Attending University In Bkk, Need Some More Info

[Strike07]

Already did some research a year ago, I have almost all necessary papers to study at Ramkhamhaeng Uni in Bkk. I know site studyinthailand.org very well but apart from it I haven't found more useful info. If you know anyone who studies in Thailand or if you study yourself I would appreciate any info like (student life, budget, everyday life, dealing with paperwork, making connections etc.)

[Phatcharanan]

May I ask why Ramkhamhaeng Uni?

Apart from being one of the biggest Uni's in the world (in terms of student numbers) it is also sometimes referred to by Thai's as the 'Uni to go to when no other Uni will take you'.

And I ain't kidding.

[Scott]

I can't help you with the daily life question, but I know a number of students who had interrupted their education and ended up going there. Some couldn't attend Uni right after graduation, for example or had financial concerns. Several went on to get Master's degrees at more notable Universities, including overseas schools.

It seemed like a good school. They were good students as well.

[Scottish Thailander]

Phatcharanan

Sorry, I have to disagree. Ramkhamhaeng is reputed for its Law degrees. It is even more reputed for its students being some of the hardest workers as many Ram Thai students work their way through uni rather than have rich mummys and daddys pay for an easy and spoilt stroll to a degree that some of the other unis are reputed for. Ask many employers which they prefer, and the answer is often the former Ram students.

Strike07

The IIS side is the International arm of the uni. Like most unis, the answers to your questions are all depending on what you make of it. The opportunities are there for all you talked about, but you would have to work on what is important to you. Some people go through uni and come out with nothing but a just-scraped-a-pass degree, others come out with a high GPA degree after having participated in a vast range of student life and everyday life experiences and a stuffed black book full of contacts and connections. Paperwork is no big deal, usually, if you have what is expected on application. Budget varies on you (all following costs in Baht). Ram has amongst the cheapest fees (BA's around 35k per term (check the IIS website). Living expenses depend on what you want. You could probably live Thai student style from as little as 10-15k per month but most foreign students would likely consider the minimum for a basic lifestyle to be more in the region of 20-30k per month (own room with shower and maybe a gym and pool for about 4k and some occasional "foreign" style food (pizza etc). More comfortable or luxury lifestyles, especially those including nights out in the Thai nightspots and entertainment venues well known for women and beer, obviously come at a higher cost.

Sorry this is a bit long... Basically, it all depends on what you want from it, and what you want to make of it. :jap:

Edited March 26, 2011 by Scottish Thailander

[otherstuff1957]

While some hi-sos may look down upon RU, the RU graduates that I've worked with have been some of the hardest working and most competent people that I've met in Thailand. Also, the International Program is quite different from the regular program.

IMHO, a Ramkhamhaeng Degree is earned rather than purchased.

[Strike07]

May I ask why Ramkhamhaeng Uni?

Seems to be easiest recrutation process, location in Bangkok and I think number of students is not necessarily a bad thing. And tution fees are ok for me.

Also, the International Program is quite different from the regular program.

You mean it's more loose and easier?

you could probably live Thai student style from as little as 10-15k per month but most foreign students would likely consider the minimum for a basic lifestyle to be more in the region of 20-30k per month (own room with shower and maybe a gym and pool for about 4k and some occasional "foreign" style food (pizza etc).

I am aiming for 20k/month (accommodation and tutuion fees not included)

Sorry this is a bit long... Basically, it all depends on what you want from it, and what you want to make of it.

It's good I need information and I am a quick reader.

[jdinasia]

I would also suggest looking at BU's International school while you are looking at RU.

While you are at it, if you are a yank, you should look at iie.org

[Ijustwannateach]

Student life is thriving, to say the least, and it is student-priced, as well. I think you should add some margin to your budget for the unexpected and the 'luxurious' extra when you are missing items that come only as imports here- (and also you should think about things like medical insurance, etc.) but overall your plan seems reasonable. Starting on Thai language work as soon as possible would be a plus, because that's really the key to social life for you here unless you want to be standed either among tourists or among the upper middle class.

[richard10365]

I think if you are serious about your studies and the curriculum is good, then it doesn't matter where you study. You will pick up the book and read the chapters and you will learn and earn your degree. I think for a serious student, RU is as good a choice as any.