Which Education degree should i pursue in Bangkok?

[RtotheC]

I'm left with a situation where i will be finishing my 4 year degree in English in November. After that i plan to pursue a graduate degree, but i haven't chosen the right university yet. I'm planning to stay overseas teaching in Thailand or possibly relocate to China, Korea, or Japan preferably as i can speak a fair amount of Japanese and previously lived there for almost six years.

My current options are:

Doing it online through the University of Maryland University College (where i'm currently enrolled for by B.A.) for a Master of Arts in teaching, which would also require me to spend the last 4 months doing teaching practice in an American school, which i am not keen on doing as i don't want to go back to the states, but would also fast track me to get an American teaching license at a cost of $14000 USD plus relocation expenses and teaching license fees and etc. which would run up to a least a few thousand dollars.

Going to Buffalo State University overseas program for a Master of Science in Education here in Bangkok, which won't require me to go back to the states, but won't help me get an American teaching license as i won't have practice teaching at an American school, but should qualify me for an international school if i'm not mistaken.The cost is about 400,000 Thai Baht.

Or going to Ramkhamhaeng University for a Master Degree in Educational Administration. The cost for a Masters Degree is only about 230,000 Thai Baht and i could have in completed in one year.

Honestly, I'm not sure which route would be best. I'm thinking that the Master Degree in Educational Administration would be great because it would allow me more flexibility and also allow me to work administrative roles, but i'm also worried that a degree from a Thai university may not be appreciated as much as a western university. I'm not trying to disrespect Thai universities, but we all saw the students at Chulakorn doing the Heil Hitler salute at graduation and the University of Fine Arts that drew the mural with Hitler in the background, so it is a valid question.

As someone who is planning on working my way into international schools what would be the best route? Is the stateside teaching license a huge boost on a resume?

Any help from current teachers would be a great help to me.

[benalibina]

University of, a different, life.

[falkan]

Chulangkorn University

Thammasat University

Mahidol University

Assumption University

Kasetsart University..

[JusMe]

If you want your life and career to be solely in Thailand, sure, go to Ramkhamhaeng.

However, if you want to work almost anywhere outside of Thailand, choose another option.

[MaiChai]

Thai degrees, masters, etc, are not up to international standards and you may find that If you have the Thai qualification it may not be accepted or you may need to do further study to bring it up to standard outside Thailand .

Edited August 8, 2013 by MaiChai

[farang000999]

You are an American right? Can't you go somewhere and get the local tuition rate from the state you resided in before coming to Thailand? It sounds these rates you are quoting are very expensive (Buffalo/Maryland). I'd just get as highly qualified as I could youll get paid more in the long term. Also, you dont know what life will bring. You may one day have children and want to come back to the USA.

[yourauntbob]

Thai Universities (along with the rest of the school system) are s#@t, get your education anywhere but here.

[Berkshire]

Thai Universities (along with the rest of the school system) are s#@t, get your education anywhere but here.

Do you EVER have anything positive to say about the Thais? As such, you have almost no credibility.

[ABCer]

Why handicap your career by a Thai degree?

You will lose money even in Thailand.

You will lose choices of many countries to live in and work.

$14,000 vs 400,000 Bt is not much of a difference.

In one year of work you will recoup your expenses.

My advice would be to take the best Uni possible (if you are up to it).

Good luck.

Those who can - do.

Those who can't - teach.

[yourauntbob]

Thai Universities (along with the rest of the school system) are s#@t, get your education anywhere but here.

Do you EVER have anything positive to say about the Thais? As such, you have almost no credibility.

I have many positive things to say about Thai's, just not the educational system here. If you believe it is even close to any international standard then you have no credibility

[yourauntbob]

Why handicap your career by a Thai degree?

You will lose money even in Thailand.

You will lose choices of many countries to live in and work.

$14,000 vs 400,000 Bt is not much of a difference.

In one year of work you will recoup your expenses.

My advice would be to take the best Uni possible (if you are up to it).

Good luck.

Those who can - do.

Those who can't - teach.

those that cant teach - teach PE

those who cant teach PE- administrate

[RtotheC]

Sounds like the general sentiment is that Thai Universities aren't valued anywhere. Thanks for letting me know.

University of, a different, life.

Yes, perhaps i should start a career trolling on the internet for attention because most likely my parents didn't love me enough as a child.

You are an American right? Can't you go somewhere and get the local tuition rate from the state you resided in before coming to Thailand? It sounds these rates you are quoting are very expensive (Buffalo/Maryland). I'd just get as highly qualified as I could youll get paid more in the long term. Also, you dont know what life will bring. You may one day have children and want to come back to the USA.

Those are pretty good rates from what else i've seen offered in the states,and they're completely affordable as well without having to go into any kind of college debt. This is also my seventh year overseas an i refuse to go back. There is literally nothing there for me, and the job opportunities are much better in Asia as well.

[PaullyW]

Surely as an educated and an educated person, you must know that the education you will receive in Thailand is likely to be (some may disagree) very, very, very poor compared to that you would received in countries that take education seriously (Japan, Korea, China, USA). That's the first point.

Second point - if you absolutely must be educated in Thailand, then it's certainly best that your degree is NOT a Thai degree or at least that you also get a dual degree from one the other countries. Degrees from Thailand are useful only in the Thailand box and sometimes not even useful in Thailand. Entirely useless and not respected at all outside of Thailand.

Make the smart choice and don't gamble with your life. Don't listen to Thais who will do their utmost to impress you and convince you that the standard of education here (in ANY schools -- including Chula, Thammasart, Mahidol, etc.) is at 1st world levels.

If your program has many visiting professors from other countries, then you might be OK and learn something.

Good luck

[fletchsmile]

Falkan listed the top 5 universities I'd consider in Thailand: Chula/Thammasat then Mahidon/Assumption/Kasetsart. They're the most respected, internationally and in Thailand.

Ramkamhaeng is pretty much anyone gets in, and a stereotype as the training ground for people working in 7/11.

The university choice would be my first consideration. Thai degrees are often not well regarded internationally, so in many ways you might as well do something you enjoy or with a link to your next step, but try and go to a "quality" university at least.

I had to laugh at the name Buffalo University here in Thailand and I'm sure many other people would too - Thais in particular if attended by foreigners

In fact many of the posters here on TV have graduated as buffalo alumni from the Thai university of life - quite a few buffalo Masters and buffalo PHD s as well, plus a strong repeat research culture for many buffalos

Cheers Fletch

Edited August 9, 2013 by fletchsmile

[MilesofSmiles]

I would study remotely if you want a degree worth anything outside Thailand.

I was considering studying music @ madihol, but having to go for 30~ hours a week, wear a uniform (at uni!!!@@!), and the teaching culture made me change my mind.

Though.. for the price, I've considered enrolling and coming at my leisure, but that money would be better spent on private tuition, or more sythesizers.

Moreover, I think that teaching is one of the weaker fields to be studying in Thailand.

but i'm also worried that a degree from a Thai university may not be appreciated as much as a western university.

I think that's a reasonable assessment; respect should be earned, not assumed.

- can you get away with going and sneaking into a few lectures to see what it's like over here ?

[Indrid Cold]

Where do you want to live? I know very little about high grade schools but i currently study thai at MSU and it is to my satisfaction. My advice for what it is worth do not just blind your self over the questions like where will i get the best diploma etc. etc. Daily life is actually imo the most important.

[farang000999]

You think $14,000/year to study online is reasonable? That is a hell of a business model they got running!

[ABCer]

Why handicap your career by a Thai degree?

You will lose money even in Thailand.

You will lose choices of many countries to live in and work.

$14,000 vs 400,000 Bt is not much of a difference.

In one year of work you will recoup your expenses.

My advice would be to take the best Uni possible (if you are up to it).

Good luck.

Those who can - do.

Those who can't - teach.

those that cant teach - teach PE

those who cant teach PE- administrate

Why limit the concept to PE?

The same applies to Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering and many other fields.

A physicist, a Chemist, a Biologist etc. usually go into RND in their field or combine Research with teaching students at a Tertiary level.

Teachers of the same subjects in schools are not specialists. But they are doing a useful thing. Same-same, but not the same.

[Sayonarax]

Thai Universities (along with the rest of the school system) are s#@t, get your education anywhere but here.

Do you EVER have anything positive to say about the Thais? As such, you have almost no credibility.

I have many positive things to say about Thai's, just not the educational system here. If you believe it is even close to any international standard then you have no credibility

Do you even have kids, troll?

Im sorry what country are you from, that has such an awesome government run schooling system?

[yourauntbob]

Why handicap your career by a Thai degree?

You will lose money even in Thailand.

You will lose choices of many countries to live in and work.

$14,000 vs 400,000 Bt is not much of a difference.

In one year of work you will recoup your expenses.

My advice would be to take the best Uni possible (if you are up to it).

Good luck.

Those who can - do.

Those who can't - teach.

those that cant teach - teach PE

those who cant teach PE- administrate

Why limit the concept to PE?

The same applies to Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering and many other fields.

A physicist, a Chemist, a Biologist etc. usually go into RND in their field or combine Research with teaching students at a Tertiary level.

Teachers of the same subjects in schools are not specialists. But they are doing a useful thing. Same-same, but not the same.

PE = physical education.... gym class

gym teachers are needed, but anyone could do it.

[yourauntbob]

Thai Universities (along with the rest of the school system) are s#@t, get your education anywhere but here.

Do you EVER have anything positive to say about the Thais? As such, you have almost no credibility.

I have many positive things to say about Thai's, just not the educational system here. If you believe it is even close to any international standard then you have no credibility

Do you even have kids, troll?

Im sorry what country are you from, that has such an awesome government run schooling system?

what makes me a troll?

i dont have a kid, but have worked in the schools here and have seen first hand how bad it is. english teachers who cant speak english. geo teachers that dont know what continent the USA is in, old hens running the place who refuse to allow young teachers new ideas, GED's being accepted at Universities but not AP (advanced placement) credits. a former student of mine went back to india and got refused to just about every college because he graduated high school in Thailand (with a 3.7 GPA). they litterally told him that his Thai degree meant nothing.

i am from the states, the education system there has its problems as well but its not nearly in the poor shape most (with few exceptions) schools are in here. in most cases your name gets you into a school and not your ability. your school then passes you on even if you fail because God forbid anyone lose face, and then your name/degree puts you at the head of a company even when you dont know your a$$ from a hole in the ground.

p.s. they let trolls like me teach

Edited August 10, 2013 by yourauntbob

[dao16]

Yeah, you don't want to waste time doing a degree here. A better bet would be to Get into a master's program or phd program and then work it out so you write your dissertation about Thailand or do post grad work here or something. Then you get your grants and all to come to Thailand, get to live here, but still end up with a decent education and a better name on paper.

It sounds bad, but if you want to try it, come on over with your BA and teach in a uni here. Lots of people doing it. Then you can decide whether it is worth the time to actually study at said institutions. Chances are, you wouldn't want to after seeing it.

[Pacificperson]

If you are planning on breaking into the international school system's old boy network, you need to look at their requirements. A degree in English probably will not suffice. You will need a teaching certificate. Your qualifying degree will need to be from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by their system. Do your homework and find out which of these alternatives will be acceptable to your future employers.

[MrHammer]

what makes me a troll?

i dont have a kid, but have worked in the schools here and have seen first hand how bad it is. english teachers who cant speak english. geo teachers that dont know what continent the USA is in, old hens running the place who refuse to allow young teachers new ideas, GED's being accepted at Universities but not AP (advanced placement) credits. a former student of mine went back to india and got refused to just about every college because he graduated high school in Thailand (with a 3.7 GPA). they litterally told him that his Thai degree meant nothing.

i am from the states, the education system there has its problems as well but its not nearly in the poor shape most (with few exceptions) schools are in here. in most cases your name gets you into a school and not your ability. your school then passes you on even if you fail because God forbid anyone lose face, and then your name/degree puts you at the head of a company even when you dont know your a$$ from a hole in the ground.

p.s. they let trolls like me teach

Maybe your perspective on education would carry more weight if you were able to properly capitalize and punctuate your sentences, considering that you are - so you claim - an American. It would also help if you didn't use the word 'degree' for high school and instead used 'diploma'.

Anyone can claim anything online, but the smart internet user looks for congruency in what is being claimed and who claims it and you do not strike me as the academic type to be honest.

The OP has a bachelor degree from the US and would now like to pursue a masters degree in a 'soft' field. He likely isn't aspiring to become an investment banker or Google employee and if he wants to get a job in Asia, then experience - as in all other places - is more important.

That being said, of course a degree from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore or China would be better. It all depends on what he wants to do with his life. There are many, many people who've made great careers without a traditional path and there are many failures with the right degree from the right university.

[yourauntbob]

what makes me a troll?

i dont have a kid, but have worked in the schools here and have seen first hand how bad it is. english teachers who cant speak english. geo teachers that dont know what continent the USA is in, old hens running the place who refuse to allow young teachers new ideas, GED's being accepted at Universities but not AP (advanced placement) credits. a former student of mine went back to india and got refused to just about every college because he graduated high school in Thailand (with a 3.7 GPA). they litterally told him that his Thai degree meant nothing.

i am from the states, the education system there has its problems as well but its not nearly in the poor shape most (with few exceptions) schools are in here. in most cases your name gets you into a school and not your ability. your school then passes you on even if you fail because God forbid anyone lose face, and then your name/degree puts you at the head of a company even when you dont know your a$$ from a hole in the ground.

p.s. they let trolls like me teach

Maybe your perspective on education would carry more weight if you were able to properly capitalize and punctuate your sentences, considering that you are - so you claim - an American. It would also help if you didn't use the word 'degree' for high school and instead used 'diploma'.

Anyone can claim anything online, but the smart internet user looks for congruency in what is being claimed and who claims it and you do not strike me as the academic type to be honest.

The OP has a bachelor degree from the US and would now like to pursue a masters degree in a 'soft' field. He likely isn't aspiring to become an investment banker or Google employee and if he wants to get a job in Asia, then experience - as in all other places - is more important.

That being said, of course a degree from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore or China would be better. It all depends on what he wants to do with his life. There are many, many people who've made great careers without a traditional path and there are many failures with the right degree from the right university.

your right, i am not an academic and dont care be. i prefer to look at life for what it is and not in an unrealistic vacuum. for the purposes of online forums i dont pay much attention to grammar or capitalization as its not worth my time. i do teach business and economics here in Thailand pulling from my experience more than my education (although i do hold a dual major bachelors). it doesnt take an academic to see the education here is appauling and i wonder the motives of those of you that defend it. i have a feeling we have a few Thai university employees here that dont like people pointing out the obvious. maybe some people have been here too long and have choosen to turn a blind eye to the truth because they have realized they cant change it or no longer can see the forest through the trees. either way if i had a child i would not allow them to be educated here for their primary or secondary education.

i agree with you that HK, Singapore, China or Japan would be much better options.

[Bakeman]

If you have finished your Bachelors then go to NIDA. Honestly the only world wide University here in Thailand is Chula/Sasin. All others are a hit and miss. The Thai Uni's must be worth something if so many Thai's use their Thai Bachelor Degrees to go to the states and receive their U.S. Master Degrees.

From personal experience Assumption is not up to par for the so called professors brought in from other countries cant speak English so they cant teach well and Ramkhamhaeng gets you stares like they want to rob you.

[Guleid]

Dear all,

If anyone looking for MBA Program lost cost and high quality standard, than drop me an message. I'm willing to help its only weekends with high flexibility.

[brianp0803]

Possibly education in Thailand is not as accepted outside Thailand because of corruption.

I know the head of a prestigious all boys school in Bkk got his PhD from Assumption.

About 50% of his foreign teachers had to completely write 1-2 research papers for his PhD.

When I talk about this with Thai friends they respond -"this is normal." He has a large foreign teaching staff. Why should he do his own homework?

[SlyAnimal]

Please cease the personal insults, grammar critique and general trolling.


Debate on topics is fine, but to keep the debate focused on the topic and related to the OP's initial questions.

[phil2]

what makes me a troll?

i dont have a kid, but have worked in the schools here and have seen first hand how bad it is. english teachers who cant speak english. geo teachers that dont know what continent the USA is in, old hens running the place who refuse to allow young teachers new ideas, GED's being accepted at Universities but not AP (advanced placement) credits. a former student of mine went back to india and got refused to just about every college because he graduated high school in Thailand (with a 3.7 GPA). they litterally told him that his Thai degree meant nothing.

i am from the states, the education system there has its problems as well but its not nearly in the poor shape most (with few exceptions) schools are in here. in most cases your name gets you into a school and not your ability. your school then passes you on even if you fail because God forbid anyone lose face, and then your name/degree puts you at the head of a company even when you dont know your <deleted> from a hole in the ground.

p.s. they let trolls like me teach

Maybe your perspective on education would carry more weight if you were able to properly capitalize and punctuate your sentences, considering that you are - so you claim - an American. It would also help if you didn't use the word 'degree' for high school and instead used 'diploma'.

Anyone can claim anything online, but the smart internet user looks for congruency in what is being claimed and who claims it and you do not strike me as the academic type to be honest.

The OP has a bachelor degree from the US and would now like to pursue a masters degree in a 'soft' field. He likely isn't aspiring to become an investment banker or Google employee and if he wants to get a job in Asia, then experience - as in all other places - is more important.

That being said, of course a degree from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore or China would be better. It all depends on what he wants to do with his life. There are many, many people who've made great careers without a traditional path and there are many failures with the right degree from the right university.

your right, i am not an academic and dont care be. i prefer to look at life for what it is and not in an unrealistic vacuum. for the purposes of online forums i dont pay much attention to grammar or capitalization as its not worth my time. i do teach business and economics here in Thailand pulling from my experience more than my education (although i do hold a dual major bachelors). it doesnt take an academic to see the education here is appauling and i wonder the motives of those of you that defend it. i have a feeling we have a few Thai university employees here that dont like people pointing out the obvious. maybe some people have been here too long and have choosen to turn a blind eye to the truth because they have realized they cant change it or no longer can see the forest through the trees. either way if i had a child i would not allow them to be educated here for their primary or secondary education.

i agree with you that HK, Singapore, China or Japan would be much better options.

Some posters here are actually Thai ajarns.

I've done it, and I'll not recommend it to the OP. HE/She would be better off doing it online.