Asia Pacific International University (APIU), formerly Mission College, is located in the small resort town of Muak Lek, two hours north of Bangkok, the capital city.  The campus sits on 150 acres and is surrounded by farmland, hills, and grassland.  It is a suburban environment surrounded by natural beauty.  Within a short drive are caves, waterfalls, hiking trails, golf courses, and a national park complete with wildlife spotting tours and camping.

APIU came into being with the integration of three proud institutions:  Southeast Asia Union College, Singapore (est. 1906), Bangkok Adventist Hospital School of Nursing (est. 1947), and Mission College Muak Lek Campus, Thailand (est. 1988 with instruction in the Thai language only).  APIU is accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association as well as by the Thai Ministry of Education.  This ensures that high academic standards are maintained in all of our curricula and programs.

Student life is full and diverse.  With students from 41 countries, the school provides an opportunity to mix and mingle with cultures, religions, and languages one would be hard pressed to find in even the most cosmopolitan city.   In addition to class time, each student will be immersed in language learning by rooming with a student who either comes from China or speaks Chinese.  This arrangement will provide a great opportunity to practice language and learn culture on a day-to-day basis.

APIU is in the unique position of offering students the opportunity to learn the language and experience the Chinese and Thai cultures, which share many similar characteristics.  Through the study  of the Chinese language and tours of China, we will seek to broaden their perspectives on this ancient culture.  In addition, students will naturally be exposed to Thai culture and customs during their stay in Thailand.  Both experiences will help them gain a deeper understanding of the Asian way of life.  Students will also be encouraged to hone their intercultural skills by connecting with other international students that come from over thirty different countries around the world.

The language courses provide each student the opportunity to learn as much as they are willing to learn.  At the end of the course they will be able to understand and converse at a basic level in Mandarin.  We believe this program will also open up opportunities for missionary outreach or employment in the Chinese speaking world later on.

Students coming to APIU will be exposed to two cultures that are unique and diverse.  They will learn Chinese culture first hand through Chinese language studies and cultural tours.  They will also learn about Thai and other Southeast Asian Cultures from their stay at APIU.  We hope that this program will provide students with greater understanding and appreciation of the different cultures of the world.

Registration

Students must apply to the Adventist Colleges Abroad through their home college or university.  A minimum number of 5 students is required to operate this program.

How to get to the Campus

Students can travel to the Bangkok International Airport directly from any coutnry.  The shcool will provide transportation to and from Bangkok Airport and APIU at arrival and departure.  A NOTICE OF ARRIVAL form is included in your acceptance package.  Please fill this form and fax it to the program director at APIU at least 5 working days prior to your arrival.  Also, you can email the arrival information to the director including your name, arrival date and time, airline, and flight number.  Someone from the University will pick you up from the airport.

Spiritual and Cultural Activities

Cultural events, nightly games of soccer, badminton, basketball, volleyball, field trips, mission opportunities, branch Sabbath Schools in the local community, vocal and string musical groups, not to mention classes taught by a diverse faculty, keep student life active.  Public transportation makes it easy to travel within Thailand.  An inexpensive van service from the campus to Bangkok departs on even hours every day.

The weather in Thailand is as warm as the people.  Average temperatures for most of the year hover around the mid-80s Fahrenheit.  A slight reprive from the heat is granted during the mild winter months of November through February, when the nights can cool down to the high 60s.

Cultural Tours

The 7-week study package includes four tours, with two shorter trips within Thailand and two longer trips outside of the country.  Two weeks visiting a number of important locations in the People's Republic of China at the end of the study program provide an excellent opportunity for students to practice newly acquired language skills; a minimum number of 5 students is required for the China trip.  One trip to Bangkok may also entail an overnight stay -- if desired -- that would allow students a chance to see Bangkok by night.

Thailand itself is very diverse.  The north is mountainous, with hill tribes to visit, white water rafting, zip lining, elephant treks, and more.  The southern parts of Thailand are known for beautiful beaches and islands.  With less than a day's travel by bus, train, or van, one can also visit one of several neighboring countries.

Financial and Visa Information

If you are coming to Thailand for the first time, please check with your country's embassy to find out if you require an entry visa.  However, if you are a US citizen, you do not need an entry visa, as one arrival you will be issued a visitor's visa for 60 days.  When you first arrive, you will be met by a college representative.

The tuition amount does not include student airfares, travel documents, visa fees, additional pleasure trips, or personal spending money.  Citizens of US and Canada need only a valid passport (valid for 6 months more than the holder's stay abroad) for entry to Thailand.  Visas to travel to Cambodia and China will be arranged locally by the school.

School uniforms being compulsory by government law, ACA students will get their own uniforms on campus.  They are offered with the program.