Study Abroad Programs
Prince of Songkla University - Phuket, Thailand

Welcome to Phuket and Prince of Songkla University

Asia Exchange and Prince of Songkla University wants to welcome you to the paradise island of Phuket. Apply now - you will get a confirmation within a week!

Content

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Host university Prince of Songkla University

Prince of Songkla University (PSU) is a public university founded in 1967 being the first university in Southern Thailand. Approximately 35,000 students in total study at the university’s five different units and there are many exchange students. The campus in Phuket has about 3,500 students.

PSU is constantly ranked to the top among the 150 Thai universities. E.g. in the Webometrics ranking in 2011 PSU was ranked 1st in Thailand and 2nd in South East Asia.

The original aim of the university was to raise general education standards and to support regional industry and development. Today, PSU serves as a center for research and technology and provides academic services to the local communities. It also provides valuable support for the preservation and study of southern Thai culture.

PSU is a multi-campus institution with the main campus in Hat Yai. Satellite campuses are located in Pattani, Phuket, Surat Thani and Trang. In 2008, the total student enrollment at the university was over 30,000.

The university buildings are situated on a lush campus in the Kathu district in the middle of the island of Phuket, midway between Patong Beach and Phuket Town. Students appreciate the authenticity of the area, because tourists most often travel to other locations in Phuket. However, there are good travel connections from the campus to more lively areas, such as Patong Beach or Phuket Town. Traveling is easiest with a taxi, tuk-tuk or a local bus, called a songthaew. Many students also rent scooters.

Tennis, basketball and badminton courts as well as soccer fields are all situated on-campus. The air-conditioned classrooms are very modern. Almost every classroom has a computer, video projector and a document camera to be used in the teaching. The  experienced lecturers all have international backgrounds. The university offers high quality education and the teaching methods are refreshingly exotic when compared to the usual European lecture customs.

 

University's contact information:

Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus
Faculty of Service Industries
80 Moo 1, Vichit Songkram Rd., Kathu
Phuket 83120
Thailand

Contact person at Prince of Songkla University: Mr. Somjate Srirabai

www.international.psu.ac.th

More information on Prince of Songkla University here.

 Phuket Prince_of_Songkla_University_campus_building


Studies, semesters and deadlines

The international study semesters at PSU have been very popular and received much praise. The semesters last approximately 4 months and they are arranged three times a year. The study semesters are held in English and Prince of Songkla University is responsible for the teaching and the transcripts of records. Exchange students participate the same lectures with the local degree students. The courses and lecturers are of high quality.

 

Semesters start with an orientation week. You can find pictures of program's orientation weeks of Facebook: Spring 2011 and Autumn 2011.

 

Semester 1, 2012 (summer):

May 28 - Sep 14, 2012

Apply by March 10, 2012

Semester 2, 2012 (autumn):

Sep 24, 2012 - Jan 18, 2013

Apply by July 1, 2012

Semester 3, 2013 (spring):

Jan 28 - May 17,2013

Apply by November 1, 2012 

Prince of Songkla University reserves the rights to change the semester dates. It might be possible to apply also after the deadline via Asia Exchange.

Semester 3, 2012 (spring) dates: Jan 30 - May 18, 2012. Apply by November 1, 2011.

Students can take part in several semesters. Please mark the semesters you wish to participate in on your application form.


Course information

You can find the course listing and syllabi from the documents listed below. You will be asked to inform the staff of the PSU International Office of your final course decisions after arriving at the university. You can use the course listing and syllabi when making a study plan to present to your home institution.

 
Examples of courses, which have been popular among international students:
  • International Business
  • International Economics
  • Strategic Management
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Human Resources Management
  • Social Psychology
  • Leadership
  • History and Thai Society
  • Thai Food preparation
  • Thai as a Foreign Language

 

Students can choose up to 6 courses per semester. Most exchange students choose 4-5 courses. One completed course at PSU is worth of 3 or 4 credits, which is most often converted to 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) study credits or 3 US credits. Read more under study credits.

The aim of the program is to acquaint students with international trade, international cooperation and tourism with a strong focus on Asia. Students also learn Thai language.

The majority of students who go on exchange via AE are from Nordic and German speaking countries, but students from other countries are also eligible and have applied. In addition, local students take part in the same courses as the exchange students.

Student testimonial: 

 

"After spending three months in Phuket I have to admit that studying abroad really has been the best experience of my life. The exchange has enriched my studies, because it developed my abilities of studying in a multi-cultural environment and expanded my knowledge on Asian economy, business life and culture."


 Study abroad_student_Phuket_Mirella


To whom is the program intended for?

The study abroad program in Phuket is especially suitable for students who want to get to know Thailand and Asia on a world-famous paradise island. The students who participate in the program want to combine academics, free time activities and unforgettable experiences, which will all benefit their future.

The aim of the program is to broaden students’ knowledge on Asia in an international and inspiring environment, not forgetting the importance of the experience as a whole. In addition to studying, students have time for hobbies and traveling. Students who have taken part in the program have praised the extremely beautiful marine environment, the friendly international atmosphere, the inexpensive prices at the destination and numerous free time activities.

The program is suitable for anyone interested in Asia who doesn’t want to settle for traditional exchange options. The courses are interesting and they are held by lecturers with international experience. The exchange students have been highly satisfied with the lectures and visiting children in a village which was damaged by a tsunami has been one of the most memorable moments for all the students. Most students who take part in the program are students of business, technology, art, social sciences, political science and tourism. There are also students from other fields of study who take interesting minor studies in an international environment.

Students appreciate the overall experience of the study program. You can ask your home institution about the possibilities for transferring credits. A study abroad semester is a great asset when competing for jobs after graduation.

The minimum requirements are 18 years of age, completed upper secondary school (e.g. high school) and sufficient language proficiency to understand lectures given in English.

Student Exchange_Asia_clear_water

 

 

 

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options  near the campus in Phuket. Options range from basic dorm rooms to luxurious villas. The monthly rents are around 130 – 250 € per person.

Read more about accommodation in Phuket here.

 

 

 

Fees

A semester at Prince of Songkla University costs 1590 €.

The price includes 

  • Tuition fee
  • Registration fee
  • Study materials
  • Orientation guide
  • Asia Exchange's personal guidance 
  • Asia Exchange's student card (student discounts)

Most often the tuition fees at Asian universities are much more expensive than via us. It's normally very expensive to organize everything on your own as a free mover. Unlike other free movers, non-native English speakers going via AE are not required to take a TOEFL English language proficiency test which costs approximately 185 $. Please also take into account that costs of living are very low in Asia.

If students take part in several semesters, they will be given a discount of 100 € on the program fee. The prices include VAT. Please note that the fee above is for the upcoming semester. Asia Exchange reserves all rights for changes in tuition fees for semesters later on. 

 

Application procedure

It's very easy to apply and you will get a confirmation from Asia Exchange within a week of sending in your application and its attachments. After that you can start preparing for the upcoming study abroad semester in Thailand. 

Required attachments:

  • An official transcript of records in English (stamped by your home institution) or if you are not currently enrolled at an institution of higher education a copy of your high school diploma (or similar document)
  • A copy of the identification page of your passport. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after arriving in Thailand.

Please try to send all the attachments together with your application. If it's not possible, you can however send them later on.

Sending the application

  • Scan the required documents to your computer.
  • Finally fill in the application form electronically and attach the required documents here.
   apply here_study_abroad


Before uploading the documents as attachments, please name them accordingly: "firstname_lastname_transcripts" and "firstname_lastname_passport". Please upload the required documents in pdf.-format. 

We will send you the official acceptance letter before the study abrod program and the transcript of records from the host university when you have finished your studies in Asia. Please write down a permanent address where you will definitely be sure to receive the documents. 

After receiving the initial acceptance letter by email you should present a study plan to your home institution and apply for scholarships from different sources. Together with the letter of acceptance we will send you the invoice for the registration fee (50 €). The final bill (1540 €) will be sent to you 1,5 months before the start of the study abroad program. We can't ensure that applications sent close to the deadline will be automatically accepted. It's advised to apply as soon as possible to make sure your placement will be guaranteed. 

You can apply and get a confirmation even though you wouldn't be completely sure of your participation. You can cancel your participation in the study abroad program by sending AE an email a month before the start of the semester abroad. Please read through our terms and conditions.  

Extra information

On our website you can find beneficial extra information for arrangements before, during and after your study abroad program. 

- When considering studying abroad you should take a look at the destination guide on Phuket, testimonials from students and general tips for organizing accommodation. 

- While organizing your study abroad semester, read through information on traveling, scholarships, credits, visa and hints and tips from former Asia Exchange students. Also discuss the studies and possible scholarships with your home institution. 

When the application period has ended we will send the new exchange students an orientation guide that includes information on studying, accommodation, traveling, healthcare, leisure time, dealing with money and local phone subscription. 

You can contact us by email or by telephone. You can find our contact details here.

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