Saturday, March 7, 2009

International Hotel & Tourism Management Studies in Thailand

Not many academic institutions in Thailand offer dual degrees. Specifically, when it comes to international hotel and tourism management at the masteral level, there is one that stands out -- Naresuan University.

Why does it stand out? Firstly, Naresuan University (NU) has a reputation of being one of the most progressive universities in Thailand. Its progressiveness is apparent in the programs offered, from sciences and technology to social sciences and health sciences; from the international college to the graduate school. Check the website: http://www.nu.ac.th/english/

Specifically when it comes to the graduate school, Naresuan University's progressiveness became evident when it embarked on an educational collaboration with Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia in 2000. In that year, the Dual Degree for Master of International Tourism and Hotel Management (MITHM) program commenced at NU's Academic Center in Bangkok, now known as Naresuan University Bangkok Campus (NUBKK). The program became popular mainly because of the following reasons:

  • taught by both NU and SCU professors (mix of top-notch academics and industry practitioners

  • students graduate with 2 degrees -- from NU Thailand and SCU Australia

  • tuition fee is reasonably lower than others

  • location is easily accessible through BTS Ploenchit Station

Check the website: http://www.nubkk.nu.ac.th/eng/index.php

19 comments:

  1. I am in the program. Looks promising. Many assign but I think ok.

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  2. I have comment. Where did it go? I write, I am in the program in Naresuan. Busy coz a lot assignments.

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  3. what is dual degree anyways? marketing strategy?

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  4. With regard to Anonymous number 3's comment or question, "what is dual degree?" bulletpoint 2 is the obvious answer. Students obtain 2 degrees in Master of International Tourism Management from both Naresuan University Thailand and Southern Cross University Australia.

    Follow up question is: Is it a "marketing strategy?" Well, it'd be hypocritical if both NU and SCU say it's not.

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  5. Hello!! You can call me Ruam.

    Perhaps best way to look at dual degree is not regarding marketing. That is looking in business way. Why not look at it as "internationalization of higher education". With Sothern Cross uni... we are exposed to foreingner teachers. We learn more from them.

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  6. Hi I'm Pin. I am a graduate of this dual degree program MITHM. I am now a manager of one of the hotels here in Bangkok. I am thankful that I studied at NUBKK since it helped me a lot with my daily responsibilities as a manager. Subject like MICE is very helpful to my job.

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  7. I AM UN AND I STUDYING TOO. I THINK THIS PROGRAM IS SO USEFUL FOR ME AND MY FUTURE OPPORTUNITY AND PRICE WAS REASONABLE.

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  8. Dear friends,

    I am trying to get more links for all of us interested in hotel and tourism. I've written to admins of a couple of very relevant websites and if they approve to have their sites linked here, facilitation of more information flow will ensue. Hope for the best and keep on checking the blog. If you know of links that are relevant to hotel & tourism, please post the url here. Thanks

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  9. After the political crisis in Thailand reached its peak with the closure of Suvarnabhumi airport, there were predictions of adverse effects on many businesses. Predicted as one of the worst affected was the travel and hospitality industry, in that tourists would already be apprehensive or fearful coming here. I had some insider's info., that indeed their hotel businesses have already felt the effect. A bit of encouragement came from one friend, who said his hotel was not affected. Whether my friend was telling the truth or not, there is definitely rough water now and ahead.
    Somehow, it is always like that. A nation always experiences socio-economic and political struggles. Just like life itself paralleled to a wheel -- sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down. We'll be up again in time.
    Have a look at the Salary Report 2008 I've posted on this blog. Perhaps that would serve as an encouragement to you who are in the tourism (travel) industry, or simply just an informative piece of material.

    Thanks to TMS Asia Pacific for this Report!!!

    Regards

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  10. There are news about the building of hotels in Thailand. These give us confidence that life goes on. We in the hotel/tourism industry have a lot of hopes then. Just like what Dee said, in life we go up and down. With the building of hotels, looks like we are going up. ;)

    Here's the news article about the building of hotels:

    Accor Announces 4 Hotel Developments In Thailand

    Four new hotels with Fico - 11 imminent hotel openings in Thailand for Accor
    Accor announced the development of four more hotel developments in Thailand - with Fico.

    The hotels are Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit, Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, Mercure Samui Fenix and Hotel Muse - a member of the MGallery Collection.

    Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer for Accor Asia Pacific, commented 'We are very pleased to have strengthened our partnership with Fico, whom also own Le Fenix Hotel in Bangkok, which Accor has managed since 2007. These new hotels fulfill the geographic needs of business and leisure travellers to Bangkok and beyond, with some of Thailand's best known hotel brands.'

    Three of the four hotels will be in the heart of Bangkok. Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit (380 rooms) is positioned directly next to Ploenchit sky train station, close to major shopping arenas, entertainment and nightlife. With its location and wide range of facilities, it is expected to attract both business and leisure travelers and will join the network in 2010.
    Another Bangkok development is Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, (formerly known as Silom Plaza Hotel) which will undergo extensive renovations and is scheduled to join the network in 2010. The hotel is conveniently located in the business district and is within walking distance to Chao Phraya River while also providing easy access to the Expressway. It will feature 225 rooms, a restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, fitness centre and business centre.

    Hotel Muse (166 rooms) will become the second member of the MGallery Collection in Bangkok (joining VIE Hotel Bangkok which opened in late 2008). This design oriented hotel will be located in one of Bangkok's most livable areas on Langsuan Road with its long strip of gastronomic dining and entertainment options. The hotel is scheduled for completion in 2011.

    Hotel Muse and Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit are newly-built hotels. Mercure Samui Fenix, formerly known as Samui Park, is located on lively Lamai Beach. The hotel has 52 rooms and 8 villas, and features a meeting room, swimming pool, kids' pools, restaurant and bar. It is expected to join the network in the third quarter of this year after renovations and a re branding process.

    'These 4 hotels take the total Accor hotel projects in Thailand to 11 hotels and resorts and demonstrate our confidence in the future of Thailand Tourism. The country remains well serviced by international long haul and regional airlines, has a large selection of quality destinations, an evolved tourism infrastructure and some picture perfect resort locations. Thailand like a strong brand is recognised as safe and affordable and a destination that travelers often return and they will soon enough' added Mr Issenberg.

    Last month, Accor announced the development of seven projects in Bangkok, Samui, Phuket, and Krabi under the Novotel, Mercure, and ibis brands. These hotels are Novotel Bangkok Platinum, Novotel Phuket Kamala Bay, Mercure Samui Buri, all seasons Samui Chaweng, ibis Bangkok Nana, ibis Kata Phuket, and ibis Krabi. All are scheduled to open by 2011. These 11 projects add to the existing Thailand network of 39 hotels and resorts.

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  11. Funny, one of the hotels is being built right now just across Naresuan University Bangkok Campus.

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  12. Been to the Pitsanulok Naresuan. i'll be visiting the Bangkok campus soon. Programs seem interesting.

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  13. u have foreign students?

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  14. could anyone who already enrolled or finished the program give me some information?

    if youhave the time, please send me an email to vartanman@yahoo.com
    I would greatly apreciate it!!

    thank you,

    Vartan

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  15. has anyone got news on the bangkok campus, or the international hotel management masters?

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  16. Yes, the program is good for persons interested in hotel/tourism jobs. I'm Pin. Did you read my comment above?

    Bangkok Campus is very accessible through sky train. Get off Ploenjit Station. Rooms are equped with pc, projector, etc.

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  17. Hi guys, any comments on the recently held Bid presentations? Anything that need to be changed for the benefit of the next batch (sorry):) But you did looked good in your attires -- really formal.

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  18. Hello! I got to admit, I've been invisible for quite some time, but here I'm back. Of course I will give some update on recent developments in NUBKK -- Naresuan University Bangkok Campus, specifically the Master of International Hotel and Tourism Management Program (MITHM).

    Registration and interview recently finished for the 2010 batch of MITHM students. There is an expected number of foreign students from Macau, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Russia. We look forward to welcoming them, once their registration has been finalized.

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  19. I'd like to encourage Batch 2009 (MITHM 52) to participate in this blog. Whatever thoughts you have, in line with your studies, please let us know. There are also some materials that might be useful to you. Just click on the links so you can download the materials. I will be uploading other materials soon. There also links to hotel/tourism-related sites that can be useful to you too.

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