Job Discussion Forums

[HeatherC]

I am very interested in taking a Bachelors of Business Administration in Hotel and Tourism Management in Thailand. Looking for any info on either Siam University or Prince of Songkla University (Phuket campus). Thanks in advance to anyone who has any firsthand (or I'll settle for secondhand too!) info on either of these places.......

[Sheep-Goats]

A degree in Thailand is generally a real waste.

I can't say anything about the BBA from Songkla, but I have direct experience with Siam's Hotel and Tourism department. I can say without reservation that the texts are high school level texts, your fellow students will only be there to flirt with Thai girls and get out of the Finlandian cold, and that the teachers are mostly MBA dropouts.

[tedkarma]

I wouldn't automatically discard the idea of attending the program here (Phuket) - just find out what the content is - and if and where and when you might do an internship. You should do one semester each year - at least (just my opinion). And compare it to some similar programs. The resort and casino management program at University of Las Vegas might be a good benchmark.

Prince of Songla does have a decent reputation (nothing like UNLV of course) - and since Phuket is awash with five star resorts - it's my guess you might be able to land a decent internship - and thus network - and possibly land a decent position here when you graduate.

Since the hospitality industry is international - I suspect that a degree and some good exposure to the industry here might be of some benefit to you. More important may be the first job you land when you get out of school - and Phuket could certainly give you a leg up there.

Make sure the internship would NOT be at the hotel on the grounds of the university - but rather at a major resort. (They have a rather third rate facility on the grounds for training purposes) You might, in fact, be able to arrange your own internship. Be sure to ask if ALL classes are taught in English - by people fluent in English. Ask where the faculty have worked - what hotels have they managed - what world class restaurants and resorts they have worked at - or managed.

I wouldn't assume that the program would be of the quality you might expect in the West - but you ARE more likely to be to able to get your feet wet in a major international resort and learn from a world-class organization. Be doubly sure you aren't getting trained to just be a waiter, waitress or chef.

The previous poster is right though - be very very careful. I worked at a hospitality school in Bangkok for while that had, unfortunately, snookered a few international students to go there - only to find that many of the teachers could just barely speak English - no less teach a class competently in English. That said though, the staff at the school had some really exceptional experience in the field - if only they could have communicated it effectively.

Personally, if I had a strong interest and it was four years of my life and money - I come and check it all out: in person.

If it all looks like you could develop a plan that would have you working at a world-class resort in a least a semi-managerial position when you graduate - give it some serious thought.

[HeatherC]

Thanks to the both of you for giving me some interesting things to think about. I will definately keep them in mind. I will be in Japan in January so I was thinking seriously of hopping over to Thailand to check both of the Universities out especially as I am finding it a little difficult to find a good contact at the Universities. I have sent many emails away and I do get a few responses usually along the lines of it will be forwarded to the correct person, etc. but nothing concrete. Thanks again!

[Sheep-Goats]