Written by Laureen Tauli
Muang Phon, Khon Kaen, Thailand – Exchange students from the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) actively participated in key academic and cultural events at their host institutions in Thailand, gaining hands-on international exposure.
The students took part in Phon Commercial and Technical College’s (PCTC) College Day on February 24 and 25, the Graduation Ceremony of Krasae Pattana School (KSP) and PCTC on March 1, and the Open House of Krasae Pattana School on March 6 and 7. These engagements provide meaningful opportunities to experience Thailand’s educational traditions while fostering interaction with local students, faculty, and administrators.
College Day: Engaging in School Traditions
The College Day opened with a grand procession, with the exchange students carrying PCTC’s banner and flag, leading the parade. Afterward, the opening ceremony took place, attended by school executives and the mayor of Muang Phon. During the ceremony, the exchange students performed an intermission dance to the song “APT,” which was well received by the audience. The celebration also featured sports competitions and cheering competitions, allowing the exchange students to connect with the local academic community, chatting and cheering with the teachers in the bleachers.
Graduation Ceremony: Celebrating Academic Achievements
At the joint graduation ceremony of KSP and PCTC, the exchange students, dressed in traditional Filipiniana attire and Barongs, delivered congratulatory speeches. They expressed, “Congratulations to all students who poured their hearts and minds into this milestone.” Additionally, they honored Dr. Krasae, the founder of the institutions, as the event coincided with his birthday. They acknowledged his contributions to education, stating, “Thank you, Dr. Krasae. Your exceptional leadership bridged the gaps in rural communities and brought about change not only in Thailand but also on the international stage.”
The ceremony concluded with a dinner gathering attended by graduates, teachers, and the exchange students, fostering deeper connections through shared conversations and interactions.
Open House: Encouraging Interactive English Learning
On March 6 and 7,
the exchange students played an active role in Krasae Pattana School’s Open House by setting up their booth, The Society of English Literates. The booth aimed to make English learning engaging and interactive, thus featuring educational games such as Animal and Sounds, Matching Games, Color Games, and Ball Maze. These activities encouraged students to accomplish language-related tasks, enhancing their English skills in a fun and dynamic way. The booth was deemed successful, as evidenced by the lively participation of students from various schools, who filled the booth with cheers and shouts, alongside the positive feedback from teachers, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting interactive English learning.
By engaging in cross-cultural exchanges and firsthand experiences, the future educators develop global perspectives, preparing them for diverse environments and future endeavors. This experience underscores the importance of cultural immersion in teacher education, equipping aspiring educators with the skills needed in an increasingly interconnected world.
The cultural and academic exchanges align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive and equitable learning experiences, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering international collaboration in education.
