Rajabhat University Experiences
- legendarysurfer
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 23
- Joined: May 13, 2006, 8:44 am
- Location: Santa Barbara / Nong Soong Pleui, near NBL
- Contact:
Rajabhat University Experiences
Our Thai/Lao daughter (now in the USA) wants to go back to Thailand for college. While my wife and I do not consider this the smart move, the daughter has not been happy the four years she has been in Santa Barbara. Imagine that? At her age, college in Santa Barbara would have been my ideal... Anyway, UT Rajabhat has come into the discussions (our Thai/Lao family live not far from NBL). I was wondering if anyone has any personal experiences with the university? I am particularly interested in her job prospects following graduation... Thanks in advance for all replies. [-o<
<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A21LH9tHXoQ&hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A21LH9tHXoQ&hl ... 0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>[/youtube]
<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A21LH9tHXoQ&hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A21LH9tHXoQ&hl ... 0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Malcolm Gault-Williams
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
- wazza
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 9020
- Joined: April 2, 2006, 9:06 pm
- Location: Cuba- Drove around in an Ol 55 Chev - On the Prowl
- Contact:
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
There have been many graduates this year and the job market due to the global meltdown , has meant most of them are not securing any long term perm positions.
My Gf and many of her friends are in this situation.
Part time stuff on a daily , weekly basis is probably the best out there.
However Im sure some have got perm positions due to contacts / friends etc
My Gf and many of her friends are in this situation.
Part time stuff on a daily , weekly basis is probably the best out there.
However Im sure some have got perm positions due to contacts / friends etc
- legendarysurfer
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 23
- Joined: May 13, 2006, 8:44 am
- Location: Santa Barbara / Nong Soong Pleui, near NBL
- Contact:
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Thanks, Wazza... I imagine the economies of both Thailand and USA will be better in four years (hypothetical graduation date), but who's to say? You're right-on about the "who you know" aspect. -o<
Malcolm Gault-Williams
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
- JimboPSM
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 3581
- Joined: July 4, 2005, 3:23 pm
- Location: Isle of Man / Bangkok / Udon Thani
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
I’ve no experience of the University so I cannot comment on that; however I have known a number of Bangkok based Thai businessmen (mainly involved in imports and exports for energy and food industries) and from time to time we’ve talked about education.
From these occasional conversations on education it appears to me that one of the most sought after “qualifications” is the ability not to just read, write, and speak good English but to actually understand what that English actually means (along with a similar ability in Thai).
In my opinion the best area for job prospects after graduation would have to be in Bangkok where such an English language ability would be at a premium.
Incidentally most of my Thai business friends were sent in their teens by their parents to schools in the US, Europe or Australia to learn English and then followed that up with a University education there.
From these occasional conversations on education it appears to me that one of the most sought after “qualifications” is the ability not to just read, write, and speak good English but to actually understand what that English actually means (along with a similar ability in Thai).
In my opinion the best area for job prospects after graduation would have to be in Bangkok where such an English language ability would be at a premium.
Incidentally most of my Thai business friends were sent in their teens by their parents to schools in the US, Europe or Australia to learn English and then followed that up with a University education there.
Ashamed to be English since 23rd June 2016 when England voted for racism & economic suicide.
Disgusted that the UK is “governed” by a squalid bunch of economically illiterate, self-serving, sleazy and corrupt neo-fascists.
Disgusted that the UK is “governed” by a squalid bunch of economically illiterate, self-serving, sleazy and corrupt neo-fascists.
- legendarysurfer
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 23
- Joined: May 13, 2006, 8:44 am
- Location: Santa Barbara / Nong Soong Pleui, near NBL
- Contact:
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Thanks, JimboPSM... Kulthida's English language, reading and writing are good and getting better. She's been away from the Thai educational system for four years, so I estimate her Thai reading and writing skills are just barely HS level... So, her asset is English (along with Lao, if she ever pursues her tri-lingual capabilities) and her weak spot is, curiously, Thai language.JimboPSM wrote:From these occasional conversations on education it appears to me that one of the most sought after “qualifications” is the ability not to just read, write, and speak good English but to actually understand what that English actually means (along with a similar ability in Thai).
In my opinion the best area for job prospects after graduation would have to be in Bangkok where such an English language ability would be at a premium.
Incidentally most of my Thai business friends were sent in their teens by their parents to schools in the US, Europe or Australia to learn English and then followed that up with a University education there.
Yes, Plan A was the one you describe your Thai business friends as implementing. If she were "my" daughter, I would keep her on Plan A and she would keep herself on Plan A if not for her, at least for me. Not so in this case. So, we go to Plan B -- whatever that will be. [-o<
Malcolm Gault-Williams
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
- Stantheman
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: February 9, 2009, 3:33 am
- Location: USA (For Now)
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Surfer,
I talked to my wife who was a teacher at another technical school in Udon. She said that Rajabhat is an O.K. university (changed from an “Institute” a few years ago) and was originally a teachers school, but offers other majors now. Main thing you will need to remember is your daughter will have to take the entrance exam for the major she wants to take and it may only be offered at certain times of the year. She could possibly major in English and minor in business. Recommend she work on her Thai ready/writing now before she goes back. My daughter who came to U.S. in Dec 2004 as an eight grader and now goes to a local university here in Kansas kept up with her Thai language while learning English and is still fluent in Thai and Lao. You might be surprised as to what your daughter remembers once she start using Thai again. If you have more questions just PM me and I will see if my wife can answer some questions for you or your wife
I talked to my wife who was a teacher at another technical school in Udon. She said that Rajabhat is an O.K. university (changed from an “Institute” a few years ago) and was originally a teachers school, but offers other majors now. Main thing you will need to remember is your daughter will have to take the entrance exam for the major she wants to take and it may only be offered at certain times of the year. She could possibly major in English and minor in business. Recommend she work on her Thai ready/writing now before she goes back. My daughter who came to U.S. in Dec 2004 as an eight grader and now goes to a local university here in Kansas kept up with her Thai language while learning English and is still fluent in Thai and Lao. You might be surprised as to what your daughter remembers once she start using Thai again. If you have more questions just PM me and I will see if my wife can answer some questions for you or your wife
-
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 1163
- Joined: August 15, 2005, 3:48 pm
- Location: Kudjap
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Where do the kids go after graduation to look for jobs? Is there anywhere in UT that caters for recent grads getting full time employment? Recruitment agancy or similar
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
It just might be that your daughter just wants a ''easier ''life in her education experience,hence Thailand,where very little work is neededbecause the system doesn't teach anything meaningful for economic or business success.Many Thais running around with degrees from these non prestigous Universities,institutes or ''technical schools''!
Why,because getting ''good'' jobs in Thailand is almost impossible unless you are a member of the ''social order'' of the business or rich class with ''contacts'' or ''family'' where you get trained on the job.Some employers seek out elite students from 2 or3 of the elite Bangkok universities,but they are looking for the ''gifted'' to be used!
Your daughter has not been happy during her 4 years in Santa Barbara,obviously her high school years that are always demanding emotionally for teens,but probably more so for a Thai outside her earlier experience with her home countries culture versus the demands of America culture as I expect that she had ferw Thais in her school to relate too!Not easy!
If it was me ,I would do some indepth communication with her to understand what her problems are that makes her want to leave the USA where her college or University degree will have some advantages for her future.Hopefully get her to see that when she is an adult and responsible for her life,that the decisions she makes now will determine her economic realities later!
I would do my very best to get her to stay in America because if she extends herself socially,she will find more acceptance and equal opportunity in California than she will find in Thailand outside of Immediate family!
Most any Thai that gets a degree outside the country,comes from rich Thai families where they finish the University here and go abroad for post graduate degrees(interesting how they get those degrees ,since their understanding of English is not even close to the level needed to acheive at college level in America,easily done for the rich )!
Why,because getting ''good'' jobs in Thailand is almost impossible unless you are a member of the ''social order'' of the business or rich class with ''contacts'' or ''family'' where you get trained on the job.Some employers seek out elite students from 2 or3 of the elite Bangkok universities,but they are looking for the ''gifted'' to be used!
Your daughter has not been happy during her 4 years in Santa Barbara,obviously her high school years that are always demanding emotionally for teens,but probably more so for a Thai outside her earlier experience with her home countries culture versus the demands of America culture as I expect that she had ferw Thais in her school to relate too!Not easy!
If it was me ,I would do some indepth communication with her to understand what her problems are that makes her want to leave the USA where her college or University degree will have some advantages for her future.Hopefully get her to see that when she is an adult and responsible for her life,that the decisions she makes now will determine her economic realities later!
I would do my very best to get her to stay in America because if she extends herself socially,she will find more acceptance and equal opportunity in California than she will find in Thailand outside of Immediate family!
Most any Thai that gets a degree outside the country,comes from rich Thai families where they finish the University here and go abroad for post graduate degrees(interesting how they get those degrees ,since their understanding of English is not even close to the level needed to acheive at college level in America,easily done for the rich )!
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Our insurance agent friend, a Thai woman was discussing her 2 children going to the university last year. Well actually her daughter was already at KKU and the son was looking at universities. I asked her why didn't he go to RU here in Udon? Her reply was, if they go there the university is not highly rated in Thai and they would never be able to get a good job in BKK or another place.
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Here is a comment from this morning newspaper The Nation!A opinion comment by a University teacher and I can assure you it is not an isolated opinion from my experience!
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/09 ... 112668.phpUniversities mirror a failed system
Khun Phillips and Walters are absolutely correct when they say the educational system has no hope. I myself taught at the university level for many years and even now am on a committee evaluating the performance of Thai university lecturers and government teachers who want be promoted to the next academic level.
The teachers want only to be promoted and receive financial compensation associated with the title with no concern for the merit of such a title.
There are so many universities awarding degrees even at the doctorate level without really evaluating the quality of the graduates.
These universities think only of the financial return by using academic degrees as bait.
The recent survey by the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment on the quality of universities, and Dhurakit Pundit University Research Centre on the disappointing public expectation of university graduates, are testimony to the failure of Thai educational system.
Thai students only aim for the diploma or degree without valuing the knowledge learned. It is an open secret that better informed and affluent people will not have their children educated in Thailand, but send them abroad.
Unless politicians and the authorities really put their minds into revolutionising education, our graduates will one day be using only their labour instead of their brains and their degree or diploma will be worth not much more than toilet paper.
'THE INSIDER'
BANGKOK
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
If she has any intention of returning to the US after college and getting a job, the Thai diploma probably won't amount to much (if anything). Thailand may be a great place to come and retire after you've worked a lifetime and earned some money, but it's the pitts for working. Low low wages, long hours, and very narrowly focused job responsibility.
If US college isn't for her, maybe a vocational school in the US would be better than a diploma from Thailand. Another option, let her take a break from school and work in the US (even if it's McD). That worked for our daughter who quickly saw that the road to any sort of reasonable paycheck was a good education. She went back to school on her own and sailed through.
If US college isn't for her, maybe a vocational school in the US would be better than a diploma from Thailand. Another option, let her take a break from school and work in the US (even if it's McD). That worked for our daughter who quickly saw that the road to any sort of reasonable paycheck was a good education. She went back to school on her own and sailed through.
- Roy
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 1178
- Joined: June 1, 2006, 6:35 pm
- Location: Outside LA's hoping to get a glimpse of his naked maid
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Maybe you could appeal to her logic LS. Explain that if she attends RU she has the prospect of working 6 days a week in a relatively low paying job or by toughing it out in the US for another 4 years she will greatly improve her prospects and the world is her oyster. She can still return to Thailand if she chooses, with greatly enhanced earning potential, but she will not be limited to Thailand as she surely would be if she attends RU.
Free the Doug 1
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
I taught English at the Rajabhat Udon a few years ago. What goes on there can barely be called education, so it's an easy teaching position.
It was almost impossible to fail a student and scores of 50% often brought decent grades. The students all copied from each other and almost no students had the ability to think critically. All of their training had been in rote learning and that continued through the university.
Job prospects with a degree from the Rajabhat are little better than a technical college. Tourism, computer technology, agriculture research, arts, social science and the like will get a Thai job earning about 5-7,000 baht a month.
I highly recommend not considering the Rajabhat for your daughter. With a few exceptions the technical schools are the bottom rung, the Rajabhats next, regional named Universities, and then Bangkok Unversities are steps up the educational ladder. Thai families who want their kids to get an internationally competive education send them out of the country or perhaps Chulalonghorn or Thammasat Univerities in Bangkok.
Better to have an unhappy daughter than one not educationally ready for the world.
I don't know what the Lao community in Santa Barbara is like, if there is one. You might consider a US college in a city where there is a vibrant Lao community. Then she may be able to develop personal and business connections that will help her after finishing school and find a sense of belonging.
Wichita State Univeristy in Kansas has a number of Lao and Thai students and there are many Lao people who have relocated there, although there are many more Vietnamese and a smaller number of Thais. The Lao people my wife and I met there were largely successful, welcoming, and helpful in anyway needed.
It was almost impossible to fail a student and scores of 50% often brought decent grades. The students all copied from each other and almost no students had the ability to think critically. All of their training had been in rote learning and that continued through the university.
Job prospects with a degree from the Rajabhat are little better than a technical college. Tourism, computer technology, agriculture research, arts, social science and the like will get a Thai job earning about 5-7,000 baht a month.
I highly recommend not considering the Rajabhat for your daughter. With a few exceptions the technical schools are the bottom rung, the Rajabhats next, regional named Universities, and then Bangkok Unversities are steps up the educational ladder. Thai families who want their kids to get an internationally competive education send them out of the country or perhaps Chulalonghorn or Thammasat Univerities in Bangkok.
Better to have an unhappy daughter than one not educationally ready for the world.
I don't know what the Lao community in Santa Barbara is like, if there is one. You might consider a US college in a city where there is a vibrant Lao community. Then she may be able to develop personal and business connections that will help her after finishing school and find a sense of belonging.
Wichita State Univeristy in Kansas has a number of Lao and Thai students and there are many Lao people who have relocated there, although there are many more Vietnamese and a smaller number of Thais. The Lao people my wife and I met there were largely successful, welcoming, and helpful in anyway needed.
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
LS, have a look at this thread:
http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/s ... 15339.html
http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/s ... 15339.html
- Stantheman
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: February 9, 2009, 3:33 am
- Location: USA (For Now)
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
I agree with UdonExpat about Wichita State having a large Lao student population, but the Thai students are only a few at this time (2 at last count, one is my daughter, but may be more). If you consider this school please check into the out of state costs and admission requirements as they differ from state to state. If you want to learn a little more about the school go to www.wichita.eduUdonExpat wrote: .... Wichita State Univeristy in Kansas has a number of Lao and Thai students and there are many Lao people who have relocated there, although there are many more Vietnamese and a smaller number of Thais. The Lao people my wife and I met there were largely successful, welcoming, and helpful in anyway needed.
- legendarysurfer
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 23
- Joined: May 13, 2006, 8:44 am
- Location: Santa Barbara / Nong Soong Pleui, near NBL
- Contact:
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Thanks for the heads-up on the major exam, Stantheman. Agreed about my daughter needing to get back into reading and writing Thai if she's serious about wanting to go to college in Thailand. :-"Stantheman wrote:Surfer,
... Main thing you will need to remember is your daughter will have to take the entrance exam for the major she wants to take and it may only be offered at certain times of the year. She could possibly major in English and minor in business. Recommend she work on her Thai ready/writing now before she goes back. My daughter who came to U.S. in Dec 2004 as an eight grader and now goes to a local university here in Kansas kept up with her Thai language while learning English and is still fluent in Thai and Lao. You might be surprised as to what your daughter remembers once she start using Thai again...
Malcolm Gault-Williams
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
- legendarysurfer
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 23
- Joined: May 13, 2006, 8:44 am
- Location: Santa Barbara / Nong Soong Pleui, near NBL
- Contact:
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Believe me, I've tried to talk to her about the life-changing opportunity she has been enjoying and can continue to do so -- as have her mother and the rest of her family. She's not a stupid girl, but she is stubborn (like her grandfather) and thinks she will do well despite the fact she is going against EVERYONE's advice.BKKSTAN wrote:It just might be that your daughter just wants a ''easier ''life in her education experience,hence Thailand,where very little work is needed...
... getting ''good'' jobs in Thailand is almost impossible unless you are a member of the ''social order'' ...
If it was me ,I would do some indepth communication with her to understand what her problems are that makes her want to leave the USA where her college or University degree will have some advantages for her future.Hopefully get her to see that when she is an adult and responsible for her life,that the decisions she makes now will determine her economic realities later!
I would do my very best to get her to stay in America because if she extends herself socially,she will find more acceptance and equal opportunity in California than she will find in Thailand outside of Immediate family!
Most any Thai that gets a degree outside the country,comes from rich Thai families... )!
Agreed about the class aspect of getting jobs, especially in Thailand.
Yes, she also wants it easy (takes after her mother, here). She's never, ever pushed herself to achieve anything.
I feel for her. I know she hasn't been happy. It doesn't help that she now has a boyfriend living outside Nong Bua Lamphu.
Malcolm Gault-Williams
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
http://the-isaan.blogspot.com
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
I disagree. Adolescent girls and logic go together like fire and water. Any logical advise will be a waste of time.Roy wrote:Maybe you could appeal to her logic LS. Explain that if she attends RU she has the prospect of working 6 days a week in a relatively low paying job or by toughing it out in the US for another 4 years she will greatly improve her prospects and the world is her oyster. She can still return to Thailand if she chooses, with greatly enhanced earning potential, but she will not be limited to Thailand as she surely would be if she attends RU.
Let her do her thing. She is young and has to find out things for herself. Maybe KKU is a better option if she wants to study in Isan, but if she wants to go to another place it's her choice. Kids at this age want to explore the world, travel and have fun. But don't worry too much. If you let them, ... sooner or later they will come back again with lots of stories about the stupid and funny things they did.
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
''Appealing to her logic'' is not the same as giving advice!Let her explain ''her'' logic and let her tell you her vision of the results of her thinking,her logic,so she can hear herself!
''Let her do her own thing'',but give her full responsibility!Not let her do her own thing,while you continue to support her like a teenager.IF she doesn't want to get an education for econmic purposes,then I believe she should get a job to support her choices because that is reality!
I think you should appeal to ''her'' logic after you have determined what is actually going on with her!Maybe you can support some changes in her life that would help her transit through the problems and feelings she is experiencing now;resettlement to an American area where she might have more social interaction ,a break from regular school with some intense English tutoring to improve learning ability,time in Thailand where she should be expected to support herself with a job etc. etc.
I think ,as parents,many of us patronize the adolescent emotionally trials and growing trials by economicly supporting this myriad of constant changes because it is easier that the job of parenting.Resonsibility can not be avoided in real life,don't let them avoid it during these times.
Love is not always giving them what their heart desires at the moment.Success is always earned,never attained as a gift!
''Let her do her own thing'',but give her full responsibility!Not let her do her own thing,while you continue to support her like a teenager.IF she doesn't want to get an education for econmic purposes,then I believe she should get a job to support her choices because that is reality!
I think you should appeal to ''her'' logic after you have determined what is actually going on with her!Maybe you can support some changes in her life that would help her transit through the problems and feelings she is experiencing now;resettlement to an American area where she might have more social interaction ,a break from regular school with some intense English tutoring to improve learning ability,time in Thailand where she should be expected to support herself with a job etc. etc.
I think ,as parents,many of us patronize the adolescent emotionally trials and growing trials by economicly supporting this myriad of constant changes because it is easier that the job of parenting.Resonsibility can not be avoided in real life,don't let them avoid it during these times.
Love is not always giving them what their heart desires at the moment.Success is always earned,never attained as a gift!
Re: UT Rajabhat Experiences
Stan. I have abbreviated your quote to answer the points I have foundBKKSTAN wrote:''Appealing
to her logic'' is not the same as giving advice!Let her explain ''her''
logic and let her tell you her vision of the results of her
thinking,her logic,so she can hear herself!
''Let her do her own thing'',but give her full responsibility!Not let
her do her own thing,while you continue to support her like a
teenager.IF she doesn't want to get an education for econmic
purposes,then I believe she should get a job to support her choices
because that is reality!
I
Love is not always giving them what their heart desires at the
moment.Success is always earned,never attained as a gift!
relevant in my own relationships. The first, logic.
I honestly don't think any teenager. not just Thai, knows the meaning
of this word. I think the last sentence of Surfers recent posting" She
has a boyfriend in...." is the only logic she can see at the moment.
Let her do her own thing! I would call it, teaching her to stand on her
own feet.Admirable sentiments with which I totally agree, but what if
that includes getting pregnant? Can happen. Ever heard a young girl
say" If I have his baby he won't leave me" I have many times in my
counselling work.Always with disastorous consequences.
The last of your sentences about 'love' Man thats my sentiments to a
"T" But sticking to that reasoning cost me my first Thai marriage. It
is a major source of agravation in my present, otherwise very stable
relationship.Any attempt to enforce it is met with " You don't love
him" and he gets what he wants. Now I am not prepared to jeapordise
this marriage by even discussing it . Its them , the mother and child
that will have to live with it , not me.I'll be dead and buried.
Now in case this all seems doom and gloom let me tell you about my
first step daughter. She was four when I came into her life. Young
enough for me to have an influence. I sent her to school in England
from the age of 7. At the age of 23 she graduated from the University
of London with a BA in marketing. Obviously she must have been feeling
the "pull" of Thailand and wanted to come back here to work, so she
did. At first it was difficult finding any, the term ''Over qualified"
was heard many times. It really meant they weren't prepared to pay her
what she was worth.The normal salary offered was based on her age and
yes, gender. This is still a sexually discrimated society. It was no
more than 25k bht a month.Eventually through a contact she was offered
a job as a presenter with MTV, a Thai based music programme, salary
40k.She loved this job but it entailed much partying and socialising
which meant she had a lot of contact with local men. She wasn't
impressed by what she saw, so by her own choice she decided to return
to England. She is still there, now in a happy a relationship and
working with a major oil company as a marketing/promotions manager. Her
salary? An amazing 5k sterling. yes , 280 k bht per month.
So I can say I have won with one out of four step kids in my life.Not a
very high percentage but it can happen.
Ageing is a privilige denied to many .