I chose to study in Australia because it is relatively close to Thailand compared to European or American countries. This proximity means that the time zone difference is not significant. Additionally, Australia is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and it has many Asian restaurants.
Academically, what I like most is the specialized curriculum of the Master of Management program in Tourism and Hospitality. It is beneficial, interesting, and applicable in the real world. In other aspects, living abroad opens up a world of new experiences and perspectives from people of various nationalities. It helps me develop life skills and problem-solving abilities. Even though the duration is relatively short, I feel that I have grown significantly. These are experiences that I couldn't have gained in Thailand.
We started by gathering a lot of information from the internet and people around us. IDP had the most recommendations among the agencies we considered. So, we contacted IDP for consultation. Although we talked to 2-3 other agencies as well, in the end, we chose to apply through IDP because they have the most experience working with ICMS compared to others. For us, IDP was the agency that best met our needs.
Besides having a good reputation and being trustworthy, IDP has more up-to-date information compared to others. This includes information about scholarships and discounts, which is crucial to not miss out on good opportunities. When we had questions, IDP could communicate with the college to provide us with answers. Furthermore, IDP provided detailed guidance on writing GTE statements, helping us secure our visas quickly.
From a personal perspective, studying in Australia has both advantages and disadvantages. Australia is a stunning country with beautiful landscapes and breathtaking skies and lights. The strict regulations here require good planning in life, instilling discipline and structure. On the downside, the cost of living, including rent and food, can be quite high compared to Thailand. However, it depends on individual circumstances, and there are ways to save money, such as sharing accommodation with friends or cooking your own meals.
ICMS is an international college with two campuses in Sydney, namely Manly Campus, known for its beautiful surroundings and views, and City Campus, conveniently located in the city with a plethora of Asian restaurants nearby. ICMS also offers accommodation for students, close to the college, along with three meals a day, though the cost is relatively high.
Academically, every subject in the Master of Management (Tourism and Hospitality) program is useful and of genuine interest to us. It's unique because it focuses on hotel management, which sets it apart from other management courses that offer a broader perspective on business management. It also differs from other hospitality courses as it doesn't require practical training, focusing more on the finer details within hotels, such as table arrangements and meeting international standards for room cleanliness.
The academic year is divided into three terms: February, May, and August. New students can also start in the middle of a term. Each term lasts for approximately 12 weeks, and students usually study 2-3 subjects per term. However, studying three subjects is a good option for those who wish to allocate time for part-time work.
Regarding class schedules, each class lasts for 3 hours, with a break of about 1-2 times per class, depending on the instructor. There are four time slots each day: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM - 3:15 PM, 3:15 PM - 6:15 PM, and 6:15 PM - 9:15 PM. City Campus provides study rooms and dining facilities in addition to classrooms.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I hope this information will be beneficial to those interested in studying at ICMS or in Australia.
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