Thammasat University

Unique study opportunities

• Experience coursework that incorporates case studies, examples, and perspectives relating to Asia, Southeast Asia, and Thailand.   
• Delve into Thai studies or British and American studies from a new perspective.
• Pursue research or independent study for academic credit in lieu of one of your courses.
• Get to know and work closely with locals on a topic of common interest in an academic internship.

Language

Thai Language Study: Optional

Courses are taught in English. Beginning and intermediate Thai language courses are also available. 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study: Five courses for a total of 25 quarter/16.7 semester UC units.
• The majority (three out of five courses) must be taken within your assigned Thammasat University program.
• You may take one course for pass/no pass credit.

Current Program Courses

Based on your Thammasat University application, you’ll be in placed in one of TU’s international programs. Most students enroll in courses through the following departments:

• Economics
• Business Administration
• Thai Studies 
• British and American Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Social Policy and Development

Research and Internships

Research, internships, or independent study for academic credit are possible in this program and may count as one of your five required courses. UCEAP will provide information on how you can prepare for this option before departure. Final arrangements are made after arrival.

Catalogs and resources

• TU Office of International Affairs Course Information: View Thammasat University's undergraduate programs open to exchange students at the Tha Prachan campus. Actual course availability varies. 
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Thai norms for classroom decorum call for deep respect of the social hierarchy and traditional modes of social interaction. Following the King, the Royal Family, and Buddhist monks (who are highly revered and always take precedence), university professors are deeply respected and hold prestigious positions in Thai society.

The traditional Thai university classroom culture is changing as many of the instructors are graduates of US and European institutions and welcome active class participation. However, Thai mannerisms of being polite and positive remain. Talking on cell phones, chewing gum, eating, and loud behavior of any kind is unacceptable in the classroom. In deference to Thai students’ polite reserve, avoid dominating class discussions, being overly assertive, or making negative remarks. 

The teaching style at Thammasat University often combines lecture with student presentations, discussions, and guest speakers. Classes meet for three hours once or twice a week, and a week of exams concludes the program.

Aside from area studies courses which are taken primarily by international students, the majority of courses will have a mix of Thai and international students. Thai students are serious and competitive, especially in courses in business administration and economics where a greater number of Thai students study English. They frequently work in teams or groups and, although their spoken English may be limited, their written work is of high quality.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Fall grades are typically available in mid-March and grades for the spring are typically available in mid-September.