Travel to Thailand and experience an Asian country with deep-rooted traditions in religion, music, cuisine and the martial arts.
There are many opportunities for discovering the wonders of Thailand if you study for a semester abroad or a summer study program abroad.
You can choose to study in the city of Ratchaburi, where you can shop every morning until noon at the Damonen Saduak Floating Market, or you can stop by Kanchanaburi, which is Thailand’s third largest province. Here you can visit the Tiger Temple, which has become a sanctuary for native tigers.
Whether you decide to enjoy the tasty cuisine or see the beautiful wildlife of Thailand you’ll always have a memorable time in every city that you visit.
Study Abroad Thailand University Programs
Many universities in Thailand strive to attain a reputation for being an institution of educational excellence. These universities offer international programs to just about every country around the world.
- The oldest institution for higher learning in Thailand is Mahidol University, which was built in 1888. It is recognized as a leading institution for research whose philosophy is “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” International students can take classes in Thai culture and history, or study medicine or the sciences. The university has various campuses throughout the metropolitan capital of Bangkok.
- Another international institution in Thailand is Bangkok University International College. The college has created academic programs with universities around the world, and offers programs in business, computer graphics, tourism, English and more. It is conveniently located in the center of Bangkok and even takes students out into the city to learn about Thai culture and other activities.
Other universities in Thailand include:
For ideas to help pay for your study abroad experience in Thailand see Financial Aid for Study Abroad.
Modes of Transportation in Thailand
There are many various ways that Thailand natives get around the country:
- There are numerous Thai cities that have canals, so people often use motorized boats or passenger ferries to go from one city to another. They can choose from ferry boats, express boats and long-tail boats.
- Traveling by train is a great experience for visitors in Thailand. You can choose between various types of trains (first, second or third class), many of which offer air conditioning and extra luggage space. You do need to purchase tickets beforehand, so contact a Thai travel agent.
- Buses connect just about every city in Thailand. If you are going to ride the bus for a long trip, or even overnight, you should get on an air-conditioned bus called a VIP. These are much more comfortable than everyday buses called Rot tamadaa and Rot ae, which are older and may not have air conditioning.
- Both metered and unmetered taxis are available when you study in Thailand. Taxi travel is much cheaper than traveling by bus, so if you don’t mind communicating with a driver who may not speak much of the English language then you should be okay.
Currency Exchange Rates for Thailand
Thai currency is known as the baht. You should always know the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and any foreign currency before you travel so you will be prepared to make purchases without any trouble.
Here’s what you need to know about the baht:
- Coins = 25, 50 satang, 1, 2, 5, 10 baht
- Bills = 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 baht
You can use a currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against the baht.
Study in Thailand’s Capital and Discover Hidden Wonders
Bangkok is not only the capital of Thailand, but it’s also the capital. It is a huge cultural influence on the rest of the country and has something for everyone.
- The Grand Palace used to be where the king of Thailand lived until the middle of the 20th century. It has an emerald Buddha, is covered in beautiful mosaic tile and is surrounded by huge guardian statues.
- If you enjoy shopping you can go to Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong, which offers everything from luxury name-brand clothing to hand-crafted products.
- One of the most popular Thai tourist destinations is the Jim Thompson house, which was built in 1960 by an American businessman. What began as a silk industry by Thompson blossomed into a major collection of Asian art.
- You can see an enormous reclining Buddha over 15 meters high inside a temple surrounded by statues of mythical creatures at the Wat Po temple.
Thailand is full of historical temples and other memorable attractions, so try to stop by them in between your classes.
Important Study Abroad Thailand Information
You should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need:
