A taste of Thailand

Having always wanted to go to Asia, Madison Jackson loved her student exchange semester to Thailand and Mahidol University International College.

Madison Jackson

Why I chose my host uni:

I chose Mahidol University because I wanted to go on exchange somewhere in Asia, but also a country that was completely different to New Zealand to get a feel for a different culture and how different people live.

Asia had been on my bucket list since I was in high school, so getting to go on a study exchange there was incredible! Exploring Southeast Asia on my own, and with my new exchange friends, was such an unforgettable experience.

How I found applying to my host uni:

Applying to my host uni was pretty straightforward due to a lot of information already being on Mahidol University’s website, but there was a lot of paperwork that took a while to complete and process. I did have to email Mahidol University a few times to get more information on what courses I could take and how to sort out my schedule for the trimester.

The extra documents that I needed, other than transcripts, were a copy of my passport, a nomination letter from AUT, an AUT transcript, financial evidence, an SL overseas form, an ID photo and any documents that the host uni sends through to you to do your visa application.

The visa process was easy and straightforward due to it all being online, but it was a process that took a few weeks, so I definitely recommend doing it as early as you can. To apply for the e-visa, you need to already have flights and accommodation booked, so make sure you get everything sorted really early on. The visa I got was the Non-Immigrant Visa “ED”, which you can only get if you’re planning to study in Thailand for three months, but when you’re there, you need to extend your student visa for another month if you’re planning to study there for one trimester.

How I found learning in a different academic system:

Learning in a different academic system was a bit difficult at the start and took a bit of adjusting, but they explained it in detail to us during orientation and the first week of classes, so it wasn’t confusing at all. What helped me adjust to the new academic style was reading the rules very carefully and asking my lecturers for clarification if I was confused about anything. It was more demanding than the AUT system, but as long as you follow the rules and ask for help if you need to, you’ll be just fine.

What I gained from this experience:

From this incredible experience, I gained a stronger sense of independence, but I also became more grateful for my home and where I live in New Zealand.

I met so many new people from many different countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, the USA and many other interesting places, and I won’t ever forget the memories I made with them. I hope to see all of them again in their home countries in the future. I also learned how to do everything by myself, as well as budgeting my money so it lasted the whole time I was there.

Academically, I learned what it’s like to study in a stricter academic system that seems to put a lot of pressure on its students to get good grades and not use AI to help with assignments.

The main thing that came out of this study exchange experience was how wide my worldview is now, and since I’ve been back home in New Zealand, I realised that if I can do that, anything else is possible!