Kathmandu

Along with European, American destinations and Australia, many Asian countries too are becoming popular for our students aiming to study abroad. Even in Asia one can get a globally accepted degree and get a lifetime experience of studying in a cross-cultural environment. One such educational institute in Thailand is the Stamford International University (Bangkok Campus).

Studying in STIU

The first choice of students who want to go abroad for studies is either USA or Australia . However, if one can earn an American degree in Asia, then Thailand could be possible choice.

About the reason to study in Thailand and in Stamford International University (STIU), Daniel Ten Housten, Manager International Admissions, Stamford University who was in Nepal on October 3 for a seminar on study in STIU shared, “The first campus of STIU was founded in 1995 and in 2008 another campus was established. Moreover, STIU became a part of the Laureate International Universities, which is an American University network.”

The tuition and living expenses in Bangkok are less expensive than studying in European countries. Along with that Bangkok is an economic hub with the presence of almost all international companies, as per Housten. STIU has three campuses in Thailand — Rama 9 Campus and Asoke Campus — both in Bangkok, and Hua Hin Campus in Phetchaburi.

Talking about the reason to study in STIU, Rabina Shakya, Certified Enrolled Counsellor at Professional Education Consultancy, New Baneshwor, which is the exclusive consultancy in Nepal for STIU explained, "Only having an international degree is not enough for students to get success in their careers. If one aims to compete in the international job market, then they must have exposure to international culture. Studying in STIU truly gives a student an international degree as well as this needed exposure as 30 per cent of the students in STIU are international students. Students can study in a cross-cultural learning environment and set up networks for their future."

Housten added, "Students get an international degree that is accepted worldwide and in our undergraduate programme we have internships. If the students do well in their internships, there are high chances of getting a job offer from the same organisation."

Courses at STIU and eligibility

The courses available at international undergraduate programme are Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Bachelor’s in Arts and Bachelors of Science and Technology. Likewise in international graduate programme, Master’s in Business Administration is offered in STIU.

For the undergraduate programme, a student is required to complete high school or equivalent official transcripts (GED, IGCSE) and valid undergraduate degree to get enrolled in graduate programme. For admissions into the undergraduate/graduate programme, a student is required to take a placement test and must pass Level 4 of the Laureate English Program exam. Alternatively, students can submit any one of English proficiency test scores — TOEFL IBT — with a minimum score of 78, IELTS with minimum score of 6.0. Students who do not achieve the required English placement test score will be required to attend the Laureate English Program prior to enrolling in Stamford’s international degree programmes, as per Housten.

About the scholarship at STIU, Housten informed, "Students with 3.4/4 GPA or equivalent in their +2 level or Bachelor’s level can get 25 per cent off of the tuition fee."

Knowing more while studying

Most of the students who study abroad also look at doing part time jobs while studying. Moreover, Shakya informed, "There is no work permit for students in Thailand and if students are thinking about studying and working in Thailand, then it is better not to go.”

“However, a student can decide to stay and work in Thailand after completing their studies as well as we help students to find employment possibilities, but we do not guarantee that. We organise various activities to get them through the employers,” shared Housten.

There are three intakes in a year — July, March and November — at STIU and around 50 Nepali students enrol at STIU for their higher education and most Nepali students prefer Hotel Management and International Business Management, as per Housten.