by Christin Cook

One of my very first impressions of Thailand was how different the transportation was from that found in the United States.  After disembarking from the plane, after far too many hours spent awake, the hour-long drive to Salaya provided me with a dizzying view from my window.  This impression was reinforced during my semester there, as well as my time spent traveling to other regions in Southeast and South Asia.  I wanted to share some of the interesting modes of transportation I saw during my 5 months in Asia.  This list is by no means comprehensive, but it gives a glimpse to the eclectic and always interesting mix that can be found, from the gravelly back roads to the massive highways.

Motorbikes

Motorized Food Stalls

I quickly found that many of the best restaurants in Thailand could roll away on a moments notice.  Most street stalls have wheels but the level of power greatly differs, for example, some are attached to motorbikes and others to bicycles.

Auto Rickshaws

Auto rickshaws, or Tuk Tuks were ubiquitous in all the countries I visited.  They can be a fun way to see a new city, but keep in mind they vibrate intensely and offer no protection from the often-horrendous traffic pollution.

Cars

I saw a huge variety in the types of cars driven in Southeast Asia.  In Thailand, I found that the majority was in very good repair, sometimes more so than in my home city it seemed.  This is a picture of the old fashioned white cars that appeared to be popular among politicians in India.

This is an image from the New Year’s water celebration in Laos, in which people both in and out of the cars douse each other with water.

Buses

This is a typical bus that I would take to classes in the morning.  The doors did not function anymore, which was nice as it provided a breeze on hot mornings.  Large buses, often double decker, were also very common for tours and trips both domestic and international.

This is an image from a University club field trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand with Thai and other international students.

Boats

Waterways remain an integral part of everyday life in Southeast Asia, whether for transportation, shipping, or recreational purposes. In central Bangkok, boats carry passengers and cargo through the canals.

In this image you can see brightly painted boats that carry passengers from the mainland to smaller islands off the coast.

And in this image, rows of boats are moored along the sleepy Mekong River.

There are so many more that could be added to the list…from the crowded overnight buses, to the speeding vans, to the converted pickup trucks, Southeast Asia has it all.  To me, this fascinating variety seems entirely at home among the vibrant, often chaotic, bustling everyday life that attracted me from my very first day there.

Christin Cook studied in Thailand in spring 2015.  When will you study abroad?  For more information about study abroad options, scholarships and the study abroad process, please contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or visit us at the Office of International Affairs in Falk Hall, lower level.

Although some study abroad programs have a set housing arrangement, some programs offer students a choice of housing. These options may include a homestay, dormitory or student apartment.  How do you choose the right option for you?

You should carefully consider your study abroad goals before making a housing choice. There are pros and cons to every option.  Note that standards of living vary by country.

Homestay/ Living with a Family

 This is a good option if your goal is to increase your language proficiency and/ or experience the local culture in an informal setting. Living with a family will provide insights you would be unlikely to obtain in other housing options.

 Accept differences between your host family and your family at home with an open mind. There will be an adjustment period, but try to get involved in their lives and to contribute to the household.

 A small gift for your family is nice gesture. Ideas: US calendars, chocolate, small toys for the children (not too noisy).

 Check with your family before giving out their phone number, address, or inviting guests over.

 If you smoke, check with the family regarding rules for smoking in the house. If you are a non-smoker be aware that in some countries, there are more people who smoke.

 Use electricity and hot water conservatively. Utility costs are much more expensive abroad.

 Communicate your travel plans with your host family, especially if you are going to miss meals.

 If you have concerns about your host family, talk to your on-site resident director.

 Residence Halls/Student Apartments

 Students who are used to having the freedom to come and go as they please, stay up as late as they’d like, and have guests at all hours may prefer student apartments or dormitories.

 Accept differences between you and your roommates with an open mind.

 If you smoke, discuss rules for smoking with your roommates. Non-smokers should be aware that more people smoke abroad than in the US.

 Consider establishing rules for overnight visitors, cleaning, etc., before it becomes an issue.

 Be considerate of others and communicate respectfully when differences occur.

When deciding on housing, students should assess and prioritize factors like commitment to cultural immersion, importance of meeting the local community versus importance of meeting other students, as well as their dedication to the language, No matter what decisions are made,

When will you study abroad?  For more information about study abroad options, scholarships and the study abroad process, please contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or visit us at the Office of International Affairs in Falk Hall, lower level.