Asia: Applying to Study Abroad Fall 2009
After a lot of travel research the past years I’ve finally concluded a study abroad program is the most economical and rewarding means to live abroad for an extended period of time. After hours of research and introspection I’m happy to say that I’ll [hopefully] be studying abroad this Fall 2009 in Asia.
I just finished applying for my desired program(s) which go through my business school and are somewhat competitive from what I hear. My business school has a multitude of programs, mostly of which are based in Europe and are not affordable for me. However, fortunately they offer some great Asian programs too, and in my application I’m applying for three and ranking each one by preference. Here are the possibilities:
Bangkok Thailand
Leading my favorite programs my miles is a program in Bangkok Thailand. I would be able to study at Thammasat University, which is the best university in the country and is well known throughout Southeast Asia.
I looked at it first for its great affordability and access to cheap travel everywhere, like Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, not to mention the great places within the country. After more reflection though I really want to go here to experience what it’s like to live in a developing country since I would grow most from this type of opportunity. Also, they have a lot of microfinance activity and I’m considering that as a career path, so we’ll see.
Hong Kong
Contrasts Thailand quite a bit with a lot of Western and modern influences, but still plenty of Chinese culture to take in. The School is Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Also, a very highly acclaimed business program, and Hong Kong would definitely lead to awesome Chinese ventures along with trips to Vietnam and Laos, but at a greater cost.
Singapore
Well, not a budget traveler’s dream by any means, but it’s Asian and has a lot of cheap flights throughout Asia. Singapore basically is a young United States in Asia with its high GDP per capita, lack of ethnic majority, and commercialized western culture. I’d be studying at Singapore Management University, also a very well acclaimed institution based on Wharton (UPenn (Ivy league))
I’m really crossing my fingers for Thailand, but I’m confident with my essay and application. If it happens that I am not accepted to Thailand, I may consider other programs through my university’s study abroad center.
Hopefully I will be in Thailand and all over Asia August-January 2009, so if you will be in the area and want to meet up, or have any tips for me, Get in touch!
My wife and I are currently spending a semester in Ireland, studying abroad. It's definitely not the cheapest place we could go (the USD to Euro conversion hurt), but we get to tour the country on weekends, and get at least two weeks to visit Europe.
My suggestion for studying abroad is to find a direct exchange. We paid tuition at our home institutions (and kept all our financial aid) and didn't have too many out-of-pocket expenses: plane tickets, travel insurance, some admin fees, and our passport/visas. There are scholarships out there targeting students who will be studying abroad, so be sure and apply before the deadlines, as often times they will be enough to cover your extra stuff (or would have been for ours, if we'd applied in time!)
Singapore is not as bad as people make it out to be, especially if you like to eat street food. As far as cost of living, HK is definitely more expensive. Bangkok would be my first choice too though.
Studying abroad is such a life changing experience. I don't think there's a better education a person can get. I went abroad and I can't name a single person I know that regretted it. I know plenty of people who regret not going abroad, though. Good for you... and remember that having a bad day in another country is still better than most days at home.
It is a wonderful proposition to study abroad and if you are getting a chance at it don't let go of it. Wish you luck....
[...] ago I received news that I was accepted to study abroad in Bangkok, Thailand (application covered here) for the upcoming fall academic session starting sometime in August 2009 - December 2009. I will [...]
Can you share any of your experience?