Study Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand with WorldStrides

honestly you can just book the program for cheaper worldstrides is a middleman for the tours and theyre very rushed i cant discredit the uni but you dont need worldstrides theyre a bunch of rats and thieves managing the finances I am not just saying that if you're pell grant student and need a refund check every semester this company will try to take it all read the Worldstrides/TEAN reviews on Better Business Bureau that gives you a better picture of the company you're dealing with: go to MUIC but dont go with a worldstrides program, ever. "$5 Million Settlement Reached Against WorldStrides, Inc. by Cunningham Bounds and Laird, Baker & Blackstock Law Firms in Student Death Case" Good thing to read before spending money with worldstrides too :)

Studying abroad in Thailand with TEAN was truly a life-changing experience that I will cherish forever. It pushed me far out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Living in a completely different culture made me more adaptable, and it opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity. I not only gained valuable academic knowledge but also learned so much about myself and the world around me. As a friend and daughter, I became more patient, understanding, and empathetic after interacting with people from all over the world. I learned how to embrace differences, listen more attentively, and create meaningful connections. I became a better listener, which made me appreciate the relationships I have with my friends and family even more. This journey also sparked my love for travel. I now feel more confident and excited about exploring new places, trying new things, and immersing myself in unfamiliar environments. I now have a greater sense of independence and self-assurance that I can take with me throughout my life. Academically, my experience in Thailand motivated me to strive for excellence in my studies. I realized the importance of education, especially when it comes to understanding the world from a global perspective. I became more focused, driven, and determined to make the most out of my academic opportunities. Most importantly, studying abroad with TEAN in Thailand transformed me into a more worldly and open-minded individual. I came back home with a deeper understanding of global issues and the unique perspectives of people around the world. It truly changed my life in ways that go beyond what words can express, and I will forever be thankful for this incredible experience. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend studying abroad with TEAN in Thailand – it’s an experience you will never forget.

Studying abroad in Thailand was genuinely the best decision I ever made. If you are looking for an experience completely different from what everyone else is doing...go to Thailand! Almost every single weekend I was able to travel to different places within Southeast Asia. I went to a total of six countries while I was there and it was actually so easy to travel and get around. From planes to trains to buses to ferries, all modes of transportation are so close and can take you wherever you need to go! Also, the university you attend isn't placed at the heart of the city so you have the chance to escape the busyness every once in a while! No, your apartment will not have a kitchen, but that is never a problem! First of all, it's cheaper to eat out than it is to cook in Thailand and secondly, you are a 30 second walk from a bunch of authentic food spots. All factors considered, I would recommend studying abroad in Thailand with TEAN any day!

I had an amazing time in Thailand, however, I did have some issues with the program itself. The housing we were put in was not ideal, and the campus itself is quite far from the city. That being said, if you are looking for a more suburban campus, this is a good option, and being near Bangkok was practical for travel. The excursions provided were great, our orientation was so much fun and our program manager was so sweet and made us all feel like a family! She helped us with local customs, gave us advice, and treated us as adults and spent time with us beyond just her program duties.

Overall, this program changed my life for the better. Having been born and raised in California, I felt like I had been living in a bubble for most of my life. Everyone falls within the middle or upper-class economic status, is heavily encouraged to go to school, and has access to plenty of career opportunities. Before going to Thailand, I was aware of how lucky and privileged I am, but being able to go abroad gave me such a vital shift in perspective. Seeing how everyone's way of life was centered around family, community, and practicality made me realize how many Americans are consumed by the desire for material excess. Overall, I really feel as though my priorities were set straight by this experience, and being able to make friends with people who come from all different backgrounds totally validated by ability to adapt and expand my horizons.

I was in Bangkok, Thailand studying abroad for my fall 2023 semester. It was such a life changing experience for me. I feel more confident in meeting new people and traveling the world. ISA and TEAN did an amazing job helping me with application process and with all the necessary documents I needed to submit. They answered any questions I had, and made sure I was well prepared before I left the United States. We did a lot of fun excursions when I got to Thailand and I had an amazing group from our program. But there were a few things I had a bit of trouble with. So one of the excursion we did was in Krabi, Thailand. We had just arrived to Bangkok, Thailand and our program director had told us we were leaving for Krabi in 2 days. I felt so unprepared and felt rushed. I wished they would've told us the dates and schedules of excursions beforehand (before we got there), so that each of us can make our travel plans accordingly. And I wished we had more support while we were in Thailand. Our onsite program director was such an amazing person, but sometimes, it's hard to reach them. Especially dealing with VISA renewal was a struggle because we had to do it on our own, more so we couldn't really rely on our onsite program director. And I also thought they would've said our campus wasn't going to be in Bangkok. It was actually in Salaya, so about 40 minutes drive from Bangkok (depending on where you're going). The other students and I from the program had thought that we were going to be studying and living in Bangkok but that was not the case. But of course, there are more pros than cons. These are just a few things I wished we were informed on. But my experience had been so positive that the pros outweigh the cons. I highly recommend studying abroad with TEAN and to go to Thailand!

Studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand has been an unforgettable and transformative experience. From its vibrant culture to the warm hospitality of the locals, this city has much to offer for students seeking a unique and enriching academic adventure. **Academic Experience:** Bangkok boasts a diverse range of universities and institutions, each offering a variety of courses. I had the opportunity to study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), where the academic curriculum was challenging yet engaging. The faculty was knowledgeable and approachable, fostering a conducive learning environment. The international perspective embedded in the courses allowed me to broaden my understanding of global issues. **Cultural Immersion:** One of the highlights of studying in Bangkok is the rich cultural experience. The city seamlessly blends traditional Thai customs with modern urban living. From exploring ancient temples like Wat Arun to navigating bustling street markets, every corner of Bangkok is infused with cultural significance. Engaging with locals and participating in cultural events provided me with insights into Thai traditions and values. **Adventure and Exploration:** Bangkok is a city of contrasts, offering a plethora of experiences for adventure seekers. Weekends were filled with excursions to nearby islands, jungle treks, and visits to historical sites. The diverse landscapes of Thailand, from pristine beaches to lush jungles, are easily accessible, making it an ideal location for those who crave exploration and adventure. **Culinary Delights:** Thai cuisine is renowned globally, and being in Bangkok allowed me to indulge in its authentic flavors. From street food stalls offering pad Thai to upscale restaurants serving traditional dishes, the culinary scene was a gastronomic delight. Exploring the local markets became a regular part of my routine, introducing me to an array of exotic fruits, aromatic spices, and mouth-watering street food. **Community and Friendships:** The warmth and friendliness of the Thai people contribute significantly to the overall experience. Bangkok's multicultural environment fosters connections with fellow international students as well as locals. The sense of community extended beyond the campus, creating a supportive network that enhanced my time abroad. **Logistical Considerations:** Bangkok's efficient public transportation system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, made navigating the city convenient. Affordable living costs, coupled with a wide range of accommodation options, provided flexibility for students with varying budgets. In conclusion, studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand, is an enriching and life-changing experience. The city's dynamic blend of academics, culture, adventure, and culinary delights creates a perfect environment for personal and academic growth. My time in Bangkok will forever be etched in my memory as a chapter of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and lifelong friendships.

Coming back to America and fully reflecting on my time abroad I can safely say that this journey has been nothing short of amazing. One of the biggest things I have learned coming back home is that no matter how many pictures or stories I show/tell to my loved ones they will never fully grasp the things I experienced. In order to give a better understanding to those still deciding to travel abroad I wanted to give my honest review so that the decision will be that much easier. For this review I will break it down into three different categories which I have deemed most relevant. First I want to talk about the community and social aspect abroad, Second I will go through what university life was like, and finally I will talk about the cultural side of Thailand. Community and Social Life: Coming to a foreign country like Thailand for the first time there was a lot of anxiety that I felt before I arrived. I worried that I may not make friends, people would not be inclusive, and even feared others may not even like me. However upon arrival all of these fears would be put to rest. The first day I landed I was immediately greeted by those in my TEAN abroad program and everyone was so kind. I met my roommate for the first time and we ended up bonding over sports and video games. The next few days I acquainted myself with the other students from TEAN as we imminently embarked on an included excursion to the province of Krabi for a 5 day trip. This ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience because it allowed our entire program to get close with one another. We went Kayaking, learned about mangroves, and went on many hikes together. Ultimately this taught me some valuable lessons. The most impactful thing to me was to push outside my comfort zone. There were many times that I did not feel comfortable, like starting a conversation with a random Thai person or jumping off the side of a waterfall. Both of which proved to be so much fun. Throughout the trip I had met so many amazing people that joined me on countless journey’s. One thing became very apparent to me, Thailand is not the most common place to go abroad but there is something about a lot of the students that choose it as a location. They seem so accepting and open which is something that I believe almost everyone has in common. University Experience: The University I Attended was Mahidol University International College. In terms of the campus itself Mahidol was beautiful. It was an extremely large campus however my classes were only in two different buildings that were right next to each other so the walking was fairly easy. There was a brand new main building that had multiple floors and used an eco-friendly architecture that allowed the rain water to fall directly onto the vegetation that surrounded the inside of the complex. The classes were all taught in English which was nice as an American student and many of the teachers and students were super friendly. Something to keep in mind is that in Thailand a large percentage of each grade is reliant upon exams which is a little different than in the states. Overall I really liked the campus and the clubs and community provide a lot of fun activities and events. Cultural Side: In terms of immersion Thailand exceeded my expectations entirely. The food was absolutely incredible. Some of my favorite dishes were pad see ew, pad thai, and green curry. The temples were breathtaking as well. I got to see the king’s palace, sleeping buddha, and the gorgeous white temple which was nothing like i have seen before. There was so much to explore as Thailand had so much to offer. I think that one of the best things about the country is how diverse each experience can be. You can go to the bustling city of Bangkok and try some street food or you can go to the beaches in the south and enjoy relaxing time. The possibilities are seemingly endless. The last thing I wanted to bring up about the culture of Thailand would be the Thai people. Without a doubt the locals were the most friendly people I have ever met. They are always willing to help out foreigners and they are so generous and considerate with everything they do. I remember one time I was trying to get off at a certain stop and one of the Thai people without even asking assisted me and talked to the driver. They call it the land of smiles for a reason and everyone is seemingly so content and happy. Throughout this journey it has taught me a valuable lesson of being happy no matter where I am in life. In America so many people are focused on getting somewhere they are not or getting things they don't have that sometimes we forget to be grateful for what we already possess. This was a very eye opening realization for me and truly encapsulated my time abroad. Although my experience was amazing I know that for some people it can be different. Some things I would recommend before coming abroad to Thailand to maximize the experience would be to have an open mind, live in the moment, and push your comfort zone. If you can be someone that can try these three things the possibilities will be limitless. In conclusion this four month journey has not only provided me with the best experience of my life but has also taught me lessons I will remember for years to come. I highly recommend TEAN abroad and this program for whoever is interested in it as it provides such a good support system especially for those who have never been outside the country. I push anyone who is considering going out of the country after reading this to give Thailand a chance because they won’t regret it.

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Studying in Mahidol University International College in Salaya, Thailand through TEAN was truly a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The program provides you with a view of the country that foreigners rarely otherwise scratch the surface of, since you study in the suburbs, conduct activities in the city, and complete orientation and a final trip in the rural north and south of the country. The TEAN program provides enough structure so that you are prepared for the adjustment and have a built-in support network, but leaves you with enough free time to follow your own travel and extracurricular interests. Having a program director who lived in Bangkok also greatly eased the transition, and made searching for medical care, etc. much easier for my few friends who needed those services. I really, truly believe studying in Thailand was the best choice I've ever made.

My experience studying abroad in Thailand was one of the craziest adventures in my life. I had some of the highest highs being able to travel all over Southeast Asia, meeting amazing people, and learning more about the world. I also had some of the hardest moments missing home, adjusting to a completely different culture, and figuring out a new school environment, however even these experiences taught me so much, and every moment made me realize how much I was capable of. My favorite aspect of this trip was being able to see so much of the world, and the moments I had where I knew I would never forget them. I also loved how much guidance we had and trips that were all planned, and a big part of what made this trip possible for me was how affordable thailand is!

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Studying abroad in Thailand has completely changed my life. It made me want to explore the world more, and got me out of my comfort zone. I've always had a fear of traveling alone, and always thinking of what could go wrong. But this experience made me realized that those fears are all in my head. When traveling, not everything will go according to your itinerary. But those are what makes exploring fun, because you just have to accept the flaws and go with the flow. That's what adventures are all about, to be flexible. Studying abroad also made me more confident in myself and I was able to put myself out there more. I got the chance to make international friends from all around the world. It's an absolutely amazing experience.

I loved Thailand so much, I have studied abroad multiple times, and this was my favorite place. I loved the country's beauty; the food and prices were cheap, and the culture was so beautiful. Only 15 of us were in my program, so we got to know each other very well. We also got to make friends with the further study abroad students and the Thai students, who were super friendly and wanted to hang out and make friends with you. Our resident director, Mamiaw, was terrific. She made it feel like she wasn't only our resident director but also our friend; she would go out with us and meet up with us if we were in the city. She took time out of her say to hang out with us, and it made such a big difference because I felt more comfortable talking and asking for help.

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Studying abroad in Chiang Mai was easily the best decision I have ever made. The culture in Thailand is unlike any other place in the world and I gained a whole new perspective. I am so happy I chose to study abroad with TEAN because they made the entire experience easy and that much more enjoyable. I especially loved all of the excursions that TEAN planned for us as a group like the elephant nature park and Doi Inthanon National Park. Food and transportation in Thailand is extremely affordable which was a big positive as I never had to limit my experiences while abroad. Overall, Chiang Mai is the most amazing place I have ever been and I couldn't have asked for better staff than TEAN!

I did not know what I was looking for when I first applied to study abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand other than the mountains and cheap delicious food. While I got the mountains and cheap food, I also got immersed in Thai culture and the history of Thailand. I often look back at my time studying abroad and have to ask myself if it was all a dream. I have never tried so many new things and learned so much in such a short period of time and fell in love with it. Thai people are the nicest people and love when you speak (or at least try to) Thai. TEAN informed us of dos and don'ts in Thailand and helped us meet Thai students to help further immerse ourselves in the culture. TEAN went above and beyond when providing us with resources to live successfully in Thailand. I learned more about myself than I ever expected to and grew into a better version of myself. Because of the resources TEAN provided, I was an informed student studying abroad and was able to be culturally respectful. I thank TEAN for playing such a huge role in helping me grow as a person and I cannot wait until I can return to my second home. I love you Chiang Mai!!

I was extremely apprehensive in my decision whether or not to go abroad; however, it ended up being the best decision that I have ever made. Not only was my world view broadened, but I also learned so much about myself and my role as a global citizen. I had no prior experience in international travel, but now I consider myself a pro traveler. Chiang Mai is so different from what I am accustomed to in the US, which is what attracted me to want to study there; we were able to experience the slow pace of life first-hand through the homestay, which allowed us to get integrated into Thai society. This was one of my favorite parts of my time abroad; we planted rice and learned a traditional Thai fingernail dance. TEAN was extremely accommodating, right from the start of the application process up until the program ended. They prepared us for assimilating into Thai culture, which was greatly appreciated considering how intimidating it was to go to a country in which I didn't know the language. They kept us busy during orientation (such as taking us to an elephant sanctuary or visiting Wat Doi Suthep!), which helped immensely with jet lag. The excursion to the Golden Triangle was also very enjoyable for me, as I feel like I learned so much from this trip that I would not have experienced if it were not for the program. Over the course of 5 months, I made so many friends and countless amazing memories. No matter any concerns that you might have, do not let that stop you from making the decision from coming here! You will not regret it.

I made the choice to study abroad because I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone while seeing the world from a new perspective. Going through the TEAN: Semester Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand has been the highlight of my college career. It was a bit intimidating at first, as it’s not a popular location, and I did not know anyone going, but the TEAN staff on site had us jump right into things! Without the opportunities and excursions TEAN gave us, I might not have experienced what it was like to live like a local for 5 months. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would not have changed one thing. My favorite part was our homestay in Baan Sri Khum village with a local family who hosted us for a week. My entire experience abroad would have been so different if it weren’t for that one week that TEAN had set aside for us to integrate ourselves into the culture!

Imagine going snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing on a beautiful Thai beach for College credit!!! This is exactly what this course offered! I was excited for every single day of this class! Pierre (My professor) is a delight & such an endearing soul. I definitely recommend this class, especially if you are really active!! I am a student-athlete so I thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities and did not find anything too challenging. Not to be dramatic or anything, but this class was the best three weeks of my life!!! If you are somewhat interested in health, or holistic health studies, I would take this class to expand your horizons! I am a business student so it was a great change of scenery.

In my notebook, I kept a section titled “moments” where I logged pages on pages of all the small, but impactful, experiences I had in Thailand. As I read through it now, attempting to answer this question, I can’t help but tear up. You don’t realize how far a simple smile can go until you experience it in place of words, and I don’t think there was one day I didn’t feel the radiating kindness. From the wholesome, simple lifestyle in the village, to the music blasting at Zoe in Yellow, each person reflected pure joy in what they were doing because they did it surrounded by those they love. It just goes to show how little we need to truly find happiness, and how important it is to hold onto it once we’ve got it. In Thailand, it was never about who had the next best thing, but instead how can we help someone feel a little bit better today. My biggest takeaway from studying abroad in Thailand was a shift in perspective and newfound appreciation for all that I’ve had and have the potential to receive. It’s eye-opening, and one day the whole world will see it too. Orientation was easily my favorite part of the trip. We learned the culture of Thailand, specifically in Chiang Mai, by becoming fully submerged within it. I don't think a day has gone by where I haven't talked about my village homestay experience. Whether that be running out of the shower at the sight of a cockroach, planting rice in the family fields, cooking with my Mom or riding our bikes around the close knit community. I will admit it, seeing the homestay on the program itinerary made me a bit nervous, but I think it's fair to say it shaped my entire trip. I fell in love with the Thai people and their simple, beautiful lifestyle where I was welcomed with open arms. I've never felt so much love, and yet almost no words were spoken. I keep in touch with my village sister to this day, seeing what her and her family are up to and reminiscing on the time I was lucky enough to have there. I went to every TEAN activity I was in Thailand for (I traveled to quite a few countries!) and I'm happy I did. It gave our program a chance to just be together outside of school and bond over the pure fact that we’ve been living in Thailand for so long! Specifically, the Thai buddies was my favorite experience. I actually became very close with a few of them (as well as some Muay Thai instructors) who brought us out at night to local Thai bars, amazing food stalls and answered any questions we had, no matter how many there were. Whenever I’d get a little homesick, I’d remind myself of this community I had here in Thailand and how lucky I was to have it. TEAN did all they could to make sure we knew we weren’t alone over here, and that’s a special feeling.

Choosing this particular program and destination was hands down the best decision I've ever made. The experience itself was challenging, fulfilling, heartwarming, immersive, and crazy fun. I would go back right now if I could. I'm Asian American and going back to a region that has a lot of familial history was eye-opening and an opportunity of a lifetime. I learned a lot about myself and I think I'm a better person because of the way I got out of my comfort zone (physically, mentally, spiritually). The highlights of my time there include going on the TEAN organized excursions, exploring waterfalls, traveling on the weekends, and eating khao soi in between classes. Do this program if you want to not only go on an adventure but also learn so much about the rich culture of Thailand along the way.

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Not only am I glad that I studied abroad, but I am beyond pleased to have studied with TEAN in Chiang Mai. This program was very helpful in pre-departure and were also always available to assist while I was actually in Thailand. The program included many field trips that immersed us in the culture, something that I think was unique to this program versus other programs in Chiang Mai. They took us to the famous temples, the Golden Triangle, waterfalls, and much more. The week we arrived we had so many program events that took us around the city to the best restaurants while also informing us on how to have the best experience abroad. The actually courses had a high rigor that was similar to my home university; I definitely received a quality education. I took Buddhism, Thai art, Thai language, and a Rights & Activism course. All of the classes were very informative about Thailand and I enjoyed all of them for their ability to help understand the culture better. The Thai language seems intimidating but it was VERY fun and ended up being my favorite class. It is a cool thing to be able to come home with some knowledge on a completely different culture.

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