“The authenticity of the area made me fall in love with it”
Thomas from France studied abroad at Siam University, Bangkok. You can read the interview of this strategy and marketing major from below.
What is your name and where do you come from?
My name is Thomas and I study in the French Business School Kedge BS, in Marseille, and I’m majoring in Strategy and Marketing. After two years in Marseille and a year working for Unilever, I decided to travel abroad and study in an Asian university. I didn’t know then that it was going to be the best choice I could have made during my studies.
Why did you choose to study in Asia?
I wanted to discover a completely foreign country and area. I didn’t know Asia at all and I thought that Asia, as an emerging economic are, is an extremely useful place to be in with regards to my future.
Would you tell us a little about the application process?
I asked my business school if it was possible to go to an university as a free mover. After they said yes, I started looking for organizations that could be help me do it. Asia Exchange seemed to be the most relevant organization and the procedure was very easy to understand and the staff was very helpful.
What kind of accommodation did you have in Bangkok?
We lived in Isanook, a great hotel in the inner city of Bangkok, near BTS Nana. We paid 250€ per month for a three bedroom apartment. We also had a swimming pool, fitness room, entertainment room, work room and all the facilities you need.
What were the highlights of your exchange?
The best thing was probably my travel experiences. I managed to have free time so as to travel by train, by motor bike and by bus through Thailand and some of the bordering countries. The authenticity of the area made me fall in love with it. It was just incredible: beauty, wilderness, kindness of the Thaï people… All of it was something I could not have imagined beforehand.
Which were the most interesting topics in your studies?
Probably my research on Advertisement and Strategic Marketing. Two subjects that require creativity and open-mindedness.
Did you have a chance to travel during your stay?
I traveled in Myanmar and all around Thailand. The two countries were so fantastic that I don’t really know what I could have done better!
Did you experience any culture shock in the beginning?
I expected to be surprised and amazed. It happened and I really liked it! Asian people don’t live like Europeans, at all. I discovered lots of trends, values and habits that I had never figured out before. All these things spoke to me and made it a real experience.
In your opinion, why should people go to study in Asia?
Because Asia is an emerging area. Cultures and values are very strong and different from European cultures. Food is great! Spending power makes you able to discover a lot while respecting everyone during your trip. You go there to discover another way of life: a stage that you will never forget in your entire life.
What are your greetings to Asia Exchange?
Simply wonderful! People are open and very available if you need any information or details. The managers are very nice, available and humble. I think that their process is very efficient and simple for anyone who wants to go abroad.
What would you like to say to a person who is thinking about going on an exchange to Asia?
Let’s go! You will never forget it!
Any other comments in mind?
May I experience it again? I want to go back to Asia!
