I first visited Thailand as a tourist - Bangkok, Pattaya, the usual. I thought it was a place to have loads of fun but not a place for higher studies. I also had a notion that the people were not very friendly towards Indians. Thorough research, however, convinced me otherwise. Thailand has a vast cultural diversity where foreigners can blend in easily. It is also home to many American accredited universities including Webster University, which has campuses in 12 countries across four continents. And the cost of living in Thailand is peanuts compared to Europe or North America. So after graduating in Accounting from Serampore College in Hooghly, I wanted to try for a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Bangkok campus. A good IELTS score helped me crack the entrance exam here.

High on life, low in cost

The fees for a year at the Bangkok campus of Webster University is Rs 10.5 lakh and my scholarship is worth around Rs 4 lakh. However, the living costs are quite low - only Rs 20,000 a month - so I can manage quite well. In fact, some things cost less here than back home.

Currently I live in the central part of Bangkok called Sathorn, in a serviced apartment provided by my university. I like it and it is quite adequate for a single person.

I have a tight schedule of study, so I seldom get time to hang out. In the little free time I have, I either listen to music or play the guitar. Also, I hit the gym and swim every day; this helps me relax. During holidays or weekends, I go out with my friends to a restaurant where there is live music and enjoy trying out delicacies of different nations.

Food has never been a problem for me because I am an adventurous eater and the street food here is lip-smackingly good. Another advantage is that I can cook and I love feeding my friends. Sometimes my friends, too, cook for me or all of us cook our signature dishes and then eat them together.

Red, yellow and green 

I have been here a little over six months now. Though they seem different, there are many things in common between Thailand and India. People of both the countries greet each other by folding hands. They also love hot red, yellow and green curries. What makes Thailand different is its ever-smiling people. They treat you with respect even if they are irritated, agitated or angry.

The problems which I face here are the language barrier - I haven't been able to pick up the Thai language yet - and fish sauce, which is added to almost all dishes. It is an acquired taste and I haven't learnt to enjoy it.

Life outside the campus is exciting because I am friends with so many people from different countries. Thailand and the campus indeed are melting pots of cultures and cuisines.

As told to Chandana Chandra