I have spent the last three years in Thailand, the first two teaching English and Tourism at a Thai university. Prior to that I worked a variety of jobs mainly in the fields of business and education. I decided to come to Thailand and Southeast Asia of my own accord and on my own finances for many reasons particularly the need to satisfy my immense curiosity about the world outside my home in the U.S. Thailand offers a great opportunity to learn every day, to travel, and more than that it is just an easy place in which to adjust.

The MA in Southeast Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University offers a unique opportunity to study about the region 'in the region' and staying in the modern and dynamic city of Bangkok offers the chance to observe the rapid processes of change. The changes going on in society here are quite a revelation to me after spending most of my life in the developed world.

There are a good selection of classes, and you will find that many of the lecturers are the authors of books you will be asked to read or perhaps have already read if you studied Southeast Asia before. The Thai mantra of 'sanook' or fun is taken to heart here and nothing is too serious. However, you will be expected to produce, learn, and contribute in the classes. Teachers, methods, and expectations of course vary.

The staffs are friendly and helpful and have helped me on a number of occasions. The university is located in the center of the city so it is accessible to the most convenient modes of transportation although driving is not recommended. For me the best part of the program is the diverse international make-up of the students in the program and the fun social atmosphere that we share. I won't say that the program suits all needs but it provides a number of things to a number of different people.

Zachary "Zak" Buttel
  United States