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I'm currently studying as an exchange student at Kasetsart University in Bangkok via Asia Exchange. Kasetsart University (KU) is one of the oldest and most popular universities in Thailand. KU has also been known to succeed in the ranking lists when comparing results of universities. As an exchange student, I am attending the Kasetsart University Student Exchange Program (KUSEP) and the program for International Business and Thai Culture.The program consists of five courses, which I get transferred into my Finnish degree as a 25 ECTS minor.
Our semester started on the 7th of January with a few days of orientation. During the orientation days, we were warmly welcomed by the university staff. The orientation days consisted of filling forms, speeches and getting to know one another. One of the first things we did was the fitting of the school uniform! As in many Asian countries, in Thailand it is custom to wear a school uniform. KU's uniform consists of a white shirt, a black skirt/pants, black shoes, the university's own belt, pin and buttons. It's actually very relieving and easy, because it saves you a lot of time and energy in the morning from deciding what to wear. At first it might seem a bit strange, but you really do get used to it in a few days. You can buy the uniform from KU's store during the orientation day, but you can also find uniforms in any shopping mall in Bangkok, especially if you want different sizes or more affordable prices. The uniform costs less than 1000 bht (about 20 euros) if you buy a few shirts. Though you have to buy at least one shirt on the first day, because of the picture taking for the student ID card.
During the first days, we were photographed probably more than I've ever been photographed during my life! The university staff is really excited about having us and they seem to be honored to have exchange students as guests in their university, so they have invested a lot of time and energy in to our exchange group and our program. The orientation days consisted of introduction speeches, campus tours and getting to know each other. The representatives of Asia Exchange, Harri and Tuomas, are also there for the orientation days, which is quite nice, because you can ask them anything. During the orientation days we also had a lovely dinner at KU and another one with the Asia Exchange-group, which was really nice! The university is located in the area of Chatuchak, which is located in the Northern part of Bangkok. The nearest BTS station is Mo Chit. The campus is extremely large, like its own little city with a bus system! The campus has a swimming pool and a sports' center, which is quite nice !
The KUSEP International Business and Thai Culture consists of five courses: Analysis of International Economics, Strategic Planning for Competitiveness, International Business, Thai Conversation in Everyday Life and Special Problems in Operations Management. Some of the courses are quite intense and are complete in a few weeks time, some last through the whole exchange period. The courses are business-oriented, but are on a level that even non-business students can follow. Analysis of International Economics is a course consisting international financing focusing on international trade, currencies and the economics of South East Asia. This course is maybe a bit more challenging for non-business students, considering that it involves some calculating - but just a bit! Strategic Planning for Competitiveness contains aspects of strategic planning and some aspects of marketing. International Business is an interesting general overview to international business. Thai Language in Everyday Life is one of the most enjoyable courses that I have ever had, mostly because of the hilarious teacher who makes classes seem like stand-up comedy. It also very comforting to learn a bit of the local language, so you can express yourself better. Also, the Thai people are very appreciative and happy if 'farangs'( what they call western people) try tosay something in Thai! The Special Problems course hasn't started yet, but I've heard that it contains lots of field trips and company visits!
After studying at KU for about six weeks now, I can say that I've been really satisfied. The lectures are a little more interactive than in Finland, which is nice. Most of the lecturers speak really good English as many have studied in English-speaking countries. The school work has naturally taken some time, as there is quite a lot of small presentations, case works, group assignments and essays to write, but nothing has been overwhelming. There is plenty of free time also! We have Mondays off every week, which makes the weekend trips much nicer. We also a had a weeklong holiday due to the university's fair! The International Studies Center has also organized many activities such as a cha-cha-cha dance class with local students, a class to play traditional Thai instruments and there is also going to be a Thai cooking class!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
- comments
Nina I read about asia exchange and I'd like to go to KU too, but where did you stay during your exchange? I've seen some accommodations on the asia exchange website but they all seem a bit luxurious and expensive and I have a budget, maybe you can help me?
Katai Hi i am thai student in kasetsart university..so i want to know exchange student because i want to practice my english skill and want to have new friend if u want to know thai friend pls send me ur fb to my e-mail Thanks
Chris HI. The information is interesting and helpful, but I, just like NIna would like to ask about the accommodation etc. And could you give a rough estimate on how much euro you need per month. Thank you :)