Students live in residence halls organized by MUIC. These residences provide the opportunity for international students to meet and learn about each other. KEI students usually stay at the Bannsuan apartments and the Chaiyapruk International House, although other MUIC housing options may be used depending on availability.

The small Chaiyapruk International House is a ten-minute bike ride from MUIC, a popular form of transportation. Rooms are double occupancy, and furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, air conditioners and shared bathroom. The house has a laundry room, television and reading areas, board game tables, a kitchen and dining area, cleaning service twice a week and 24-hour security. Wireless internet is available in some of the common areas. There is also a bike rental (with helmets!) for your convenience.

The Bannsuan apartment building is ten minutes by bus from the MUIC campus. Rooms are double occupancy, and furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, air conditioners and shared bathroom. The building has a laundry room, a TV lounge, a kitchen, cleaning service twice a week and 24-hour security. Wireless internet is available in some of the common areas.

Less often, students will stay at the Green Park residences, which is very similar in location and comfort to Bannsuan.

MUIC provides several on-campus options, including cafeterias, buffet lunches, hotel outlets, and the Cup-Pa Coffee House. Restaurants and cafés can easily be found along the road opposite the campus. Additionally, convenience stores and markets are located both on and off campus. Most housing options have a kitchen, if you prefer to cook for yourself.

When you dine out, remember that delicious Thai food doesn’t have to be expensive; you can have a full meal for less than 50 THB (approximately $1.50). Thai food can be spicy or subtle, depending on who prepares it. The ideal Thai meal should be a harmonious blend of the spicy, subtle, sweet and sour, and is meant to be equally pleasing to the eye, nose and palate.

The MUIC student association organizes activities through the academic year. Students are encouraged to integrate socially by taking part in clubs, associations and extra-curricular activities.

Activities at MUIC include:

• Art Club
• Debate Club
• Diving Club
• Drama Club
• Karate-Do Club
• Muay Thai Club
• Peer Club
• Photography & Multimedia Club
• Sports Club
• Taekwondo Club
• Volunteer Club

There are several ways to get around Bangkok. Taxis are by far the safest and quickest way to travel. And best of all... they are not expensive. An average taxicab ride will cost around $2-$3. Always tell a taxi driver to turn on the METER. If a taxi driver refuses, get out because there is always another taxi coming down the road.

Buses are another safe mode of transportation. Large buses operate on set routes and can be boarded at any stop. Tickets are inexpensive (10 to 50 cents) and can be purchased on board. However, the buses can get overcrowded, especially during peek hours.

Tuk tuks are another traditional Thai form of transportation, more commonly known as motorized rickshaws. These small vehicles are well-adapted to the tight Bangkok traffic. Fees are negotiated with the driver. Tuk ticks may be fun to try once, but are not the safest mode of transportation. We encourage students to use buses and taxis.

The Metro is also available in central Bangkok. Unfortunately, it is limited to the downtown area.

KEI will provide you with a prepaid mobile phone shortly after your arrival. The On-Site Coordinator will show you how to place calls. The phone will have a small amount of credit so that you can call home and let your family know that you arrived safely. Additional minutes can be purchase at any convenience store.

MUIC has wireless in certain spots in the building and throughout the campus. Students need to stop by the computer center to set up their proxy correctly. It takes two to three weeks for the Mahidol University account to clear. This process is difficult to speed up.

You should not expect to have a wireless connection at your residence. However, some of the housing options may have a wireless network in the main living area or at nearby hostels.

Brian Phillips is the KEI On-Site Coordinator in Bangkok. He is assisted by the International Office at MUIC.

The International office team will meet students at the airport, accompany the group during orientation and excursions, and mediate any problems or conflicts you might have. They are available at any hour by mobile phone (emergencies). The team has lots of experience working with international students. All of the team members have Thai names and easy-to-pronounce nicknames.

The onsite orientation is intended to familiarize students with life in Bangkok and studying at MUIC. The orientation covers the following:

• using transportation
• academic expectations
• safety and security in Bangkok
• cultural adaptation
• housing policies
• a few social activities to meet your fellow students

If you have any questions, be sure to ask your On-Site Coordinator!