Bangkok Blogs

Believe it or not, but doing a master’s or doctoral degree in Bangkok can earn you some incredible international experience that will not only put you at an advantage over others in the Thai job market, but also guarantee you abundant contacts that are usually required for the much sought-after expat jobs in Bangkok.

There are several universities in Bangkok which offer international programmes, both undergraduate and graduate levels, which are taught in English. Most of these programmes are priced rather reasonably. To the best of my knowledge, the overall cost of doing a master’s degree that includes tuition fees and textbooks, is no more than £3,000 and takes roughly two years to complete.

While British or American degrees will usually blow Thai degrees out of the window, it would be unfair to think of Thai universities as totally unaccredited institutions. In fact, many of the more prestigious universities in Bangkok are well recognised throughout Asia and they normally have optional exchange programmes with universities in the West too.

The acceptance process is quite straightforward for foreign applicants as most universities are keen to maximise the number of foreign students, especially those from farang countries, to give their programmes a true international flavour. Once you’ve been made an offer, the university will quickly help you obtain a student visa which will also enable you to work, usually part time, without a work permit.

As far as studying is concerned, classes rarely start and finish on time, unless you have a foreign instructor. Also Thai instructors are likely to use much more subjective grading than their Western counterparts. Free discussions in the classroom are quite alien to Thais, both students and professors alike. Asking questions also is not the usual thing to do and the thought that their professor may be entirely wrong can hardly be expressed by Thai students.

Of course you will be allowed to express your opinions, but you should be a bit culturally sensitive and think carefully before you speak. I’ve learnt this lesson the hard way but have to admit that I still cannot put it into practice well enough.

Doing a degree in Bangkok not only gives you a classroom education, but it also guarantees you the unique experience of living and working in a Thai culture. You will also have an opportunity to learn and use Thai on a daily basis. If you fancy furthering your education in Bangkok, make sure you’ve got enough to cover tuition fees, textbooks, as well as living expenses for a few months which shouldn’t cost a fortune.

Unless you are unlucky or too lazy, I will seriously expect you to find enough work to pay for your accommodation, food and entertainment. I realise how tempting the nightlife in Bangkok is, but you should spend some time studying as well. Coming to study in Bangkok can be a serious option for you. Apart from the low cost and future career contacts, those nice-looking university girls are something you can’t get elsewhere!