Utai Uprasen, Thailand

PhD Economics

Institution Attended: University of Limerick

"I originally come from Bangkok. I received my M.A. degree from the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University. It is a great opportunity to continue studying in Ireland. I chose Ireland as my first alternative to pursue my doctoral degree, because I was puzzled by the 'Celtic Tiger' phenomenon and finally I found that the high quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades.

For me personally, the precious gem has been my time at the Euro-Asia research centre of the Department of Economics. This structure provided me the best experience in terms of teaching and participating to conferences both in Ireland and abroad, such as Belgium, Italy and Australia. I have a wonderful supervisor. She has always been prompt and available in helping me on my research. Apart from the academic side, she always makes me feel welcome as if I had never stayed away from home. This really makes Ireland my second home. UL will always hold a special place in my heart where I've created wonderful memories. If you are searching for a whole new way of life, I wholeheartedly encourage you to be a member of my UL family. The European dimension here at UL will never be forgotten in your mind."