International university, what does that mean? In the Thai context, this term is used to describe an institute of higher education where English is the language of instruction. In most cases, it would be more politically correct to talk about international colleges, faculties, or programs, which are parts of existing Thai universities. But the question is: "why English"? The answer is quite simple. It is because English is the lingua franca of the modern globalized world. It is a common language used in the publication of scientific research. It is also prevalently used in conducting international business. People who know and speak English well have great advantages compared to those who don't. In Thailand, English is a de facto second language. Even though the law does not recognize it as such, but it is indisputable that numerous Thai companies require their employees to speak English, let alone foreign companies and corporations. Even street vendors in Bangkok are able to speak English, however minimal, to communicate with their customers of various national backgrounds.
Given numerous opportunities that are the by-products of the ability to speak English, many students seek various means to improve their English skills. Thus emerged the strong demand for post-secondary education in English. In order to meet with this demand, top universities in Thailand began developing English programs, and later on they established themselves as international universities. This allows for a broader range of education as most books and countless forms of educational publication are available in English. Most of these international universities are located in Bangkok and its metropolitan peripheries. The following list is comprised of some well-known universities in Thailand where English is the language of instruction (in alphabetical order).
Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University, or simply Chula amongst Thai speakers, is located in downtown Bangkok, right in the centre of commerce known to all Thais and foreigners as Siam. It is within a walking distance from the BTS SkyTrain, which enables easy accessibility to the campus. Many Thais believe in the prestige of this institute as it was established by one of the Chakri kings of the past. The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs in English. These programs are categorized according to the faculties to which they belong. It is notable that fees between Thai citizens and foreigners differ substantially. The university requires varying scores from one of these examinations IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or CU-TEP. These are the courses offered by Chula at the undergraduate level:
Faculty of Commerce and Accounting
• Accounting
• International Business Management
Faculty of Economics
• Economics
Faculty of Science
• Applied Chemistry
Faculty of Engineering
• Nano Engineering
• Automotive Design and Manufacturing Engineering
• Information and Communication Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
Faculty of Architecture
• Architectural Design
• Communication Design
Faculty of Communication Arts
• Communication Management
Faculty of Arts
• Language and Culture
Faculty of Psychology
• Psychological Science
Mahidol University International College
Mahidol University International College or MUIC is a part of Mahidol University, a renowned institute of higher education named after Prince Mahidol, the father of King Rama IX. Its main campus is located in Salaya, but it is easily accessible via the Salaya Link, a shuttle bus system between Wongwian Yai BTS station and Salaya provided by the university. The International College is well known for its high English standard of admission. It has a reputation of being the first public university to offer an international degree program. The aim of MUIC is to provide its students with a liberal arts education to promote the culture of learning so that the students are well-rounded. It accepts tests scores from one of the following tests in addition to its own admission examination: IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT. Currently, MUIC offers the following undergraduate degree programs:
Bachelor of Arts
• Social Science
• Communication Design
• Entertainment Media Production
Bachelor Business Administration
• Business Economics
• Finance
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Marketing
• Tourism & Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Biological Science
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Environment
• Food Science and Technology
• Physics
Bachelor of Nursing Science
• Nursing Science
Thammasat University
Thammasat is known for its involvement in the politics of Thailand. Its international programs are organized on the two campuses: the Prachan campus downtown and the Rangsit campus in the outskirts of Bangkok. Even though Thammasat's international programs do not have the longest history in Thailand, it has a great reputation which it has upheld. Similar to other universities, Thammasat accepts IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT test scores as part of its admission criteria. These are the programs offered:
• The Combined Bachelor and Master of Political Science Program in Politics and International Relation
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Economics
• Bachelor's Degree in British and American Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Business English Communication
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science and Technology
• Double Degree of Engineering - Twinning Engineering Programmme
• Bachelor Degree of Engineering - Thammasat English Programme of Engineering
• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism (Mass Media Studies)
• Bachelor's of Arts in Chinese Studies
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