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Asia
Asia is the largest and the fastest growing continent in the world. Beautiful landscapes, dynamic metropoles, diverse cultures and endless opportunities for discovery make Asia an ideal study abroad destination.
Macromedia University students have the chance to explore the world's most populous countries, China (BFSU, Beijing) where they can study in Beijing or experience a magnificent time in Thailand (Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok during their semester abroad. Special and unique is also South Korea (aSSIST, Seoul and Kwangwoon University, Seoul), where High-Tech and Far Eastern tradition merge.
We are honoured to introduce our new partner institute, the Asia Pacific University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where you will find a fusion of Asia's oldest civilisation.
Countries
China
There is hardly any other country that is more diverse than China. The second biggest economy of the world offers not only large metropoles with skyscrapers, such as Shanghai and Beijing, but also remote villages in mountainous regions and historic world heritage sites like the Chinese Wall. The heterogeneous population of 1.37 billion of people is the biggest in the world. Studying in such a dynamic country is certainly not boring. China has thousand years worth of history, whether you want to walk through the forbidden city, visit the terracota army, explore ancient temples or marvel in the latest developments of the big cities. China can offer a huge variety of options combining tradition and modernism so each student can find his own niche to discover. Welcome to the Middle Kingdom!
For details, click here.
Universities
Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing
Cost of Living
Rent, Groceries and Leisure activities are generally lower than in Germany. For details, click here.
Safety and Crime
China is relatively safe and non-violent. Minor petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in touristic areas, crowded shopping centers or public transportations.
Credit card frauds or financial scams are possible too. Like in almost every big city one should take precautions and be cautious with valuables. See also here.
Country specific advices
As a populous city, public transportation in Beijing are crowded especially during peak times, and route information is not always in English. Use official taxis that use meters. Taxis in Beijing are affordable, but should a driver refuse to use the meter, exit and take another taxi. Another possibility of transportation is the DiDi Chuxing the local "Uber" in China (A Chinese cell phone number is required).
Be also aware of possible natural desasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, that might happen in some regions .
Entry Requirements and Visa
German citizens, citizens of other EU states and citizens of most foreign countries require a visa, which they must obtain prior to travelling to China.
Currently, the Chinese embassy only issues visas which are valid for two months. Within the first 30 days in China you need to register at the police department to get a residence permit. In the process of application, students have to give the name of the town/city in Germany, where they intend to apply for the visa, to the partner university.
Diplomatic Missions
Malaysia
Malay,
Chinese and indian, the melting pot of culture, with colorful
festivals, customs and tradition, taste the wide multicultural cuisines.
Kuala
Lumpur (KL) is the capital city, choice of study destination for
students from all over the world, from Pakistan to South east Asia, from
Europe to Maldives. A cultural-diverse population with a vibrant
history for a memorable experience.
For details, click here.
Universities
Asia Pacific University, Kuala Lumpur
Cost of Living
Costs of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is relatively affordable and not so expensive, compared to other countries. Estimated living cost including accommodation, food etc, is around 400 - 600 USD per month, depending on lifestyle. For details, click here.
Safety and Crime
Crime in Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur is pretty moderate. Like in every big city, one should be careful when carrying or showing valuables, travel with only a small amount of money, be careful when using a credit card for payments. Caution is advised when making casual acquaintances in bars and restaurants. Do not take drinks or food from strangers or buy cheap alcohol, could be illegal and adulterated. See also here.
Country specific advices
In Malaysia, you drive on the left-hand side of the road (British). Be aware of the significant differences in jurisdiction between provinces, e.g. a certain behavior or consumption of alcohol might be allowed in one province but punishable in another. Same-sex relationships, LGBT persons are generally frowned upon and is punishable by imprisonment or stroking.
Malaysia is predominantly of Muslim faith. Adapt your behaviour and dress to local customs, especially outside the larger cities and tourist areas. Inform yourself about the rules of conduct and the exact regulations.
Being part in the natural hazards area of South East Asia, you might experience Earth and/or Seaquarkes, and also strong storms during the monsun period.
Entry Requirements and Visa
A Study Abroad Mobility Visa will be required/issued with the support of the APU team. Visa process 3 - 4 weeks. Passport must be valid for at least 24 months as from intake date. For detailed information, follow the "further information" link in the section of the partner university.
Diplomatic Missions
South Korea
High-Tech and Far Eastern tradition? No, opposite/contrast in South Korea! Daily life in South Korea is shaped by extensive technical innovations, more than in any other country, which is especially interesting in view of the close proximity to historical sites like the Royal Palace in Seoul and the over 1000 years history of the Silla empire. Next to urban sites like shopping-malls, enjoy exciting nightlife and modern architecture - Seoul was venue for the Summer Olympics in 1988 and for the Football World Cup in 2002 - Traditional festivities and Buddhist temple ceremonies are still celebrated by Korean society. Get to know one of Asia's most exciting metropoles and discover South Korea's fascinating landscape which offers both fantastic islands and quiet mountainous regions. For details see here.
Universities
Cost of Living
Rent, Groceries and Leisure activities are generally higher than in Germany. For details, click here.
Safety and Crime
Crime in South Korea is among the lowest compared to other developed nations. For further information check out here.
Country specific advices
There is a certain tension between South Korea and North Korea. Macromedia University therefore kindly asks you to be precautious, inform yourself carefully in advance about the situation before visiting border areas. A risky behavior is also common when it comes to traffic, so be careful when crossing the road. Use official taxis only. Some credit cards (Mastercard) might not be accepted, please double check with your bank beforehand or contact the Student Ambassador for tips.
Entry Requirements and Visa
Student visa for Korea should be applied at the Korea Visa Application center (KVAC), and not at the Korean Embassy/Consulate. See visaforkorea.eu.en and visaforkorea/important-notices.
You need a student visa - D-2 type - before entering South Korea. The Visa fee is around 35 EUR, application submission fee, around 60 EUR - fees are subject to change (Exemption from visa fees possible). Your passport will be taken in during the whole process of your Visa application, please also consider waiting periods for up to 2 months or more.
A financial statement might be necessary to apply successfully for a visa. Depending on your country of origin, different documents might be required.
Diplomatic Missions
Thailand
You have never been to Asia? Thailand is a fascinating region which combines tradition and the modern age. The independent kingdom is one of South East Asia's leading and most stable economic regions despite of several political issues. Besides Western life-style people maintain their traditional rituals of former times. Get to know the Thais‘ subtle restraint, try the culinary delights and discover tropical rain forests, stunning beaches and Thailand's pulsating capital Bangkok. For details, click here.
Universities
Cost of Living
Rent, Groceries and Leisure activities are generally lower than in Germany. Details can be found here and here.
Safety and Crime
Most criminal activity is limited to non-confrontational street crimes and crimes of opportunity (purse snatching, pickpocketing, petty theft, jewelry schemes, tourism fraud).
Sexually-motivated violence is most likely to occur at parties, discos, or beaches (Full Moon Party on Phangan Island). For more details see here.
Country Specific advices
Stay away from drugs since even the possession of soft drugs can bring you to jail! Be also aware that Lèse majesté (insulting the monarchy) is punishable by law.
Entry Requirements and Visa
German nationals who intend to stay for more than 30 days in Thailand require a visa, issued by a Thai diplomatic mission before entry and a passport that is valid for at least six months upon entry. Visa fee range up to 150 EUR. Please use your passport to travel, an ID card is not accepted for entry!
In addition, you must have a confirmed return ticket. If you do not have a return ticket or have only an open return, you will generally not be permitted to stay for longer than 30 days.
Therefore, applying for a visa before entry is strongly recommended.
Students need a "Non-Immigrant Visa ED". either the ED Visa S which is granted for stay longer than 6 months or ED Visa M initially granted for 90 days and then must be renewed once in Thailand. Costs vary between 60 - 150 EUR, depending on type of visa required. The Partner Universities will assist you in taking care of this requirement in Thailand.
You can apply for the visa in person at the embassy, consulate general or the honorary consulates. Inform yourself carefully here and apply as early as possible for your visa! Consider in advance whether you might want to visit neighbouring countries during your stay in Thailand, so as to apply for a single or multiple entry visa as appropriate. A re-entry with a single-entry visa is generally not possible!
It happens that travel agents or visa agents will offer to arrange a visa extension for you. Do not fall for this trick as these are often counterfeit. The penalties are very high if you are caught travelling with such a fake visa. Risk of heavy fines and/or arrest.
Carrying your identification with you is compulsory in Thailand, so please make sure you have an ID with you at all times (passport with valid visa).
The German Foreign Office has also provided this notice about leaving Thailand:
"Since 2011, all passengers in Thailand have to prove their identity before boarding aircraft. If the spelling of the name on the ticket is not identical with that in the traveler's passport, the traveler may not be allowed to board and may be subject to police investigation. This regulation does not apply to passengers only connecting through Thailand. Therefore, please ensure that your information is identical between your passport and your travel documents."
Students should check the Stamp that they get on entry at the airport. In the past it has happened that, in some cases a validity of only 60 days instead of 90 days was confirmed.
Students who applied for a visa extension after 90 days had to pay a penalty.