Fall Semester – 19 weeks (August 6 - December 13, 2009)
Spring Semester – 19 weeks (early January to early May)

Spring 2010 closed

Sponsored by the Eli Broad College of Business

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Spend a semester living in central Bangkok and attending classes with Thai B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration) students at Chulalongkorn University!  At Chulalongkorn you have the opportunity to take core business courses and possibly additional courses in your major. 

Chulalongkorn University was founded by King Rama V, the son in the famous musical The King and I.  Rama V sent all of his 42 children to study in the West (the U.S. and Europe) because he saw this as a way to move his country into the 20th century. The university continues this policy today.  Its B.B.A. program is designed to attract U.S. students who work closely with Thai B.B.A. students.  Together, Thai and U.S. students will learn and forge ties that will benefit both countries in the years to come. 

Majors needing business service courses are encouraged to apply for this program!

Where does it take place?

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is 50% larger in population than France.  It is a country rich in culture and natural beauty.  It has wonderful architecture, beautiful beaches and islands, inexpensive shopping, extraordinary food, tribal cultures, ancient ruins and all the modern amenities as well.  Originally called Siam, the name was changed in 1939 to Thailand, meaning "Land of the Free."  Unlike all neighboring countries, Thailand never fell under the domination of European colonial powers.  With approximately 60 million people located at the intersection of Chinese and Indian cultures, the dominant religion is Buddhism.  Buddhist temples, though not on every street corner, abound both in Bangkok and in Thailand’s northern and southern provinces.

Bangkok, the capital city, is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River that empties into the Gulf of Thailand.  The area south of Bangkok is renowned for its resorts and beaches.  To the north lies the developing region of Udon Thani and, across the Mekong River, Laos.  Chaing Mai, another of Thailand’s most famous and beautiful cities, lies in its northernmost province close to the “Golden Triangle,” the intersection between Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), and Laos. 

Today, Thailand is a rapidly developing country with enormous human and natural resources.  The emerging Chinese presence on its northern border, as well as the intrinsic needs of its people, is spurring it to move rapidly into 21st-century technology and business practices.  To help students grasp how these efforts are moving in each of Thailand’s major regions, excursions are encouraged to the southern resort area, Udon Thani, Laos, and Chaing Mai.

What can I study?

This program is designed for business students admitted to the Broad College and for those students in majors permitted to take the business service courses.  Program participants are required to enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) semester credits.  MSU students will pay MSU tuition, receive transfer credit and be able to enroll in the following Chula B.B.A. classes, which satisfy MSU Business Core degree requirements:

• Human Resource Management
• Introduction to Statistics
• Production/Operations Management
• Management Accounting
• Principles of International Business Management
• Business Finance
• International Financial Management
• Seminar in International Business Management
• International Economics
• Introduction to Information Technology and Information Systems
• Current Issues in International Business Management
• Management and Organization

While many of these subjects are approved areas of study, it is the student’s responsibility to consult with an adviser to determine specific course equivalencies and offerings during their intended semester of study.

Students may enroll in any of Chula’s courses, subject to the approval by the appropriate MSU academic department and the student’s academic adviser.  All courses will be taught in English by Chulalongkorn faculty members with advanced degrees.  Most participating faculty have degrees from U.S. universities.

At this time, business courses will be considered transfer credit and will not be computed into your MSU GPA. Students will make their course selection prior to departure and enroll as non-degree students at Chulalongkorn University.  MSU students remain enrolled at MSU for this program and are allowed to maintain their financial aid. 

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

All students must be of junior status and in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the time of application.  Students must either be admitted (or likely to be admitted) to the Eli Broad College of Business, or in majors permitted to take Broad service courses. 

Students must also submit an essay with their application indicating their interest in the program and what particular aspects of Thailand appeal to them.  Essays should demonstrate the applicant’s understanding and ability to manage cultural differences as well as their maturity in being an ambassador for MSU and the college they represent. 

Furthermore, early application and high GPA is not a guarantee of admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will live in nearby shared apartments.  All apartments are fully-serviced and air conditioned.  They are an easy walk to the Chulalongkorn main campus.  

Meals can be purchased from commercial vendors, who are in abundance near the apartments, or from food service providers on campus.  Meal prices for standard menu items are very reasonable.

Who can tell me more about this program?

For Business majors:
Jayne Braverman
Eli Broad College of Business
Undergraduate Academic Services
402A Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 355-7605  

Dwight Handspike
Eli Broad College of Business
Undergraduate Academic Services
402A Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 355-7605

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

A valid passport and multiple-entry visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Thailand. 

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

Students participating in this program are strongly encouraged to receive a series of immunizations specific for travel within Asia.  Students should schedule an appointment to be seen at a travel clinic at least 4-8 weeks before the program to inquire about the recommended and/or required vaccines to consider before departure.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

Funds paid directly by the student include:

• transportation to Thailand
• accommodations
• meals
• books and supplies
• tuition and fees
• passport application fee
• visa application fees
• pre-departure doctor visit
• pre-departure immunizations
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $6,046 for Spring 2010.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

A program fee of $234 (Spring 2010) is required and includes pre-departure orientation and requisite accident and sickness insurance.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for fall semester programs and October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation and by March 1st for fall semester participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. 

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

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