As a person I feel that I don't have that much culture imbedded in me. Of course I'm American but it's not a fixed culture, just a mixture of them all. I love it, such great diversity but I want to improve it. I want to go out, meet people, and experience cultures first hand. Then I will determine what is really worth keeping in my life and what I can gain and pass down.

2) What exactly is the name of the program that helped to send you abroad?

 

 

  I found the program through USAC by working with the Study Abroad office in the Garcia Annex. Cindy Liechti went through all the programs that she had and we found this one to study in Thailand for a summer semester (3 months). It was the same price or less than all of the European 2-4 week programs. USAC stands for University Studies Abroad Consortium. I paid a fee to them which covers the tuition and some field trips. I'm pleased because the process was streamlined in a very nice and effective way. 

 

  The Study Abroad Office at NMSU is nearly completely funded by student fees and is basically shrugged off by the NMSU administration. If the university helped them out, student fee's of $150 for summer programs and $300 for semester ones wouldn't exist or would be much lower. There would also be a better selection of programs that use NMSU tuition (much better) and a much more strong international interest on campus. 

3) In your honest opinion, would you recommend this program for your fellow students?  Name for us some of the things you have witnessed thus far.

 

  

In a heartbeat. The location is prime, the people are more delightful than I can ever put on paper, and the price is fantastic.  The location sets you up to travel all over Southeast Asia or even all the way to Japan if you please. There is a low cost airline, AirAsia, that offers flights for sometimes as low as $20-30 if you book in advance. We've been all around to Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Burma, Laos, the Philippines are right there too! Meals around campus are usually 30-50 Baht which is about $1, max $2. They're fantastic too.

  

The price of $3280 for the program could be a deal breaker for some, but compared to all of the European programs and  considering the amount of time you get to spend here, its more than worth it.

4) When did you arrive? And where exactly are you staying in these several countries?

 

  

I got to Thailand on May 14, 2009 and leave to China on August 26. I leave to Spain on January of next year. In Thailand I've been staying in a family owned apartment in which the owner is a real cool Thai guy by the name of Bon who studied in Georgetown. His english is most likely better than mine. In China I'll be staying in the dorms and in Spain I will be with a host family.

5) What types of courses are offered to accommodate the exchange students?

  

There are courses in Thai culture, International Business, Politics, a few Philosophy classes, a lot of ICT classes, and a few others. There's quite a large variety. Most of the Americans are taking the Thai class trio of Language, Civilization, and Cooking. I'm taking two pretty intense business classes as well as the Thai ones. Classes are once a week for 3 hours at a time. The staff here in Rangsit are extremely helpful and friendly.

6) What other places have you seen in the meantime?  And how do you commute?

  

I've been to Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, all over Thailand and plan to go to Burma soon. Traveling I use AirAsia since its the cheapest or trains. The overnight sleepers in Vietnam are ridiculously comfy.

  

Getting around Bangkok, the rail system is extremely easy to use and taxis are very very cheap. Maybe $10 for an hour long ride. To class it's about a 15 minute walk. There are also some motorcycle taxis that are about $1 and extremely fun to use. I've only seen a few accidents since I've been here, which judging by the way they drive, seems extremely low. Driving in between lanes with one hand and on a cell phone is commonplace.

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