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bangkok vs singapore for studies

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danielnl
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bangkok vs singapore for studies

Post by danielnl » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:04 am

Hi everyone,

do you feel yourself well integrated into the Singaporean community? I haven't heard much good about Singaporeans in general when it comes to friendliness and competitiveness.

Where would you prefer to stay for one semester to pursue your studies: Bangkok or Singapore?

I'll be happy to hear any of your thoughts on this matter.

Daniel

Bloomaul
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Post by Bloomaul » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 4:10 am

Hi,

let me tell you first: I did an exchange semester in BKK, so I might be not that objective. There are two aspects you should think about:

First, academic standards. Hands down, Singapore is way better. You cant compare the reputation of NTU or NUS with Thai universities. I was at Thammasat, one of the best/or the best university in Thailand. If you want to polish your CV and study hard, go to Singapore.

Second, leisure. Bangkok - it cant get better. Bangkok is the perfect hub to travel Asia - Thailand itself, Lao, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam. All destinations can be easily reached via van or airplane. Compared to Singapore it is very cheap. Thais are extremly friendly and welcoming. No problem to integrate yourself in community or get contact to locals. Not to mention the nightlife :D

If you got any question, do not hestitate to ask ;)

No matter what you choose, it will be a great time 8-)

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Fortan
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Post by Fortan » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 8:52 am

Bloomaul wrote:Hi,

let me tell you first: I did an exchange semester in BKK, so I might be not that objective. There are two aspects you should think about:

First, academic standards. Hands down, Singapore is way better. You cant compare the reputation of NTU or NUS with Thai universities. I was at Thammasat, one of the best/or the best university in Thailand. If you want to polish your CV and study hard, go to Singapore.

Second, leisure. Bangkok - it cant get better. Bangkok is the perfect hub to travel Asia - Thailand itself, Lao, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam. All destinations can be easily reached via van or airplane. Compared to Singapore it is very cheap. Thais are extremly friendly and welcoming. No problem to integrate yourself in community or get contact to locals. Not to mention the nightlife :D

If you got any question, do not hestitate to ask ;)

No matter what you choose, it will be a great time 8-)
+1... completely agree!

beppi
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Post by beppi » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 5:01 pm

Although I did study in neither Singapore or Bangkok, I have worked extensively with graduates from both and can say: The Thais seem to learn next to nothing at university, while Singaporeans are the usual - good in theory, need to learn most in practise.
I also lived near Thammasat university in Thailand and can confirm that there is no social life for a foreigner anywhere near it, as it's is a bumpy one-hour-busride away from downtown Bangkok - if there are no jams (it also took me three hours on occasion).

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Post by Bloomaul » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 7:33 pm

beppi wrote: I also lived near Thammasat university in Thailand and can confirm that there is no social life for a foreigner anywhere near it, as it's is a bumpy one-hour-busride away from downtown Bangkok - if there are no jams (it also took me three hours on occasion).
I have to disagree on that. Rangsit campus is at Pathumthani. Max 50min with the van to Victory mounument (the van always uses the highway). And it costs you 20Baht (very cheap). Of course this sucks a bit, but its a good opportunity to take a nap - you will need it :D
Advantage is, that you are very close to DMK airport and the van station at Future Park.

Social live? On the campus is everything: You can engage in 12309480238 different clubs, you got all kinds of sports courts (badminton, volleyball, soccer, tennis, basketball...) and its easy to hook up with thais in one of the bars. Furthermore, it is possible to stay in BKK and study at Rangsit.

Bloomaul
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Post by Bloomaul » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 7:36 pm

Like I said, Thais are good, when it comes to reflecting content, but lack the ability to formulate own thoughts. Therefore, it is quite easy to get good grade ;)

x9200
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Post by x9200 » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 7:55 pm

You mean as opposite to the Singaporeans?

Bloomaul
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Post by Bloomaul » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 8:36 pm

I dont know Singaporeans students :shock: Tell me :)

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Post by x9200 » Mon, 17 Feb 2014 10:49 pm

How can? You know how the SG and Thai unis teach the students yet you know only the Thai students?

Bloomaul
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Post by Bloomaul » Tue, 18 Feb 2014 1:00 am

Where did I wrote that? I said I did an exchange semester in BKK and that the reputation of NTU and NUS (SMU) are better.

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Post by x9200 » Tue, 18 Feb 2014 8:33 am

You said a bit more. It was about academic standards. Hard to tell anything about it if you never actually worked or at least study over there (NTU/NUS). Don't you think?

The problem is that for many many people what you wrote about the Thai students is what the whole SG education is about.

You can understand my confusion now.

Bloomaul
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Post by Bloomaul » Tue, 18 Feb 2014 5:39 pm

x9200 wrote:You said a bit more. It was about academic standards. Hard to tell anything about it if you never actually worked or at least study over there (NTU/NUS). Don't you think?

The problem is that for many many people what you wrote about the Thai students is what the whole SG education is about.

You can understand my confusion now.
Well, Reputation would have been the better word - sorry ;)

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