Details

• Thailand
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I recommend starting the preparation process as early as possible. After I was accepted to Thammasat University, I immediately started reading exchange reports, which helped me compare experiences and prepare well. Both WU and Thammasat University provided all the necessary information in a timely manner. Choose your courses so that you only have classes on two or three days per week, giving you more time to travel, as travelling in Thailand is very affordable. I also recommend booking your flight several months in advance and choosing a flexible return ticket, as prices can change rapidly due to geopolitical situations. Before arriving, download LINE, Bolt, and Grab, bring enough cash for your first week, exchange it at the airport (SuperRich), and arrive a few days before Orientation Week to settle in and meet other students. I also recommend getting a local SIM card at 7-Eleven after arrival. I chose TRUE and had a very affordable mobile data package with reliable internet throughout my stay. Finally, I recommend staying in the accommodation where most exchange students live instead of renting a private condo. It makes it much easier to meet people and fully enjoy the social experience.

2. Accommodation

Most exchange students stayed at Amarin Mansion, while only a few chose Sivalai Place. I also considered renting a private condo, as it is very affordable compared to European prices, but I am very happy that I decided against it. Since most exchange students lived at Amarin Mansion, it was much easier to connect with others and join activities. There was always something going on. Thammasat Business School does not provide student residences. Amarin Mansion is a hotel, but around 80% of the residents are exchange students. I stayed in a Type B room with a small kitchen and fridge, which was convenient for preparing breakfast. However, you need to buy all kitchen equipment yourself, and since eating out in Thailand is very cheap, a kitchen is not necessary. And I would not recommend paying for WIFI at Amarin Mansion, it is not reliable. The residence is about a 30-minute walk from the university, close to the city center, and located in an authentic local area. It is not the most luxurious place, and electricity costs can sometimes be high, but overall compared to Europe, it is still very affordable. My biggest tip is to book your room by email as early as possible and bring enough cash for the deposit. In the end, I learned that the accommodation itself matters less than the people you meet. Living together with other exchange students made the place special.

3. Academic life at host university

The Thammasat Business School (TBS) campus was quite small, which I really liked. It is located next to the river and close to the city center, with many palaces and temples nearby. The campus has a football field, a small gym, a library, and a great cafeteria with many affordable food and drink options. I recommend bringing a hoodie to the library and classes, as the air conditioning in Thailand is very strong. The relationship between students and professors was very friendly. Professors were interested in our lives and focused less on exams and more on class participation, group work, presentations, and projects. The midterm and final exams were also very manageable. Compared to WU, the workload was much easier. Guest speakers also made many courses more interesting. I chose mainly management and marketing courses, which were less demanding compared to finance and accounting courses. I planned my schedule so that I only had classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which gave me a lot of time to travel. Many exchange students arranged their courses similarly. I took the following courses: ER312 Creation of Product Innovation, HR201 Modern Management and Entrepreneurship, IB211 Global Environment of International Business, and MK201 Principles of Marketing. Uniforms are not required, despite what is stated in the catalogue. The only thing to keep in mind is that shoulders and knees should be covered during exams.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Bangkok is affordable and easy to use. The MRT and subway are convenient, but the network is quite limited. There are also many cheap bus connections, although buses often get stuck in traffic. Therefore, most students use Bolt or Grab for taxis or motorbikes, which are very affordable and a fun way to explore the city. As a woman, I always felt very safe in Thailand. Exchange students often went out two to three times per week, and there were many events, with free entry and drinks for women at many places. Students also organized activities such as weekly football games near Ammarin Mansion, padel, and table tennis. The university hosted some events at the beginning of the semester to help students connect. I spent a lot of my free time travelling around Thailand and Southeast Asia, which is very affordable and easy to organize. I usually booked trips through 12Go Asia and Booking.com. Exploring temples, parks, malls, and trying local food made sure there was always something new to discover.

6. Testimonial

Overall, my exchange semester was the most incredible and unforgettable experience. I arrived without many expectations but had the best time, thanks to the friendliness of Thai people and the amazing exchange student community. I travelled to many breathtaking islands and countries, made friends from all over the world, and learned a lot both academically and personally by experiencing different cultures. The experience made me more open, spontaneous, and outgoing, and I truly wish the exchange could have lasted longer.