Study Abroad FAQ
General
When can I study abroad?
You're eligible once you finish your first two years of study, or about 90–110 credits. Each partner university sets its own rules, which usually cover your GPA and English test scores. Check your chosen university's specific requirements before you apply.
Which program should I choose?
Start by thinking about your study plan, personal goals, and career interests. Then talk with your parents or guardians about the financial support you'll need.
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Ask yourself: why do you want to go abroad? To get a field of a different academic system, or to seek employment opportunities after graduation? Research the available program, student VISA and post graduate VISA requirements in each country to help you identify the programs that suit your need.
Eligibility
What are the eligibility criteria to participate in the exchange/ double degree program?
To join the exchange program, you'll need to meet a few requirements:
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GPA in line with the host university's admission criteria i.e., ranging from 2.75 to 3.00.
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No disciplinary action or record of misconduct
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Complete English IV, or reach an English proficiency score equivalent to IELTS 6.0.
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Approved curriculum mapping (study plan) by chairperson or faculty advisor.
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A recommendation letter from your advisor as required by the host university for the application process.
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Interview with OIA team.
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Return to Assumption University (AU) after your exchange / Double Degree to complete your graduation requirements.
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Complete the post program report
Can students from all program of AU participate in exchange or double degree program?
For specialized programs such as Architecture, Biotechnology, Computer Science & Engineering, Law & Nursing or SIMBA, students should first discuss with their faculty advisors on the available internship or study abroad arrangements at the program level. Due to curriculum structure & practicum requirements, OIA team may not able to support study abroad or exchange arrangement.
Cost & Scholarships
Is there scholarship support for the study abroad program?
Scholarship opportunities depend on the host universities and available host government support program. For exchange program, students may be eligible to apply for government support for living expenses in some destinations.
For double degree, scholarships from partner universities are offered as a discount from the full tuition fee. Most scholarships are merit-based or there may be a fixed basis. It's best to check the available scholarship at the time of application.
How much should I budget for the study abroad program?
When planning an exchange semester, please approximate the airfare, VISA, living expenses. Depending on the location and host universities, students may be required to place deposit or pay exchange processing fee / study abroad fee.
For Double Degree, students may need to budget the minimum of THB 950,000.- to THB 1,500,000.- for 8-12 months. Due to changing cost of living, please check the available tuition fee & cost of living at the time of application.
What are the tuition fees for the Exchange Program?
You pay the AU tuition fee for the number of subjects you successfully registered at the host university before your departure for the exchange semester. You will also need to budget for airfare, insurance, living expenses and processing fees at the host universities. Under the exchange agreement, the host institution waived tuition for exchange students.
What are the tuition fees for the Double Degree Program?
As you are accepted by the host university to the Double Degree program, you will be required to place a deposit at the time of accepting the offer. Then, the tuition fee will be paid directly to the host university. After completing the graduation, you will be required to pay the student status maintenance fee and the credit transfer fee to ensure the grade are recognized in your AU transcript.
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Credit transfer & graduation timeline
How does the credit transfer process work?
Students considering an exchange or double degree program needs to complete the curriculum mapping with your chairperson or faculty advisor.
During this process, you need to discuss your AU subjects, planned to complete at the host universities with your faculty advisor. You will then need to complete the following steps:
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Research the course catalog of your host university.
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Identify subjects that match what you're studying at AU.
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Complete the curriculum mapping document.
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Get the document approved by your academic advisor.
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After completing the study abroad, contact your chairperson or faculty advisor & submit your transcript & degree document to complete the credit transfer process.
Would my graduation timeline be delayed?
Due to the different semester between AU and host universities, students need to plan the gap time & the study plan well to ensure that the graduation timeline would not be delayed. Students may participate in summer courses, short programs or approved courses on Coursera to ensure that the gap time is well spent & all required credits are covered during the period.
Can I transfer AU credit to other partner or non-partner universities?
Students who wish to transfer their AU credits to partner or non-partner universities need to check the host university's requirement. Typically, students must pass the application and confirm the offer from the host universities. After that, the credit transfer process will be considered by the host universities. The number of subjects accepted for transfer is subject to the final decision of the host universities.
Does OIA support applications to partner & non-partner university for credit transfer or Master degree?
For AU partners with direct contact to the admission team, OIA can facilitate the introduction to the local representative for further consultation and support on the application process.
For non-partner universities, OIA may direct the students' request to the appointed education partners for further discussion & consideration by the students & parents.
Visa & Documentation
What are the required document for the application process?
Typically, the application document include:
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Personal document i.e., Passport
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Transcript
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Letter of Recommendation
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Health Check
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Statement of Purpose (For Double Degree)
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Bank Statement - showing sufficient fund during the study abroad period
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Letter of support from sponsor - depending on the VISA requirement
Does OIA support VISA application process?
OIA team will coordinate with the AU VISA section & chairperson to ensure that the students hold valid student VISA at the time of exchange period.
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For VISA application process, OIA will provide the list of VISA processing partners for students and parents for consideration. Families could process the VISA application on their own or seek help from VISA processing partners at their discretion.
Other common questions
What are the support process for pre-departure preparation?
The host universities typically provides comprehensive information & support for student life and logistics. Students could research the available on-campus & off campus accommodation. Please review the term & condition for payment and reservation. Where possible, OIA team will connect students with the seniors or friends who participated in a semester exchange or Double Degree program in the target countries for peer to peer experience sharing.
What is the process, if the approved subject was not offered during the study abroad period?
Please contact our chairperson or faculty advisor to discuss the alternative subjects. Keep OIA team in the cc list to ensure that we could support the changes in registration or subject amendment as necessary.
What is the format of the post program report?
Post program report helps us understand students' journey during the study abroad period. It could also help your friends and junior to plan their study abroad journey. We request your creativity & honest sharing in creating the report.
The content of the report should include the following components:
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Learning & growth - describe specific moments of the study abroad process & experience. Highlight the component you feel challenged & how you adapt & overcome them.
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Atmosphere & learning styles - share your perspectives on the learning & student engagement approach & campus life. Photos & personal tips are appreciated.
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Living styles - share the local way of life. What you wish to tell friends who are considering to join the program to be aware of.
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Others - getting around, facilities, nearby attraction & estimated living expenses during the time.