If you have ever dreamt of living in a never-ending-summer, tropical environment and pursuing an academic career, then the benefits of being awarded your degree from the IIS in Ramkamhaeng University are extensive.  Going to any university is expensive in both time and money, but it secures a future for you.  Your degree will afford you opportunities that would otherwise not be available to you. You should study at the IIS in Ramkamhaeng University, Bangkok because it is inexpensive, the climate is wonderful and the academic responsibilities are flexible.  Are there better universities in better locations with a better value attached to the local currency than what you get at the IIS in Bangkok?  I do not know and I suspect that there is, however, I would like you to make your mind up for yourself.

Tuition costs for universities have sky-rocketed all over the world and the IIS has seen tuition cost increases as well.  Typical tuition costs in Canada are $6.000cdn to $8000cdn per semester (2 per year) for good universities such as Dalhousie, St. Mary’s, McGill and the University of Toronto. Today in Thai Baht that is around 168,000b to 244,000b per semester.  In the U.S., typical tuition costs are a bit higher with the same level universities costing around $9,000US to $15,000US per semester. Some U.S. universities tuitions exceed $50,000US per semester. Today in Thai Baht that is 306,000b to 510,000b and 1,700,000b, respectively per semester.  Tuition costs at the IIS in Ramkamhaeng University are 27,500b per semester to 38,000b per semester according to the area of study.  As you can see there is no comparison and keep in mind this does not take into account the cost of living. The cost of living, for the most part, is much lower in Thailand than it is in Canada, the U.S., England or Australia and this adds to an already substantial amount of savings. One of the primary reasons the cost of living is lower is the wonderful never-ending summer with its abundance of food and the lack of the need to heat houses or water, no need to buy expensive, warm clothing or any other savings a warm climate benefits from.  

The climate here in Thailand is classified as tropical rain forest. Some people like warm weather and some people say they find it unbearable.  I enjoy warm weather. I grew up in eastern Canada and experienced four full beautiful seasons yearly and even though I can handle the cold and sometimes enjoy it, if I had to make my mind up between cold or hot, I think I would choose hot.  As well, I think some of the people who feel they would find it too hot here in Thailand would adjust to the climate here in perhaps one year.  The climate here provides fresh fruit, seafood as well as recreational activities that are second to nowhere else on earth.  A typical weekend while living in Bangkok could include going to one of several beaches within a two hour drive, renting a boat or going on a fishing excursion, jet skiing, fresh food lunches, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, cycling and walking. For you night time entertainment there is something for everyone no matter what your fancy is. The next day is open for another fun filled day or to take it easy on the beach or shopping before heading back to Bangkok and continuing with your academic studies.

At the IIS your academic responsibilities are flexible and can be fulfilled by even the laziest people! Some might say that the courses at the IIS are substandard or of low caliber. I would have to agree that some are. But, all universities have differing degrees of courses and western universities have ‘bird courses’ as well. At the IIS, you quickly learn and understand what it is you really want from your academic career. Whether you just want to coast through your studies and get your paper or you push yourself, compete against yourself and self actualize what it is you want from life, who you are and who you can become.  I feel that there is a higher caliber graduate that graduates from the IIS. Yes, there are some graduates that are not going to make great employees, but just because you have a degree from any University anywhere does not mean you are going to make a good employee. After all isn’t the main goal of a university to produce students that know how to teach themselves and learn.   When you pursue your academic studies at the IIS, you get three to four months off a year to enjoy yourself.

Are there cheaper universities than the IIS?  Yes, I am sure there are. Are there better climates than the one Bangkok experiences? Yes, I am sure, once again, that there are.  Are there better universities academically than the IIS? Yes, I am sure there are. Are there cheaper universities in better climates which are academically more flexible than IIS? Personally, I do not know of any in Canada or the U.S., but I would be interested in learning more about any. However, if you do not know of any, then I would recommend that you consider the IIS in Ramkamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand.