Do the year long exchange because one semester in Thailand is not enough! Past Review
By Joel K (Entrepreneurship/ International Business, University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Chulalongkorn University: Bangkok - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The Thai economy is coming into its own. They are a very entrepreneurial country and offer many business opportunities for the eager young professional. Chulalongkorn University's graduate school (SASIN)is highly respected and fully accredited, and might be a nice place to continue one's studies.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very little feedback is given on homework or classwork. The main bulk of your grade will be determined by exams and your group project. Just as at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, there was always a group project in every class. Choose your groups wisely because some students are more interested in traveling than they are at contributing to the group's work. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Evergreen Serviced Apartments was in the best location, the staff was friendly, the rooms were nice (just recently remodeled), amenities were awesome (maid service, pool, sauna, free wireless internet, etc.), and the price was reasonable (about $350 plus electricity). The bedrooms were shared by two people, and kind of small, but not any worse than being in a dorm. |
| * Food: |
Thai food is great! Definitely try street food, but be selective. If the meat looks questionable, there are almost always vegetarian options. Fresh fruit and desserts from street vendors are readily available and very delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Grand Palace is a must see attraction. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Bangkok is a congested city, so the air quality is not great. Take precautions (wash your hands, wear face mask)to remain healthy, especially if your immune system is fragile. Also, have plenty of mosquito spray and hand sanitizer. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't over pack! Believe it or not, there are stores in Thailand where one can buy personal hygiene items, as well as clothes or any other needs. Money can be exchanged at the airport, so don't worry! Learn the Thai numbers for negotiations with taxi drivers and merchants. Also, learn the different ways to say no to a vendor or tuk tuk driver. Usually, politeness goes a long way, so learn the formal, polite form of the language (saying kharp for men and ka for women). Always smile, use positive body language, and never be overly aggressive or confrontational. |
