Education Abroad Network: Study in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Education Abroad Network provides an unbeatable study abroad experience in Thailand's northern hillside city of Chiang Mai. Participants will study at Chaing Mai University where they will have the opportunity to live with a Thai roommate to promote friendships and immersion within the university setting. Experience the serene temples, elephant rides, beautiful Thai islands, bustling city center, vibrant markets, and of course the friendly Thai people.
Your semester studying in Thailand includes a 5-day orientation program in Bangkok, excursions to regional hill tribe villages and other historical points of interest, plus special opportunities to volunteer around the city. TEAN students benefit from the guidance and support of an on-site Resident Director and university staff during their time studying in Thailand.
Visit the TEAN website to learn more and apply online!
Reviews
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When asked why I chose to study abroad, I would initially respond with a rather generic answer such as, "to broaden my horizons", or "to see another part of the world". Little did I know that I would in fact grow in so many ways. Through my semester in Thailand with TEAN, I was able to fully immerse myself in, what I have come to regard as one of the most breathtaking and heartbreaking parts of the world. I was humbled by an explosion of life and different customs that previously I had never dreamed of witnessing. I was able to learn more about myself, while growing in knowledge throughout my experience.
TEAN provided ample opportunities for us to immerse ourselves in the culture and truly make the most out of our experience. From the time we arrived in Bangkok for our orientation to when we finally departed, TEAN staff were supporting us throughout our adventure, ensuring a smooth transition into the culture. Not only did the in-country staff provide weekly coffee visits and monthly dinners as a way to check in, they supplied us with excursion options and opportunities to volunteer at local organizations. I am forever grateful for my experience with TEAN.
Not only has my passion for traveling greatly deepened, but my semester abroad has opened my eyes to another side of the world that I will never be able to forget.
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Great times in Thailand with a huge thanks to TEAN! I just got back from my semester abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand at Payap University through The Education Abroad Network. TEAN took care of it's students and gave all of us the chance to get the most out of our experience abroad.
I got to live in a dormitory with a local Thai roommate. Thai currency has a great exchange rate for the Dollar, and things in Thailand are already extremely cheap; which makes it an excellent place to stay in budget and get the most out of your experience. I got to make great friends not only from Thailand, but from across America as well.
Without a doubt, I recommend anyone interested to highly consider TEAN as your choice to go abroad. Make sure you go to their webpage, look through all their study abroad options, contact TEAN alumni or actual TEAN directors with questions, and you will for sure start thinking The Education Abroad Network is the way to go abroad. And with that, I say thank you to The Education Abroad Network for the an amazing time that I will never forget!
Critical Feedback:
The program was great. I honestly can't complain, because if it didn't happen the way it did, then it wouldn't have impacted me as much as it has.
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I had a great time, particularly because I got to connect with local Thai students on a level that I think a lot of students miss out on during their study abroad programs. We went on an excursion to the border of Myanmar where I learned a lot and got to visit various NGO's and learn more about the region that I was in. I would definitely recommend this program!
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My study abroad experience was extremely rewarding because I was so hesitant about going in the first place. People kept me asking me if it was a safe place to go to. That made me nervous about going, but once I got there, I realized everyone was wrong. South east asia is one of the most beautiful, dynamic, safe, cheap, welcoming, regions in the world. The classes we took through Payap University included language, history, politics, and gender and development in the region. All were helpful in our understanding of the people and their culture. The living quarters were a nice contrast since we stayed in dorms with local students in Thailand, and a private apartment in Cambodia. The price was also ideal, since it cost less than a semester at my home institution, Marymount Manhattan College. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to discover a wonderful diverse region of the world.
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When I set out to find the perfect study abroad program, I had no idea that I would end up in Chiang Mai Thailand. I found The Education Abroad Network through my Study Abroad office and fell in love with the program. Five months in the cultural capital of Thailand, a Thai-orientation in Bangkok before classes start, three week-long excursions to the villages and ancient kingdoms of Thailand, all for half the price of any program in Europe! From application to my first international flight landing in Bangkok, I was guided every step of the way by the lovely staff of the Education Abroad Network who became family to us.
Although Thailand was my first time out of the US, I am convinced it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world! The mountainous landscape, beaches, and remote villages were breathtaking. Our classes greatly enhanced our experience in such a foreign country and helped us understand the culture on a deeper level. I was anxious about taking a Thai language class, but it turned out to be one of the funest classes! We were able to communicate with locals and order our own food.
When we weren't in class we were exploring waterfalls, temples, and markets in the "Old City" with our Thai roommates and friends from all over the world. Chiang Mai is rich in culture and the people are so beautiful and welcoming. The local Education Abroad Network staff became our Thai family that took us on trips and volunteering at orphanages and teaching English at Monk schools. Having such a supportive staff with the Education Abroad Network comforted both my parents and I. Education Abroad Network is an amazing program, weather your looking to study in Asia or like me never imagined it! Also, Spring semester is when Songkran, the Thai New Year is held. Be there!
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I'm going to start off saying that I had the time of my life in Thailand and Cambodia. Everything the administration had planned, such as village stays in Thailand and voyages around Cambodia to see places like the infamous Angkor Wat, were amazing. The classes we took were so interested- Buddhism; Sex & Gender; Thai & Khmer language classes; and more. Outside of the classroom, I made some great friends with the local students and we got to really immerse ourselves in the culture. In Thailand we got to play with tigers, ride elephants, and explore waterfalls. In Cambodia we really got to know the history of the Khmer Rouge and observe how it effected today's society. The cities of Chiang Mai and Phnom Penh are so completely different, but so beautiful in their own ways. During Khmer New Year in Cambodia, we had a week off, so we took advantage and traveled to Vietnam, which was awesome! The people in these countries were so welcoming and excited to have foreigners visiting. Aside from the locals, you also get a chance to meet really interesting backpackers, volunteers, and foreigner teachers from around the world with really interesting stories to tell. The food is insanely delicious, the markets are a lot of fun to go to, and there's always some cool restaurant or bar you end up stumbling upon that is like nothing you've ever been to before. There is not a single thing I would take back from my study abroad experience, and I hope to one day return and travel more around not only Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, but the rest of the countries in Southeast Asia, as well.
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The Education Abroad Network's Study Abroad Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand was by the far the most amazing experience I've ever had.
I would recommend this program to absolutely anyone. Everyone studies abroad in Italy, Australia, Spain. Those countries are cool and will always be there to visit. But when it comes to studying abroad, you want to pick somewhere totally different, where you are actually going to get a cultural exchange. Thailand is absolutely the best for this. It has so many images. You will have SO much fun, DEFINITELY be able to live on a budget, and it will change your life!! The staff is beyond great, extremely approachable, you will be in for the funnest, best cultural and academic experience and still be able to squeeze in some fun. Whether it be bamboo rafting, hiking, elephant riding, Thai massages, Thailand is the place to RELAX but also to gain a new perspective of the world!
TEAN is the best program you can choose for Thailand. It's extremely affordable, extremely helpful, and will help you with anything it is you need. Since the minute you get off that plane, TEAN is there for you. And I would recommend it to just about anyone.
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Alumni Interviews
Meet Katy Baker, TEAN - Thailand alum
Katy Baker is from Cohasset, Massachusetts and currently studies communication at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Katy studied in Chiang Mai, Thailand through the Education Abroad Network from August-December 2012. Katy loves sailing, photography and traveling.
GO: Why did you decide to study with TEAN?
Katy: One aspect that truly sets TEAN apart other programs is the balance it provides it's students. Throughout the semester, TEAN provided enrichment opportunities such as the orientation in Bangkok as well as field trips and monthly dinners. However, students were encouraged to travel, explore and to get involved in the community. TEAN offered volunteer opportunities including working in a Thai orphanage, teaching english in a local school and teaching english to Buddhist monks. Not only did I take advantage of this resource by volunteering at a Thai orphanage, I also explored one of my interests by getting involved with an organization in Chiang Mai teaching English to displaced Burmese people. I also traveled to five countries in Southeast Asia as well as the different regions of Thailand. The opportunities and support TEAN provided, coupled with the overall freedom is what sets this program above all others, hence the reason I chose to travel through TEAN.
GO: What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Katy: I wanted to travel somewhere that would push me outside of my comfort zone. Needless to say, I accomplished this and more through my time in Thailand. Upon my arrival in Bangkok, I was immediately thrust into a culture seeped in tradition and values unlike what I have experienced in Western countries. Although much of communication consisted of "tinglish" (broken Thai and English) and hand gestures, I have come to appreciate the humility and kindness inherent in interactions with locals. The curiosity we had about the culture turned into a great appreciation and connection to the people. I still feel this connection half way around the world, truly illustrating the uniqueness of my experience.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Katy: Traveling has always been a passion of mine. This experience has not only deepened this passion, but it has shaped the direction of my career aspirations. I have now seen a different side of the world, but I have not seen enough. I now measure success in experiences. The independence and confidence I have gained from my time abroad is something I will be forever grateful and I look forward to utilizing these skills in my future travels.
Interview with Asha Jackson, TEAN alumna in Chiang Mai
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with TEAN at Payap University?
Asha: I was immediately attracted to TEAN because it had such a unique program. Not many programs exist in south east Asia, especially in Cambodia, and TEAN was also the only program that offered a dual program in both Thailand and Cambodia. The price was also affordable, and provided a lot of resources, supplies and excursions that enhanced my semester abroad. Also immediately after inquiring about their program I was contacted by Rachel Dorsey, and she patiently helped me with my application process from start to finish.
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Asha: Honestly, I didn't know much about south east Asia before studying there. Other than Thai food and America's war with Vietnam, I was ignorant to the rich history and culture of the region. My experience helped open my eyes to an area of the world that gets little recognition for it's cultural and historical significance. It's so different from America in so many ways, and I wouldn't have been able to understand the scope of how diverse our world is without visiting and seeing it for myself. Their way of life is ancient, thousands of years older than the US, yet has been preserved and still remains vital to their people today. It's just such an interesting dynamic, coming from such a young country primarily influenced by western European cultures.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Asha: Studying abroad has helped me feel capable of any and every thing. I am so sure of myself and who I am and what I stand for, I feel invincible! At the same time, I also feel more aware of the world I live in and everyone's role in it. I've always considered myself a person open to diversity, but this experience proves my ability and desire to be interested in things and people vastly different than I. The relationships I've built attest to that, and show me how harmonious opposites can be when they attract. Professionally, I know now that travel is something I'd love to incorporate into my career if possible, especially if it promotes the importance of travel to other Americans.
Further Info
About Education Abroad Network
The Education Abroad Network is a relatively small organization that thrives on giving each and every student deserved personal attention, extensive program preparation, and answers to every question under the sun. Creating partnerships with many universities in the South Pacific and the Pacific Rim has allowed The Education Abroad Network to become experts at planning and delivering programs in the area. Using their experience to build more opportunities for future students, TEAN has now moved into Asia as well. Check out one of the many awesome programs below, and visit The Education Abroad Network's website via the link to the left to make your study abroad dream a reality!
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I really enjoyed my program through Education Abroad Network. The program advisors really made sure that we were comfortable in our new environment and experienced many benefits from this city. We took excursions to visit Buddhist temples, participate in a home stay in Hill tribes in Northern Thailand where we farmed with the people, helped the children practice their English and learn about the different struggles that the minority Thais have. We even met Burmese political prisoners in Mae Sot (border of Thailand and Burma), went to a refugee camp and met other Non-governmental organization. This program really cares about its students and they want you to immerse yourself in the culture and learn new things about the country and its traditions. Payap University was a great school and we even received the privilege to live with Thai students to we shared our language, culture and beliefs with our roommates. The price is worth the experience! Thailand was a place I would definitely travel to again.
Critical Feedback:
I would like for the program to include books and the cost for the uniform in the tuition of the school. The prices for these items were not expensive, but it was extra money that I didn't account for within my budget for my stay.