Biomedical Sciences Study Abroad Programs in Asia

I think that this program is an accessible way for students to venture outside of their comfort zone in both their taste pallet and social interactions. In this program you will learn to make friends with people you might not encounter on a day to day basis.

Program is well structured and the pre orientation is super helpful, specially because going to a new country can feel overwhelming so the guide made it easier. The staff is very attentive to our needs and they host events and day trips to help us be involved in our new city

I would likely recommend CIEE study abroad to a friend because all the staff in the program were very helpful and made it easy to transition to a different country's environment. I was also able to explore all the places that I wanted to while taking classes and doing an internship, which was amazing!

I did the program and it was a once in a lifetime experience. I was able to transfer all the credit points of the semester to my home university in Switzerland. I searched for a semester abroad: - where you can study Sports sience - the lectures and exams are in English - where you have consistent surf Bali was the perfect choice for my conditions. I did't regret it.

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

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 the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

I wanna start by saying this is one of the best experience I've ever had! I had a support system through API and through the university which enabled me to immerse myself even more. I can't stress enough about the classes how crucial they were to my whole experience. I was able to take beginners Korean wine, learned more about medium popular culture in Korea, a DEI class through the natives experience and took a health policy class. I think each class played a very important role where I was able to learn so much more about the country and it's history and be able to apply it in some of the classes. I am now at my home university and how I think about certain topics. Another favorite parts of this program was being in the city and being able to explore on my own time with my friends that I made. After class, we would just go explore the city and do excursions of our own. One of my favorite events I was able to attend was Ipselenti and Daedongje one of the biggest week of events in the spring semester that they have where they bring the biggest artist of K-pop at the moment to the students. I got to see some of my new favorite artist perform especially their newest releases. I was not expecting it at all, but I think that's what made this whole event so memorable, plus I was able to do a project for one of my classes based on these events. Another plus is that they have some of the best cuisine. Every day I would eat something new.

I had an idea of what studying abroad would be like: going to school, eating at home or a restaurant, going on trips, etc. But I was suprised by how it really felt like my life. In the sense that, the mundane things became my favorite things. Waking up and being able to say “I’m in Korea” or buying toothpaste when I ran out. The touristy stuff and the amazing trips were, no doubt, amazing, but the longer I stayed here the more I fell in love with the idea of planting temporary roots here. I feel like I‘ve made a connection to South Korea. That rather than just stopping by for a few days, I’ve relocated my life for a bit of time and it‘s not only changed my location but also my life. Safe to say I‘ve been significantly impacted and my life will not be the same, in the best way possible.

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

If you ever have the chance to visit Seoul, South Korea, spring is an ideal time to go. I had the privilege of studying abroad at Korea University during the spring semester, and it was an unforgettable experience. I was initially unsure of what to expect but decided to fully immerse myself in the culture. I enrolled in Korean language, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and Media and Popular Culture classes. These courses were invaluable in helping me understand South Korea's rich history and contemporary issues. The Korean language classes were particularly helpful, making it easier to navigate daily life and engage more deeply with local culture. As a person of color, entering a new culture can sometimes feel daunting, but I found that Koreans are generally welcoming and interested in meeting foreigners. Korea University has a program called Korea University Buddy Assistant (KUBA) and their support helped me feel more comfortable and integrated into the community. If you’re in South Korea, check out Seoul for all their different types of cafes, karaoke rooms, and cherry blossoms locations but also check out other spots too! Busan is awesome with its gorgeous beaches and seafood markets. I got to sit and watch artists build sand castles for the sand castle festival. Jeju Island is a must-see, with its incredible scenery and the Snoopy Garden. Overall, studying in Seoul during the spring not only provided me with academic and cultural insights but also allowed me to build meaningful connections and create lasting memories. If you’re considering studying abroad, South Korea in the spring is a wonderful choice.

I cannot recommend studying in Seoul, South Korea enough! As someone who has never traveled outside the country, I can wholeheartedly say I was supported through every step of my journey abroad. For example, API and my home university provided excellent orientations that informed us about cultural norms, traveling, and expenses. I really valued how they prioritized students' cultural immersion experiences and well-being throughout the trip by having an API director on site. If I had questions or concerns about traveling or locating places on campus, my director would be one text message away. This eased my worries about adapting to the city and the university. I also have to mention how kind Korea University students were to foreigners. They always encouraged us to join dinners, have study sessions, and explore the city with them. The KUBA program is an excellent way to meet other foreigners and connect with Korean students, so be eager to join trips to Lotte World, Everland, etc. Connecting with this program helped me meet my closest friends abroad, so I highly recommend looking into it. I am tremendously grateful to the API team and Korea University for this experience. Full transparency: studying abroad is never perfect, so be prepared for tricky courses, language barriers if you're unfamiliar with Korean, and adjusting to an urban environment. Creating routines of heading to cafes to study and planning trips with friends helped me find balance in my schedule. I also connected with many friends who taught me Korean phrases, so be willing to learn! Studying abroad in Seoul was one of my favorite things in college. The temples, music scene, nightlife, and cities are unforgettable. If you're unsure about studying here, know that API has many support systems and resources to answer your questions and concerns. I remember feeling so scared about traveling away from my family, but I always had advisors, directors, and friends to support me. You'll find your community in Seoul, I'm sure of it!

My experience abroad was a lot of fun. I met a lot of people, learned about Korean culture, and was able to take academic courses not offered at my home institution. Seoul is a very student friendly city.

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.

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!