Studying abroad is more than just about studying, students who plan to pursue their degree in Thailand will need to adapt themselves to the living environment there and it can be a great opportunity to experience various new things. Here is what you need to know about life in Thailand to help students get a general idea and plan ahead about living in Thailand 

Accommodation 

Selecting suitable accommodation is an advantage because you will spend most of your time abroad in your new home there. Students are strongly encouraged to arrange their accommodation prior to their arrival. Generally speaking, there are two options of accommodations that Cambodian students choose during their study in Thailand. 

- On-campus dormitory: It is the most common and usually the most convenient option. Living on campus also helps students to quickly immerse into university life and to make friends with other students. On-campus accommodation can mean many things from curfew to regulation and so on. It also depends on the university and the type of on-campus you are choosing.   The proximity to the university is always an advantage.

- Off-campus housing: Students can also choose to stay off-campus and rent an apartment or room alone or shared with another roommate. This is considered quite a popular option for Cambodian students especially students whose parents and family would visit them often. The renting cost differs depending on the location and the type of house or room. Students who prefer these options should also consider the time and expense of traveling to university when staying off-campus.

Food

Thai food is universally recognized as a must-try food if not delicious, varied, and usually very cheap. With its cuisine mixture of tastes including spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavor, its food is relatively cheap and rich in flavor. Some famous Thai food and drinks include Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup), Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad), Pad Thai (Thai Style Fried Noodles), Thai tea, mango dessert, and more. Though Thai food is well-known for being spicy, not all the food is spicy. Another tip for food hunting is that some dishes are region-specific; this means that one dish that steals the heart of the travelers in the north part of Thailand might not be found in the other regions. For instance, Gaeng Hanglay is a popular dish in the north, and Khao soi is a very delicious dish in Chiang Mai. Therefore, if trying various delicious food is one of your things, do ask the locals and enjoy this good food. 

Language

Thai is their everyday language of communication. If you are wondering if Thai speak English, depending on the region, you might meet people who speak quite perfect English or people who do not speak English at all. Though some English is taught at school, generally speaking, most Thai people do not have the chance to practice. In a big city and popular tourist site, Thai people who attend language school and get exposed to foreigners will know more English. You might always need to expect the heavy Thai accent English there. Knowing the Thai language will make your everyday life and experience there much more convenient. If you do not know Thai, this should not be the problem because Cambodian students tend to be able to pick up Thai quite quickly studying there. 

Transportation 

Cambodian students who plan to study in Thailand must be wondering how to get around in Thailand. The public transportation system in Thailand should be able to get you to most parts of the city while there are also other ways. Besides the privately owned transportation, depending on where you want to go, you may choose different available transportation as followed. 

- Flight: With more than 38 airports, seven of which are international, the flight is an option if you want to travel to another part of Thailand, but it might cost you more. 

- City bus and songthaews: For travel within cities, and short-distance travel between towns and cities, busses are the most popular, affordable, and convenient way to get around. The bus system operates across the city and the suburbs. 

Another similar transportation is the songthaews or the medium-sized vehicle with two rows of seats. It usually followed fixed routes and pick up a number of people going in the same direction.  

- Sky train and subway: If you are traveling in Bangkok, the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain and the Bangkok MRT subway are the most affordable and fastest means to travel around without concerning about the traffic. 

- Metered taxi: There is plenty of taxi in Thailand, but you should make sure the driver put the meter on when choosing to get on one. 

- Tuk Tuk: Similar to our country, Tuk-Tuk or the three-wheeled, opened sided vehicles are also popular among Thai and foreigner in Thailand and can be found in most cities in Thailand. 

- Motor taxi: Similar to the motor taxi we know in our Cambodia context, this is also the option for transportation to almost everywhere especially the car-free islands and remote parks. 

- Water transport: This transportation is present not only to islands but also the Bangkok such as the Chao Phraya Express Boat service and Khlong Saen Saep boat service and ferries carry people across Bangkok’s canals. 

Major Public Holiday

Thailand is a country with a deep-root in Buddhism and great respect for the monarchy. Buddhist holidays such as the Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha Day and Asalha Bucha Day, and the Royalty birthday are considered important public holidays to Thai people. In addition to that, New Year’s Day and Songkran Day are considered the most important public holiday and celebration. For students who want to experience the local tradition and celebration, these are good chances. 

What Should You Get from the Article? 

Cambodian parents and students can now get the general picture of life in Thailand for the student who plans to pursue their education in Thailand. The article provided a complete guide to life in Thailand including information about the types of accommodation, food, language, transportation, and also the major public holiday.   

Preparation for overseas education is complicated but it should not be a problem. Cambodian students and parents who wish to pursue overseas education can always contact us WEduAbroad, the local consultancy for study abroad for free consultations about studying abroad at the 9^th Floor, B-Ray Tower, Preah Norodom Blvd, Tonle Bassak Commune, Chamkamorn District, Phnom Penh (map here) or contact us via phone call (855) 17 548 354 or (855) 81 63 63 60. You can also visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/WEduAbroad/ to take a quick look at what we have been doing so far.  

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