University in Thailand?

[bjornlindfors]

Hi,

I'm want to start studying (BA Computer Science). Now. Atm I'm in Sweden overlooking my options.

On one hand I have the reputable "Chalmers Institue of Technology" in Gothenburg, Sweden. Most of you probably haven't heard about this institution, but it's a good one.



On the other hand, study in Thailand (or if not possible, study in Asia). I have been doing research (visiting campuses etc) in BKK before I went back to Sweden.

I need feedback on the reputation (worldwide) of the following institues:
- SIIT (Thammasat, Rangsit Campus), complicated to get in. Probably won't make it back in time for the standardized test anyways (next mnth).
- MUIC (Mahidol Univeristy International College), ok why is there the word "college" in the name. Is the International division not classified as a real International University. Help me, I'm new to all this. It's easier to get in here. Definately possible, course starts in Jan.
- ABAC (Assumption Univerisity), heard a lot of bad things about this one; for stupid ppl etc. But I really don't have a clue. Anyone? Easy to get in, how about the international reputation.



On the third hand NUS in Singapore. This is definately a good school. Instruction begins autumn next year. Probably hard to get in.



Feedback on above mentioned universitys wanted.

Any more suggestions on good unis?

Thanks.

[farang_subson]

Check out AIT (the Asian Institute of Technology). Emphasis on science (not much in the way of biotech though), classes taught in English, a surprising number of European students and profs, and a quality education. It's out in Rangsit, a bit past Thammasart.

It's not cheap, though.

[bjornlindfors]

They seem good and all but they don't seem to have a Bachelors Degree program, only Masters.

[duanja]

Don't worry about the name of Mahidol.
There are many colleges in Cambridges as well as Mahidol.
Unlike ABAC, Mahidol provides both thai program and international program.
I think International College was especially founded to deal with internaitonal student.

[farang_subson]

Sorry...bad advice from me (I had a few friends at AIT, but neglected to notice that all of them got their bachelors elsewhere).

You might check and see if Chulalongkorn has an international program in computer science. That's a respected school.

Honestly, I doubt you'd receive anything near a Swedish-quality education out here. On the other hand, studying at a Thai school could be a really amazing experience in a non-academic sense...guess you've got to weigh the two.

[peenoi]

A quick reply.(actually now it became rather long)

I really wanna give you my word of advice as I found myself in your position about a year ago. I was living the good life in LOS neglecting my uni education and was starting to feel guilty never really having anything done about it.

I was, same way as you, seriously considering a education in Thailand. The reasons where
1: I lived here for the past 3 years, really loved Thailand -actually felt "at home"
2: I wanted to study in an international environment, far far away from my Nordic home country.
3:well... the girls

Anyway too many things was contradicting studying here:
1: Quality of education (just look at how everybody cheats in Thai school)
2: Price (Though I know that its ridiculously cheap in Thailand)
3: The fact that Thai uni students start school at a much younger age than my residential country, combined with that I was all ready in my 20's

The bottom line is that I now happily am enrolled in BSc. programme in Denmark. Its in a international school, that have exchange programmes with 150+ universities around the globe (among 5 in Thailand "chula" "thammasat" etc.) The sweet deal is that as admission is solely based on your GPA, it makes the education FREE in DK. Payed by taxpayers money. You even get a government grant of app: 30.000 bath every month!!! This way I get free school+international social scene+opportunity to study abroad+better quality of education.

We that are lucky to be born in rich countries should be grateful for it and use it.
The price? Well I had to give up on Thailand and my beloved Asia for app. 1 year. Will I be back? You bet ya'! I might even take on a semester in BKK, but more likely Japan China or Sing.

Give it some thought.
KAS

[English_George]

F.A.B

[Dr_Sassy]

- ABAC heard a lot of bad things about this one; for stupid ppl etc. But I really don't have a clue. Anyone? Easy to get in, how about the international reputation.

you might have heard good or bad things about this school... just like any other school in town... but give yourself a second to think about prospective students or those who have graduated from the mentioned school... give them some respect.

It's not the Institution that makes stupid people. I'm graduated from ABAC. Its not the reputation that makes me proud... but its the hard work that I had encountered and all those great things i gained from teachers, memorable friendship, stresses, delication, etc. Am I stupid if you say ABAC has stupid people out there? from what you have heard of coz.

What is wrong with the easy-to-get-in-type-of-school? what matters is how you gonna spend your student life there...

its just not my habit to publish the bad reputation of some organizations online... :roll:

[peenoi]

No guys not damn me, if you don't like the system blame it on the politicians.

Don't hate the player, hate the game.

(By the way I pay taxes too)

[pdiddy]

As someone who has done lots of research on the matter, I can give you some advice.

Do not enroll in a school directly here. It is a big waste of money. Though it is 'cheap' you lose out on all of the benefits of your home country as far as scholarships and grants go. Or at least it makes it a lot harder.

Furthermore, you more than likely will not graduate if you do all of your school in Thailand...... Too much to distract you...........

Finally, a Thai degree is worth about the same as toilet paper back in the western world.

All that being said, I am exactly 8 days away from getting on a plane to Thailand to study for one year.

I am going on an exchange proram. I can go for more than one year if I wish.

- The cost is actually less than going to my home university.
- At least from an American perspective, the Thai programs are VERY easy to get into- not overwhelming demand like Europe..
- My application process was easy as hell, and I only dealt with the office that coordinated the whole thing. The US headquarters was on my campus, so it was even easier. This is alot easier than dealing with a Thai Uni. You have no language skills, a massive time difference, and no 'guarantee'.
- My credits are actually granted by my home Uni, so I will get my 'real' degree.
- I have a huge safety net- great insurance, and a huge organistation backing me up if life happens.

You can do it on your own, but it is much easier to do it on exchange. Many swedes are on my exact same program. Universities encourage it, and your govt helps pay for it all. Ask chalmers what sort of exchange porgrams they do.