How American Degrees are Different

It is fairly obvious that there are some large differences between university in the United States and university in Thailand. In this short article, we will look at some of the really big differences that will affect you if you decide to study in America.

Liberal Arts Model

Thai universities tend to be very career oriented, and the degrees offered reflect this. Also, you may not have much freedom of choice about what you will study, because this is decided by a range of factors before you can even be accepted into your course.

These factors can include things like:

  • Your high school GPA
  • Which high school you attended
  • Where you are from
  • How wealthy you are
  • Your political affiliations
  • How many university places are available for students from your region
  • How much competition there is for the degree program you want to study

If any of these items are displeasing to the decision-makers, your chances of getting your first choice are seriously diminished. Once you are finally accepted into a degree program, that is when the strict career oriented nature of the degree begins to become evident.

If you're a top student with the right connections and background, you may have some choice about what your major will be. Otherwise it is more likely that you'll be told what it will be and once you have taken the first step on the path, there is not much chance to decide to go a different way.

American universities, on the other hand, take an entirely different approach to education. Instead of focusing on a career and training you to be an expert in one thing, they instead try to give you a well-rounded education encompassing elements of arts and humanities alongside science and mathematics.

This approach is known as the "Liberal Arts Model", and although there actually are Liberal Arts degrees, that is not what this education model is named for.

Even though this approach to education is supposed to provide more diversity and freedom for you, it has one major downside that isn't easy to overlook.

Part of the problem is that universities tend to anticipate that students know a lot more about the inner workings of the education system than they actually do. So even when the university tries to accommodate some flexibility into degree programs, the students are rarely aware of it, especially as freshmen (first year uni students).

As a result, when you see the degree progam mapped out for you, it can lead you to believe that you'll be forced to study a lot of things you don't actually care about.

Universities would do everyone a favor by making it clear that you're not bound by the default program because there is some flexibility built into the system allowing you to substitute equivalent units for the ones you don't like.

Unfortunately most of them don't tell you this up front, and many students never find out that they had options. Only a small number of units not related to your major or minor are compulsory.

Typical US Undergraduate Degree Program

Everything, of course, depends on which university and course you are attending. But a typical Liberal Arts structure for a degree in something completely unrelated to the subject of Liberal Arts might look something like this:

  • 5 units of general education, intended to help you be more ready for the challenges of university level study.
  • 3 units of political study, which is intended to help expand your critical thinking skills.
  • 3 units of humanities subjects focusing on cultural studies, this is to round out your education.
  • 5 units of more general humanities subjects, intended to widen your horizons and stimulate your thinking.
  • 2 units of scientific knowledge.
  • You will then have to study 6 compulsory units from your chosen major.
  • 6 additional non-compulsory units from your chosen major.
  • 2 units chosen from natural sciences, math, and/or computer science.
  • 10 elective units that can be from any discipline subject to academic supervisor approval.
  • A capstone project or thesis.

It is very important to be aware that this representation of a typical US degree is not set in stone. Indeed, not all colleges and universities follow the Liberal Arts model of education. However since a large proportion of them do, you are more likely to see this degree structure than any other.

Also be aware that you will have plenty of latitude to request substitutions of recommended courses, but it is vital to discuss your options with your academic supervisor to ensure compliance and recognition within the degree program you have chosen.

Genuine Respect for Prior Learning and Credit Transfer

In Thailand the idea of awarding credit for prior study or experience is still a somewhat novel and alien concept.

While Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Direct Credit Transfer (DCT) have been slowly gaining traction, many schools are still reluctant to embrace or promote these systems because of the tuition revenue they may stand to lose as a result.

In the United States, however, most institutions of higher learning are less dependent on tuition fees because they receive large amounts of funding through donations and other sources such as sports organizations and revenue earned through the sale of broadcasting rights.

As a result, there is a long-standing tradition of support for DCT and RPL. You may also be able to earn Credit by Examination (CBE), credit from professional certifications or licenses, or even through demonstrated expertise such as authorship of books or peer reviewed scientific literature.

Each of these various programs give you options you can utilize to reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree.

Beware of Temptations and Distractions

A problem you are more likely to encounter in the US, compared to studying in Thailand, is that there is no shortage of temptations lying in wait to distract you from your studies.

Most universities in America have an overabundance of social clubs, fraternities, sororities, special events, sporting contests, and parties. Students who have become accustomed to the rigid discipline of the Thai schooling environment, might experience a sense of euphoric liberation upon encountering the new system.

While it's fine to indulge in fun and games in moderation, you must be careful to not let these distractions overwhelm you to the point that you neglect your primary mission. Studying diligently and completing all your assigned tasks on time is the best way to ensure you're not wasting time and money on an education you're not actively participating in.

It's also very important to be aware that in the United States the legal age for purchasing or drinking alcohol is higher than it is in Thailand. The police in many parts of the US can be strict about enforcing the law, and they tend to be a lot less lenient than Thai police. So it is advisable to avoid situations where you might be caught drinking alcohol illegally, and this is especially the case if you are operating a motor vehicle.

Conclusion

Leaving your home country to study in a foreign country can be an intimidating experience for some, while others can see the same experience as an exciting adventure.

Whatever your expectations may be, you are likely find it challenging adapting to a foreign culture where there are different customs, laws, and very different food compared to what you have been accustomed to for most of your life.

If you plan to do this, the most important thing is to be sure you are doing it because you truly want to, and not because you feel pressured to do it or because you want to avoid disappointing somebody else.

This is going to be a big decision that will change your life in many ways. Most importantly it is a significant financial cost, and you need to be sure that the money is not being wasted.

Once you commit to traveling abroad, you will be on your own and far from home. You need to make sure you have researched as much as you possibly can about the situations you are likely to encounter and that you're fully prepared.

Things you should be sure to investigate include:

  • Rules and regulations of the university
  • Local, state and federal laws that may apply to you
  • The conditions of the visa you are issued
  • Support groups set up especially to help you as a foreign student in the US
  • Resources available to assist you with all kinds of things

In addition to those things, you should make sure you have enough money to cover your living expenses as well as access to additional money you can use in case of an emergency.

Enjoy your travel experience, study hard, and reap the rewards of investing in quality education.