Overview
Thammasat University is one of the oldest universities in Thailand, and today it offers nearly 200 academic programs across four campuses. EAP offers you course work in English at the Tha Prachan campus in the capital city of Bangkok through select international programs in Business Administration, Economics, and British and American Studies (with course work in literature, communications, and cultural studies), as well as interdisciplinary Thai studies at the Pridi Banomyong International College. Within these departments, a variety of interdisciplinary interests are available for study and research, with summer internship opportunities available for spring semester participants. All students complement their courses with the daily experience of living in a traditional, graceful society set within a vital, progressive economy.
Students attend classes with international and Thai students.
Course Opportunities
Courses are offered through the Pridi Banomyong International College (interdisciplinary Thai studies), Economics Department, British and American Studies Department, and Political Science Department on a variety of subjects ranging from Business Administration in the areas of economics, business management, development studies, politics, international relations with an Asian focus, literature, and history to Thai language, religion, and cultural studies.
A new program in journalism (mass media studies) with courses taught in English is now open to our students. It is located at the Rangsit campus, which is on the outskirts of Bangkok approximately one hour from the Tha Prachan campus that houses EAP’s other programs.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study on EAP; 21 UC quarter units per semester (minimum of five courses, which is normally 25 UC quarter units).
Language of Instruction
English
Language Study
Thai language study is strongly recommended but not required.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Research and independent study for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements are made at the EAP Study Center after arrival. Predeparture preparation may be required. Year and spring participants also have the opportunity to apply for
non-academic summer internships with nonprofit organizations, business enterprises,
or UN-related agencies.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: early August to mid-December
Spring: early January to mid-May
Year: early August to mid-May
You are encouraged to extend your EAP participation from the fall to the year, or from the spring to the Interdisciplinary Thai Studies,
Thammasat Univ. summer option.
Housing
Students live in local apartments approved by Thammasat University and share space with international students, UC students, and possibly Thai students.
On-site Support
EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. A local faculty member, who serves as the EAP Liaison Officer, administers EAP programs at Thammasat University. The Liaison Officer advises EAP students on academic matters, coordinates cultural activities, assists with program logistics, and provides support for personal matters. Thammasat student affairs units also provide a wide range of services such as orientation and student activities.
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).
Host Institutions
Thammasat University, Bangkok
Thammasat University is one of the top universities in Southeast Asia. Founded originally as a school of law and politics, Thammasat became a comprehensive university in 1986 with the establishment of a second campus, Rangsit, for science and technology programs. Thammasat now comprises 17 faculties and several research institutes, enrolling approximately 25,000 students, including nearly 6,000 graduate students and 200 international students. Thammasat students are known for their activism and interest in Thai politics.
The university’s international courses taught in English (i.e., Thai Studies, Economics, Business Administration, and British and American Studies), considered to be the university’s elite curricula, are located on the main campus of Tha Prachan in the Chao Phraya riverfront area of central Bangkok. Within easy walking distance are some of Thailand’s most sacred temples, the Grand Palace (the Emerald Buddha Temple), the National Theater, the National Museum, and many government ministries.
Facilities at the main Tha Prachan are generally well equipped and air-conditioned, with additional renovations underway. There is a campus-wide computer network with full Internet access and computer labs for student use. The Rajanagarindra Resource Center provides audio-visual materials and computers for student access and study in a tranquil environment.
Visit the Thammasat University website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
- Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
- Round-trip transportation from California
- UC fees
- Tuition at host institution
- Accident and medical insurance
- On-site orientation
- Room and board
- Program excursions to different regions of Thailand
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$9,300 |
| Spring |
$9,300 |
| Year |
$16,500 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate (selected disciplines only)
Language Prerequisite
None
GPA
2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions. Graduate students are required to have a 3.0 GPA.
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by Thammasat University.
Deadlines
Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.
For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.
Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:
