Sharing borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, I would bet you a million dollars that you wouldn't get bored while studying abroad in zesty Thailand!
Hold tight as your tuk-tuk careens high-speed down crowded alleyways, around each corner a new delight. It might be a couple of young, orange-cloaked monks in quiet conversation or the rush of what seems like a thousand mopeds competing for the street. Venture into the bustling markets, a tapestry of exotic tropical fruits and brightly colored spices overloading the senses.
-- Education Abroad
Choosing a Study Abroad Program in Thailand
There are over 600 different universities in Thailand to choose from, and finding the best fit (or the best study abroad program for you!) will prove crucial in defining your study abroad experience.
1) Language: Another factor of Thailand's lack of colonial history means that the native tongue is still widely spoken across the country, and though it is considered to be quite difficult for foreigners to acquire skills for, it sure would be a crying shame if you left the country without even a simple "Sawatdee Khrab" under your belt. Select a program where you can learn the unique skill of understanding the Thai language—you never know what opportunities it may open up for you someday!
2) Housing: When you select a study abroad program, consider the differing types of accommodation offered by the program. Choose a program where your living situation is comfortable for you—if the idea of having a foreign roommate does not sound ideal, opt to live with another American. If spending more time with other Americans sounds counterproductive, select the international dormitory or a homestay!
The Education Abroad Network's program in Chiang Mai houses students in on-campus dormitories at Payap University, often placing students with a Thai roommate to help students better adjust and assimilate to the new culture. ProWorld takes a different approach, only offering program participants shared apartments to share with various other international students. CIEE takes it one step further offering students both homestay and Thai roommate joint accommodation.
3) Immersion and cultural activities: Another option to consider when selecting your study abroad program provider is the amount of activities that are included in the overall cost. Some programs will automatically factor in these culturally enlightening excursions into their program fees, while others will let you select and add on activities as you see fit. Select a program whose activities best fit your needs, desires, and budget!
The Education Abroad Network offers a variety of optional activities for its students, such as multi-day trips to the islands of the south or the busy streets and temples of Bangkok. However, ALL programs include a 5 day excursion in a hilltribe village in northern Thailand—sweet! ProWorld's program includes Muay Thai boxing lessons, cooking classes, Thai massages, elephant rides, and rafting in the rainforest.
City or college town?
Study abroad in Thailand provides everything a visiting student could ever want, from exciting cities, culture and museums, to a variety of festivals, music, film, and beer. Thailand has its fair share of UNESCO world heritage sights, and it's location provides an ease of travel to neighboring countries. You can rest easy knowing no matter which destination you select for your experience, you're going to have an amazing experience.
Bangkok:
One of the most famous holiday destinations on the planet and the bustling capital city, Bangkok is a chief part as well as the cultural, educational, and economic hub of Thailand. Bangkok is a thriving metropolis, and its central location allows for ease of travel to the sunsoaked islands of the south or the foothills of the crawling hills in the north. This city was once known as the "Venice of the East" because of the large number of small river canals that split the city into a sprawling network. While some have since been replaced by roads, you will still find many waterways that give peaks into the Bangkok of years ago, a once-quiet place with floating shops.
Chiang Mai:
The hub of northern Thailand may not be one of the country's biggest cities, but it still remains one of its most culturally interesting and politically significant areas. Also known as the "Rose of the North," Chiang Mai is located on a plain as the mighty Himalayan mountains flatten out 700km north of the capital. Chiang Mai is known for being more relaxed than Bangkok and its proximity to neighboring countries has created a unique diversity and international flavor. From a lively night bizarre, to nearby jungle treks, or encounters with Asian elephants, studying abroad in Chiang Mai would be a fun adventure for any international student.
Scholarships to Study in Thailand
That 17 hour flight to the far east may not come cheap—but your experience in Thailand does not have to break the bank. Many study abroad program providers have independent scholarships available for their program participants. If those options seem slim, here a few more avenues you can consider!
- The Freeman-Asia Awards offer funding for U.S. undergraduates to pursue costly studies in Thailand, allowing students to experience Thai culture and gain unique educational opportunities.
- The International Partnership for Service Learning offers students scholarships for a Volunteer Study Abroad program in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where students are chosen based on their commitment to humanitarian work and for their dedication to studies revolving around Thailand.
- The Blakemore Foundation was established in 1990 by Thomas and Frances Blakemore to encourage the advanced study of Asian languages and to improve the understanding of Asian fine arts in the United States.
Language and Customs
Say hello, goodbyes, and thank you like the locals—press your palms together at your chest or nose level, and bow your head slightly. A long standing symbol of respect, this action remains an integral part of Thai culture.
Thailand has a long standing monarchy and the people still take reverance to the king very seriously (you'll more than likely see his image everywhere!). Avoid trouble by avoiding disrespectful behavior towards or in reference to the royal family.
Thailand will leave you dizzy with colors, sights, sounds, tastes—it is sensory overload, and the place where you could very well be living in the next year or two (think about it!).
Contributed by Megan Lee
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