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Dear Ar-Jarn Boonchai,
I just come to greet you via email since I met you last time on early September at Fast English. I am now studying at Portland State University-MBA program. And I am the only Thai student in the program this year. Besides, I am the youngest student in class.
The classes are really tough as there are many reading assignments and group works. I am overwhelmed by them. Last night I worked on an Accounting report until 6 A.M., I have not had enough time to sleep since the fall term started. Nevertheless, my classmates are nice and friendly but most of them have kids, so after the class I could not have much chances to mingle with them. Besides, I notice that most of American students are more energetic than International students. They always raise a hand in class and heavily focus on the study material. I am trying to be more proactive in class because I want to show them that we, Thai, can perform well in the American class.
I want to talk about a language barrier. I got 90 score on TOEFL. Although I am above the minimum requirement (TOEFL-80) of the program 10 points, I would have to say that 80-85 of TOEFL is literally not enough for those who want to perform well in the American class. I saw some International students struggle with speaking in publics, resulting in less participation in class. In sum, if you want to attend the university which requires 80 minimum, you should have at least 88-95 in order to thrive in class, not just survive.
(I cannot talk about the TOP university because I did not have that experience :p)
I miss the class atmosphere at Fast English very much. The tense and animated atmosphere in Fast English is quite similar to the American class. If once Fast English students get used to it, I am sure they will be happy when they come to study in the U.S. Finally, I hope some day in the future when I am back to Thailand, I will have a chance to go to greet you in person.
Best regards,
Wind. | 
