How studying at Stamford International University helped me in so many ways

Photo credits: Bunmi Thomas

By Arshi Banerjee
Freshly graduated from high school, I knew it was time for me to start applying to a good university for my bachelor’s degree. There was a long list of universities in Thailand that came to mind. However, as I saw the advertisement for Stamford International University on social media, I was instantly drawn.

Being an expat myself, I felt like I would fit in quite well at the university which made me take the decision to apply. I was told by my middle school friend who was also a student that it is very different from other universities in Thailand; I thought maybe she is referring to the campus or the laid-back dress code. Little did I know it is actually a different experience.

As I am just a term away from graduating, the recollection of all the time I spent and the experiences I have gained being a part of the Stamford family comes to mind. Looking back at the memories I had there, everything seems to have passed by rather quickly.

Being an international university, one thing that defines Stamford is the geographical diversity of the students and a melting pot of different cultures. Many expats including myself, as well as exchange students who decide to study in Thailand join Stamford for an international experience. This makes Stamford a great place to meet new people and learn about different cultures.

What I also love about our university is that the students are always open to making new friends and have a positive outlook towards people from other cultures. Events such as international day, open microphone events or cultural days helps people connect and enjoy other cultures as well as appreciate their own.

As a school student I was always told about the dreaded ‘university life’ and how it is going to be tough as the professors would not be as lenient and helpful as the teachers are back in the good old school days.

After three years of studying in Stamford I can definitely say that is far from the truth. I recall getting in my first writing class and seeing a friendly face peering down on the students. The first thing she said was “Please do not refer to me as professor or teacher, I am here to assist you on your journey to descriptive and narrative writing.”  This gives a perfect example of how the professors are in Stamford. Always helpful, encouraging and understanding. I had some of the best experiences learning with the professors in Stamford and it was never a dull day in class with them.

The best memories learning with them are the group projects and presentations. This really helped me be cooperative, develop confidence to voice my opinions and improve my public speaking skills. It amazes me when I think that before joining Stamford, I used to fear presentations, and now I feel more at ease with giving one.

Although it is not as grand as the campuses in ABAC, Mahidol or Chulalongkorn. Stamford is cosy and everything is easily accessible, which is the most convenient aspect of the campus.

Getting from one class to the other or meeting your friend in the middle of your classes does not seem like much of an issue at all. In addition, the event management students in Stamford also organize a variety of in campus events that definitely adds up to an opportunity to meet people, make friends and enjoy the university experience.

The day to day atmosphere in the university is also very calm because of the privilege of a flexible timetable provided to the students. We can choose our own subjects and make a timetable which is comfortable for us. This gives the students a good option to focus on the subjects they actually want to learn and perform well in every class they opt for.

As I am almost a step away to the finish line, I remember all the positive experiences that I had learning at Stamford International University. It helped me grow more as a person and improve or master skills that I did not know I could master. There were some challenges throughout my time but I knew I could overcome them.

To the freshly high school graduates I recommend Stamford because it is an experience that I doubt you would get in any other university. Every day will be the day you learn something new and the experience, the teachers and the friends you make there will definitely help you find your potential - and that is something you can take with yourself in your professional as well as private life.