students studying abroad at the <a href="http://teanabroad.org/programs/thailand/chiang-mai/semester-study-abroad-chiang-mai/">TEAN program hosted at Chiang Mai University (CMU)</a> to learn as much as I could about the area. I knew I wanted to spend plenty of time exploring the city of Chiang Mai and all of Thailand, but the CMU campus turned out to hold lots of gems too. Here are five life hacks for making the most of your time on-campus.</p> <h4>1. Wear your uniform</h4> <p>I instantly won more respect from everyone—the staff, the students, the faculty—when I showed up in a white button-down shirt and black skirt. Accessories like the belt and belt buckle, are more negotiable, but I learned from the examples of my classmates that I really could not skimp on the outfit. That goes for any institution in Thailand, from government buildings to museums. My biggest mistake of the entire semester was leaving my uniform at home when I went to Bangkok—I felt naked wandering around in normal clothes.</p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-13902 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Uniforms-min.jpg" alt="Wearing uniforms to study abroad in Thailand" width="1000" height="669" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Uniforms-min.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Uniforms-min-300x201.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Uniforms-min-768x514.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Uniforms-min-310x207.jpg 310w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <h4>2.Catch the purple shuttle</h4> <p>If you’re running late to class, the purple electric shuttles are a life saver. There’s a station at the side gate on Suthep Road (where UniLoft is), and you can transfer at the main station to a shuttle for the law building or a second shuttle for the Student Market on the other side of campus. The only trick is telling the driver you’d like to get off. I sometimes blurted out “thank you” if I couldn’t remember the words for “stop please” that a Thai student taught me.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-13901 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Shuttle-min.jpg" alt="Taking the CMU shuttle around campus" width="960" height="649" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Shuttle-min.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Shuttle-min-300x203.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Shuttle-min-768x519.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Shuttle-min-310x210.jpg 310w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p> <h4>3. Shop at the CMU Co-op</h4> <p>I was bummed I didn’t find the cheapest place to buy snack foods or laundry detergent until halfway through my semester. The CMU Cooperative is right across from the library and has even better prices than 7-11. There’s also a smaller co-op on Suthep Road.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-13899 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cooperative-min.jpg" alt="Chiang Mai University campus co-op" width="1000" height="1181" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cooperative-min.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cooperative-min-254x300.jpg 254w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cooperative-min-768x907.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cooperative-min-262x310.jpg 262w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <h4>4. Eat on a budget</h4> <p>The cafeteria across from the law building was the best place to buy lunch when my meal budget was a little tight. Each station featured something different and I could easily find something that filled me up for 25 baht (less than a dollar). The best stop for me was always the rice and Japanese curry stall. Nothing beat curry after class!</p> <figure id="attachment_13898" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13898" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-13898 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cafeteria-min.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="632" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cafeteria-min.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cafeteria-min-300x190.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cafeteria-min-768x485.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cafeteria-min-310x196.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13898" class="wp-caption-text">Chiang Mai University main canteen</figcaption></figure> <h4>5. Spend time at the library</h4> <p>I thought I would use the library for printing (turns out it was simpler just to use a print shop), but I ended up in there for so much more. There was no place on campus where I felt more ingrained in student culture than in the corner table of the second floor. There, I could be just another student working on homework. It was fun seeing how Thai students studied…or goofed off on social media. A lot of the signs were in English too, so it felt like studying in my American school’s library. And when I missed reading novels in English, I found that the library had a pretty strong American Section.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-13900 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Library-min.jpg" alt="Chiang Mai University library" width="1000" height="688" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Library-min.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Library-min-300x206.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Library-min-768x528.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Library-min-310x213.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <p>My time studying on the CMU campus provided a contrast to my American university experience, but it’s also amazing how easily it felt like a school away from school.</p> <p><strong>Alanna Natanson is a TEAN Alum and student at Salem College. She studied abroad with <a href="http://teanabroad.org/">TEAN</a> in <a href="http://teanabroad.org/programs/thailand/chiang-mai/">Chiang Mai</a>, Thailand.</strong></p> <p><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #ffffff; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: #bd081c; position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 3680px; left: 42px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #ffffff; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: #bd081c; position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 3680px; left: 42px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-life-hacks-chiang-mai-university-campus/">5 Life Hacks for the Chiang Mai University Campus</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Intro to Thai Language: 10 Must Know Phrases</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/intro-thai-language-10-must-know-phrases/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[TEAN Alum]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2016 15:16:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiang Mai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Alum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thailand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Study Abroad Thailand]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://teanabroad.org/?p=7207</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>When you travel to a new country, it’s very easy to feel like a fish … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/intro-thai-language-10-must-know-phrases/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/intro-thai-language-10-must-know-phrases/">Intro to Thai Language: 10 Must Know Phrases</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you travel to a new country, it’s very easy to feel like a fish out of water. This is especially true when you are unfamiliar with the host country’s language. The effects of culture shock become compounded when you are not able to relate to people or communicate your needs and concerns to those around you. Therefore, learning the language is not only a necessary skill for survival, but it will also help you comfortably adjust to your temporary home.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7209" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Markets.jpg" alt="Markets" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Markets.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Markets-300x225.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Markets-768x576.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Markets-640x480.jpg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Markets-310x233.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not to mention, the country’s locals enjoy it and tend to respect you more when you can speak their language (so much that they may even offer you discounts). Here is a list of 10 must know Thai phrases to make your transition abroad a little bit easier.</span></p> <p><strong>1. Sà-wàt-dii</strong></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Hello and Goodbye” When greeting someone of respect (i.e. anyone older, professors, and especially Monks) you should also accompany this phrase with a Wai (a polite gesture consisting of placing your hands together like you are praying, and a slight bow of the head).</span></i></p> <p><strong>2. Chǎn chûue</strong></p> <p><em>“My Name is…”</em></p> <p><strong>3. Châi/Mâi</strong></p> <p><em>“Yes/No”</em></p> <p><strong>4. Thâo-rài</strong></p> <p><em>“How much?” This phrase is especially useful in markets (in which you’ll likely spend a lot of time in)</em></p> <p><strong>5. Lót-nàuy dâi-mǎi</strong></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> “Can you lower the price?” This phrase is another useful phrase for the markets (it is not advised to use this outside of the markets). Although some vendors won’t budge, a lot of vendors will be willing to lower their prices for you.</span></i></p> <p><strong>6. Bpai yang-ngai</strong></p> <p><em>“How do you go to…?”</em></p> <p><strong>7. Khun phûut phaa-sǎa ang-grìt dâi mǎi</strong></p> <p><em> “Do you speak English?”</em></p> <p><strong>8. Khàawp-khun</strong></p> <p><em>“Thank you!”</em></p> <p><strong>9. Khàaw-thôot</strong></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Excuse me/I’m sorry” This phrase is really useful for getting people’s attention, especially in the markets. Another way to get someone’s attention who is older than you is to say P’ka/P’khap, depending on your gender.</span></i></p> <p><strong style="line-height: 2em; font-size: 1rem;">10. Mâi-bpen-rai</strong></p> <p><em>“It’s okay/You’re welcome”</em></p> <p><strong>Note:</strong> In Thai, it is courteous to end your sentences with “Ka” if you are a woman and “Khun” if you are a man.</p> <p><strong>Chrissy Brimmage is a TEAN Alum and graduate from Georgia State University. She studied abroad with <a href="https://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/">TEAN</a> in <a href="http://educationabroadnetwork.org/thailand">Chiang Mai, Thailand</a> over the summer.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/intro-thai-language-10-must-know-phrases/">Intro to Thai Language: 10 Must Know Phrases</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>5 Favorite New Foods from Thailand</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-favorite-new-foods-from-thailand/</link> <comments>https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-favorite-new-foods-from-thailand/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[TEAN Alum]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:30:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Thailand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Study Abroad Thailand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thailand excursion]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/blog/?p=3205</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>If you have adventure in mind, then Thailand is the perfect country for you. Not … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-favorite-new-foods-from-thailand/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-favorite-new-foods-from-thailand/">5 Favorite New Foods from Thailand</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have adventure in mind, then Thailand is the perfect country for you. Not only because of Thailand’s rich culture, beautiful landscape and vibrant nightlife, but also because the food is like nothing you’ve ever seen, smelled or tasted. Whether it’s green tea waffles, Pad Thai, Durian, or fried crickets, your senses will be pleasantly (or in the case of Durian, possibly unpleasantly) overwhelmed with all of the new and diverse food choices available in Thailand.</p> <p><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_4055.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3207" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_4055.jpg" alt="Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset" width="620" height="278" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_4055.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_4055-300x135.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></p> <p>The uniqueness of Thai food was something I appreciated, and if you’re anything like me it will be one of the things you miss when you go back to The States. It’s hard to choose just one favorite dish, so here are 5 of my new favorite foods that I tried in Thailand.</p> <h3>1. Phat Si-io</h3> <p>Dark and light soy sauce, garlic, broad rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, egg, and a choice of beef, pork, or chicken.</p> <p><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Phat-Si-io.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3210" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Phat-Si-io.jpg" alt="Phat Si-io" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Phat-Si-io.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Phat-Si-io-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></p> <h4>2. Khao Soi</h4> <p>Northern style egg noodles in yellow curry soup topped with fried noodles.</p> <p><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Khao-Soi.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3211" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Khao-Soi.jpg" alt="Khao Soi" width="620" height="459" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Khao-Soi.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Khao-Soi-300x222.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></p> <h4>3. Mango Sticky Rice</h4> <p>Mango slices with sticky rice and sweet and condensed milk.</p> <p><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Mango-Sticky-Rice.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3212" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Mango-Sticky-Rice.jpg" alt="Mango Sticky Rice" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Mango-Sticky-Rice.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Mango-Sticky-Rice-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></p> <h4>4. Coconut Milk Soup</h4> <p>Coconut milk soup with chicken, lemongrass, fresh ginger, and mushrooms.</p> <p><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Coconut-Milk-Soup.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3209" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Coconut-Milk-Soup.jpg" alt="Coconut Milk Soup" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Coconut-Milk-Soup.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Coconut-Milk-Soup-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></p> <h4>5. Pattaya Fried Rice</h4> <p>Fried rice covered in an omelet pouch.</p> <p><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Pattaya-Fried-Rice.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3208" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Pattaya-Fried-Rice.jpg" alt="Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Pattaya-Fried-Rice.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Pattaya-Fried-Rice-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Chrissy <span style="color: #000000;">Brimmage</span> is a TEAN Alum and Global Ambassador at the Georgia State University. She studied abroad with <a style="color: #1f2d61;" title="TEAN Home" href="https://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TEAN</a> in <a style="color: #1f2d61;" title="TEAN Thailand" href="http://educationabroadnetwork.org/thailand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chiang Mai, Thailand</a> over the summer. </strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-favorite-new-foods-from-thailand/">5 Favorite New Foods from Thailand</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-favorite-new-foods-from-thailand/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>5 Steps to Choosing a Study Abroad Program</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-steps-to-choosing-a-study-abroad-program/</link> <comments>https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-steps-to-choosing-a-study-abroad-program/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[TEAN Alum]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:00:26 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Student Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Study Abroad Thailand]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/blog/?p=2611</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Are you considering studying abroad? Oh, what a wonderful time! Isn’t it fun to picture … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-steps-to-choosing-a-study-abroad-program/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-steps-to-choosing-a-study-abroad-program/">5 Steps to Choosing a Study Abroad Program</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Molly-02.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2614" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Molly-02.jpg" alt="Molly 02" width="620" height="412" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Molly-02.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Molly-02-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></p> <p>Are you considering studying abroad? Oh, what a wonderful time! Isn’t it fun to picture yourself in a new city? With new friends, a different culture, an exotic cuisine and more? My heart skips a beat just thinking about it.</p> <p><span id="more-2611"></span></p> <p>While it’s easy to get lost in daydreams of the faraway place you’re hoping to call home, it’s also important to plan ahead for the not-so-fun stuff that just happens to be a part of life, wherever you are in the world. This is where it becomes oh-so-crucial to make sure you find the right program, because, for example, if it’s important to you to have 24/7 support for when you’re, say, sick with the flu and don’t know the word for “hospital,” you want to be abroad with a program that offers such support.Here are 5 tips on how to choose the study abroad program that is perfect for you.</p> <p><strong>1. Research, research, research</strong></p> <p>Get on the Google machine and start looking up which programs there are to choose from. You can use helpful study abroad websites like <a href="https://www.studyabroad101.com/programs/the-education-abroad-network-tean-thailand-semester-in-chiang-mai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">StudyAbroad101.com</a>, <a href="http://www.gooverseas.com/study-abroad/thailand/education-abroad-network/15901" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoOverseas.com</a> or <a href="http://www.goabroad.com/providers/the-education-abroad-network/programs/education-abroad-network-chiang-mai-university-39529" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoAbroad.com</a> to read reviews from actual study abroad students who write about the positives and negatives of various programs. Check out each program’s website and keep a list of what each program offers. Not all study abroad programs are equal, so you’ll want to compare overall program costs and know what those costs will cover.</p> <figure id="attachment_2613" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2613" style="width: 620px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Reviews-2.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2613 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Reviews-2.png" alt="Reviews-2" width="620" height="402" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Reviews-2.png 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Reviews-2-300x195.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2613" class="wp-caption-text">Reviews on StudyAbroad101.com</figcaption></figure> <p><strong>2. Connect with an Interesting Program </strong><br /> This is key. The time it takes for a program coordinator or representative to email or call you back is indicative of how easy the program will be to work with if you choose to study abroad with them. If no one emails you back for two weeks, you might want to take that as a sign that they won’t be a great resource to you when you are actually living abroad. The kind of interactions you have with program coordinators is important, too. You want the program you choose to offer as much support and help as possible, before and during your study abroad experience. You want the people who work with the program to be enthusiastic about the journey ahead of you, willing to answer any and all questions in a timely manner, and you want them to be knowledgeable about the program, participants and the city in which you will be studying.</p> <figure id="attachment_2617" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2617" style="width: 620px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Kaylie-speaking-to-students.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2617 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Kaylie-speaking-to-students.jpg" alt="Kaylie speaking to students" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Kaylie-speaking-to-students.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Kaylie-speaking-to-students-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2617" class="wp-caption-text">Kaylie on the phone speaking to students at TEAN HQ</figcaption></figure> <p><strong>3. Speak with Study Abroad Alum</strong></p> <p>Many study abroad program websites will list contact information for <a href="http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/student-ambassadors.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ambassadors</a> or alumni of the program, so do not hesitate to reach out to them. They are likely to be similar ages to you, and will be honest and open about their study abroad experiences. You’ll probably find that when they were looking at programs, they had the same questions and concerns that you have now, and will be able to offer their advice to help you choose the right program. If alumni contact information isn’t listed on the website, email the program and ask to be connected with a former study abroad student.</p> <figure id="attachment_2616" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2616" style="width: 620px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/TEAN-program-alum.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2616 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/TEAN-program-alum.jpg" alt="TEAN program alum" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/TEAN-program-alum.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/TEAN-program-alum-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2616" class="wp-caption-text">Meet TEAN program alum: Basirat, Kelly and David</figcaption></figure> <p><strong>4. Ask the Important Questions</strong></p> <p><em>Here are some possible questions you may want to ask a study abroad program coordinator or former study abroad student:</em></p> <p><em>How much is included in the overall program cost?</em><br /> <em> Which excursions, if any, are included in the total cost of the program?</em><br /> <em> Are there scholarship opportunities to help fund studying abroad through the program?</em><br /> <em> Are there program employees on the ground in the city I will be studying?</em><br /> <em> What happens if I get sick abroad? Does the program offer health insurance?</em><br /> <em> Will my study abroad credits to transfer to my home university?</em><br /> <em> Will my study abroad classes be within walking distance to where I will be living? If not, what does public transportation entail?</em><br /> <em> Where will I be living?</em><br /> <em> I’m allergic to ____________. Will that be a problem?</em><br /> <em> Will I be able to fill prescriptions in the city I will be living, or do I need to bring a supply of medications with me?</em><br /> <em> I practice ____________ religion. Will there be somewhere for me to attend services, meetings, etc.?</em><br /> <em> Will there be a place to exercise?</em><br /> <em> How crucial is it that I brush up the language?</em></p> <figure id="attachment_2615" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2615" style="width: 620px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Meeting-Elephants.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2615 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Meeting-Elephants.jpg" alt="Meeting Elephants" width="620" height="413" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Meeting-Elephants.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Meeting-Elephants-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2615" class="wp-caption-text">Visiting the Elephant Nature Park during the TEAN Thailand Orientation</figcaption></figure> <p><strong>5. Talk to your Home University</strong></p> <p>Be familiar with your school’s study abroad policy, especially if you are considering study abroad programs that are not affiliated with or sponsored by your school. Some universities have a study abroad “status,” while others require a temporary withdrawal from the university. It’s also crucial to find out if you need to take steps <em>before</em> you leave to make sure your credits will transfer. Some universities are more willing to work with specific programs than others, so consult with the admissions office or a study abroad adviser to see which programs they think will work best.</p> <figure id="attachment_2618" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2618" style="width: 620px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Me-in-Krabi1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2618 size-full" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Me-in-Krabi1.jpg" alt="Me-in-Krabi1" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Me-in-Krabi1.jpg 620w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Me-in-Krabi1-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2618" class="wp-caption-text">Cursing around Krabi in Southern Thailand, it feels like you’re stepping into a daydream</figcaption></figure> <p>Once you’ve done the online research, spoken with program coordinators and participants and cleared everything with your home university, you’ll hopefully be able to choose the perfect program for you. Now get back to daydreaming about your incredible life abroad.</p> <p><strong>Molly Winding is TEAN Alum and Global Ambassador at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She studied abroad with <a href="https://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/">TEAN</a> in <a href="http://educationabroadnetwork.org/thailand">Chiang Mai, Thailand</a>.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-steps-to-choosing-a-study-abroad-program/">5 Steps to Choosing a Study Abroad Program</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://teanabroad.org/blog/5-steps-to-choosing-a-study-abroad-program/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>The Paper Lanterns of Yi Peng in Thailand</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/yi-peng-latern-festival-thailand/</link> <comments>https://teanabroad.org/blog/yi-peng-latern-festival-thailand/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[TEAN Student]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:58:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiang Mai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thailand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Study Abroad Thailand]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/blog/?p=2703</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The moment I realized that I was going to be studying abroad in Thailand was an exciting … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/yi-peng-latern-festival-thailand/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/yi-peng-latern-festival-thailand/">The Paper Lanterns of Yi Peng in Thailand</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The moment I realized that I was going to be studying abroad in Thailand was an exciting decision… only made MORE exciting by the realization that I would be studying abroad in Thailand the same time as the massive, annual lantern festival, known as Yi Peng (or Yee Peng). You’ve probably also seen the photos of people releasing photos on Pinterest, or somewhere else online in some shape or form. However, I quickly learned about the significance and meaning behind this local celebration. There is more to these paper lanterns than meets the eye.</p> <figure id="attachment_11862" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11862" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-11862" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Rachael_Silverstein_4.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="670" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Rachael_Silverstein_4.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Rachael_Silverstein_4-300x201.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Rachael_Silverstein_4-768x515.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Rachael_Silverstein_4-310x208.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11862" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by TEAN Alum Rachael Silverstein, Temple University</figcaption></figure> <p>There are actually two independent yet coinciding festivals that occur in mid-October to early November depending upon where the full moon falls. The first, Loi Krathong is focused around the sendoff of krathongs<em>. </em>These are small floats constructed from banana tree trunks, banana leaves and flowers (often beautifully decorated or designed) with three incense sticks and a lit candle in the middle. The krathongs are set onto practically any body of water in the city. Sending them off symbolizes letting go of sins and worries from the past year, as well as sending an apology to the river for litter and pollution. The krathongs range in size from a hand held version to ones that are basically sea-worthy vessels. I wasn’t kidding before — if you’re near any form of water, there’s probably going to be at least a dozen floats in it during this festival.</p> <figure id="attachment_11861" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11861" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-11861" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="1127" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-266x300.jpg 266w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-768x866.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-275x310.jpg 275w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11861" class="wp-caption-text">Kratong that my roommate’s mom made for me</figcaption></figure> <p>Yi Peng (the lantern festival) is better recognized outside of Thailand than Loi Krathong but can still be a bit confusing for visitors. Even though it has become quite the tourist attraction, Yi Peng has been strongly tied to Buddhism in Thailand for a long time. It is an important time for Thais to “make merit” or pay respects to the Buddha. It is common to write down a wish or prayer on the lantern before letting it float away, and if it disappears from sight before falling back to the ground then your wish will come true.</p> <p>During this weeklong period, lanterns are released from all over the city guaranteeing a spectacular show from just about anywhere. But the massive release that makes up essentially every picture of this event you have ever drooled over happens specifically at temple grounds behind Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai. This is the mother of all lantern releases, a bucket list topper– and I nearly missed it. The temple sets the date of the release only a few weeks before the actual event, so if you don’t keep your ears open you could miss it. Or you could end up hightailing it over there at the last minute like me. But boy was it worth it.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11864" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Lizzy-Laterns.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="636" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Lizzy-Laterns.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Lizzy-Laterns-300x199.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Lizzy-Laterns-768x509.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Lizzy-Laterns-310x205.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p> <p>The sheer number of lanterns is so overwhelming that even planes from the Chiang Mai airport are forced to stay grounded until well after the event is over. In a city whose lights are so bright they often erase the stars; this is the one night where we have an entire sky full of our own.</p> <p>This whole week you will be able to see lights floating all across the water and the sky— in addition to delicious food, nonstop festivities, and firecrackers shooting off at an alarmingly close range. My Thailand experience wouldn’t have been complete without it.</p> <p><strong>Lizzy Southard is a student at The University of Kentucky and a <a style="color: #1f2d61;" href="http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TEAN</a> Featured Blogger. She studied abroad with TEAN in <a href="http://teanabroad.org/programs/thailand/chiang-mai/">Chiang Mai, Thailand</a> this semester. </strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/yi-peng-latern-festival-thailand/">The Paper Lanterns of Yi Peng in Thailand</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://teanabroad.org/blog/yi-peng-latern-festival-thailand/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Volunteer Abroad: A Deeper Look Into Your Host Culture</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/volunteer-abroad-a-deeper-look-into-your-host-culture/</link> <comments>https://teanabroad.org/blog/volunteer-abroad-a-deeper-look-into-your-host-culture/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[TEAN Alum]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:14:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiang Mai]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Intercultural]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thailand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Choose Earth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Study Abroad Thailand]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/blog/?p=2493</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>When I decided to study abroad, I knew I wanted to volunteer but I never … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/volunteer-abroad-a-deeper-look-into-your-host-culture/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/volunteer-abroad-a-deeper-look-into-your-host-culture/">Volunteer Abroad: A Deeper Look Into Your Host Culture</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When I decided to study abroad, I knew I wanted to volunteer but I never knew how much it would impact my semester in Thailand. By engaging with people I wouldn’t of otherwise met, volunteering allowed me to see a different side of the Chiang Mai community and develop connections with a different population of people.</p> <figure id="attachment_11271" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11271" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-11271" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-1.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="664" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-1.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-1-310x206.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11271" class="wp-caption-text">My English Class of local Thai students</figcaption></figure> <p>As a Human Services and Social Justice major, I have been learning about providing and managing service through my volunteering since my freshman year of college. While in Thailand, I wanted to gain my first experience providing international service and learn firsthand the challenges involved in providing services to people you do not share a culture with.</p> <p>One of the reasons I choose TEAN over other study abroad programs was the fact that <a href="http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/thailand-culture.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">volunteer opportunities</a> were built in to the program. The TEAN staff was instrumental in finding me a placement and helping me set up a relationship with the site.</p> <p>I choose to teach English because I felt it was the greatest contribution I could give to the Thai people. Without the knowledge of Thai, contributing greatly to any other service would have been very difficult. In Southeast Asia, English is invaluable because it is the official language of ASEAN. Being able to speak English opens many doors for a Thai person, and therefore everyone is eager to learn, practice, and perfect their English.</p> <figure id="attachment_11270" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11270" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-11270" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-2.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="1044" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-2.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-2-287x300.jpg 287w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-2-768x802.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Volunteer-2-297x310.jpg 297w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11270" class="wp-caption-text">One of my students showing off her A+ work</figcaption></figure> <p>After a week of classes at Chiang Mai University, my TEAN resident director had set me up to volunteer as an English Teacher at Wat Suandok School, a local government school for students up to grade 6. Twice a week I taught English to a room of 50 fifth graders for two hours. I won’t lie, it was challenging.</p> <p>The language barrier proved to be harder than I had anticipated and the class had a way of getting very unruly when I was teaching. But quickly, I developed strategies to quiet the class down and capture their attention. By the time the school year was over, I had watched my students grow in their comfort and proficiency in speaking English. From volunteering, you can establish relationships with local students and teachers and get a more in-depth look at the Thai school system.</p> <p>With the help of my professor, I also landed a teaching position at the Burma Study Center (BSC). While at BSC, I saw another entirely different side of Chiang Mai by teaching Burmese refugees, a majority of which had left their homes to gain an education and make money in Thailand.</p> <figure id="attachment_11269" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11269" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-11269" src="http://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-3.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-3.jpg 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-3-640x480.jpg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-3-310x233.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11269" class="wp-caption-text">My Beginner Class at Burma Study Center</figcaption></figure> <p>In addition to my twice-weekly nighttime beginners class, I also wrote articles for the BSC newsletter and photographed for them as well. Writing for BSC allowed me to interview some of my students about their migration stories and get to know them on a deeper level.</p> <p>My students typically worked all day and then came to study English at night. Their dedication and desire to learn helped inspire me to be the best teacher I could be for them. Their stories of struggle stay with me until this day, and provide an extra push when I am feeling stressed or upset.</p> <p>Exposing myself to different sides of Thai culture helped me form a more complete picture of Chiang Mai. But beyond opening my eyes to the different sides of my host city, volunteering allowed me to give back to the community I had fallen in love with. Try volunteering while abroad, even for just one day, and I guarantee you will feel more immersed into your host culture.</p> <p><strong>Carolyn Wallace is a TEAN Alum and <a href="5%20Steps to Recover from your Semester Abroad" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Global Ambassador</a> at George Washington University. She studied abroad with <a href="http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/">TEAN</a> in <a href="http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/thailand.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a> </strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/volunteer-abroad-a-deeper-look-into-your-host-culture/">Volunteer Abroad: A Deeper Look Into Your Host Culture</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://teanabroad.org/blog/volunteer-abroad-a-deeper-look-into-your-host-culture/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>