Continuing to affirm the direction of internationalizing education and creating a learning environment linked to global experiences for students, the National Economics University organized a 10-day summer exchange program at Thammasat University (Bangkok, Thailand). As the first summer exchange program implemented in Thailand, this activity not only expands the university’s network of international collaboration but also provides students with opportunities to study, exchange, and develop skills in a multicultural environment, alongside the annual exchange programs that have been maintained for many years.

NEU Students Take Commemorative Photos at the Campus of Thammasat University

Within the framework of the program, students participated in specialized classes designed exclusively by Thammasat University for the NEU delegation, featuring a rich combination of theory and practical experience. The modules on basic Thai communication, history, culture, and economy not only equip students with additional knowledge about the host country but also help them gain a deeper understanding of the socio-economic development context, business environment, and distinctive cultural values of one of the dynamic economies in the ASEAN region.

Students Participate in Thai Language 

Students Participate in a Workshop on the Thai Economy

NEU and Thammasat University Students Engage in Discussion and Group Work Activities

In addition to the academic program, students also have the opportunity to experience many traditional cultural values of Thailand through activities exploring Thai massage art, herbal products, and traditional specialties. This is an occasion for students to delve deeper into the local cultural beauties while gaining a clearer understanding of how Thailand preserves and promotes traditional values associated with tourism development and the creative economy.

Students Experience Practicing Traditional Thai Massage Art

Students practice making traditional Thai products

One of the highlights of the program is the study tour and practical learning experience at OPPO Thailand. Here, students listened to company representatives share insights on development strategies, operational management, brand building, and market expansion in a globally competitive context. These practical experiences not only help students better understand the operations of an international business but also bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world business practices, thereby nurturing management thinking, adaptability, and international integration skills.

Students visit OPPO Company in Thailand 

Students visit the OPPO Flagship store

In addition to the academic program, students have the opportunity to interact and connect with Thammasat University students through discussion activities, group work, and cultural exchanges. These activities not only provide an environment for students to practice communication and work skills in English in an international context but also help expand their network of friends, enhance understanding of cultural diversity, and foster an open-minded spirit, respecting differences among countries in the region.

NEU students participate in exchange activities with local students

Besides the learning and exchange activities, the student group also had the opportunity to explore many famous landmarks in Thailand. In the capital city of Bangkok, they visited architectural works, historical sites, and cultural centers, thereby experiencing the blend of long-standing traditional values with the modern pace of life in the Land of the Golden Pagoda.

The group also visited the ancient capital of Ayutthaya – a World Cultural Heritage site, which preserves many historical imprints and unique cultural values of Thailand. These practical experiences not only help students expand their understanding of the history, culture, and local people but also contribute to forming a more comprehensive view of Thailand’s development in the regional and international flow.

Students visit Ayutthaya

Students visit cultural sites in the Land of the Golden Pagoda

Throughout the program, the NEU student group received warm, enthusiastic, and professional hospitality from Thammasat University. From organizational tasks, study support to exchange and cultural experience activities, everything was meticulously prepared, creating favorable conditions for students to learn, connect, and immerse themselves in an international environment. The hospitality and dedication of Thammasat University’s faculty members, staff, and students not only left a positive impression on the group members but also contributed to affirming the increasingly close and effective collaborative relationship between the two universities.

As the first summer exchange program organized in Thailand, this activity not only contributes to expanding NEU’s international collaboration network but also provides students with the opportunity to study and experience in a multicultural environment within the ASEAN region. Through direct learning and exchanges with foreign faculty members, students, and businesses, students have the opportunity to develop international thinking, enhance foreign language proficiency, intercultural communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work in a multinational environment. This is also an important foundation for students to proactively integrate, enhance competitiveness, and be ready to meet the demands of the global labor market.

Scene of the Certificate Awarding Ceremony

Representative of Thammasat University, Ms. Usanee – Head of the International Collaboration Division delivers a speech

This also serves as evidence of the National Economics University’s orientation towards practical training and enhancing international integration, continuously expanding opportunities for students to access advanced educational systems, multicultural learning environments, and modern management models in the region. The knowledge, skills, and experiences accumulated from the program will become valuable assets, contributing to fostering a global mindset, enhancing competitiveness, and preparing students to be ready for integration and development in the international labor market.

NEU Student Group Receiving Certificates

The summer exchange program at Thammasat University not only provides NEU students with a meaningful, beneficial, and enriching summer but also affirms the effectiveness of short-term international exchange programs in equipping learners with knowledge, skills, and integration mindset. With the positive results achieved, the program is expected to continue to be maintained and developed in the coming years, expanding more international learning and experience opportunities for students, while contributing to realizing the strategy of internationalizing education and training high-quality human resources at the National Economics University.

Article and Photos: International Collaboration Division & Communication Division