February 16, 2004

TSU opens teaching site in Thailand

Troy State University is expanding its overseas operations by opening a teaching site in Thailand , and plans to begin offering the master of business administration degree classes in April.

TSU, which has operated teaching sites outside the United States for more than 30 years, opened its site in the financial district of Bangkok last month, according to Dr. Susan Aldridge , Vice President of University College, the division of the university that oversees TSU operations outside of Alabama .

“ Thailand is an excellent location for Troy State University ,” Dr. Aldridge said. “The country has few American graduate business programs, and because of the exchange rate between the dollar and the baht, very few Thai citizens can afford to study in the United States .”

Dr. Aldridge added, however, that the program will be structured to allow students the option of transferring to the Troy campus if they obtain a visa and have the funds to study abroad.

“We're currently completing the process for recruiting and certifying faculty,” Dr. Aldridge said. “Recently, we received official approval from the Ministry of Education in Thailand .”

Dr. Aldridge said Thailand 's growing manufacturing base and its willingness to establish partnerships with Alabama-based organizations makes it fertile ground for TSU's graduate business programs.

Troy State University , through University College , operates more than 50 teaching sites outside Alabama in 17 states and 10 foreign nations. No University College sites receive state appropriations