Asian University's Asian Experience

August Asian Experience, International Summer University, is under way.

2010-08-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

Svetlana, Khun Panit (University Vice President) and the Russian Bear.

Manager Klaus looks on while Evgenia & Veronica have their feet nibbled, by fish

Decisions!! Choosing the flavour of ice cream

Enjoying the sling adventure

Lunch at Sala Thai

Manager Klaus explains the philosophy of the Floating Market

Evgenia tastes the ice cream at PEACH.

Asian University is hosting students from countries as diverse as Venezuela, Russia, India and Portugal on two different programmes (tourism and business) for three weeks. With a full programme, the students are enjoying Thai hospitality, and an exciting Asian Experience.

The first week they stayed at the University campus, with lectures, social activities, visits to Pattaya, etc. On Thursday the tourism students went out to local attractions including the Food and Hoteliers Expo at PEACH, the Royal Cliff Hotel and the Floating Market where they were taken round by Manager Klaus Jergen. They loved the variety of products on sale, and laughed when they had their feet nibbled by fish. They also enjoyed the zip-line over the lake, feeding a 114 year old elephant and then the gentle boat ride through the market. The students are already planning another visit to the market.

Svetlana & Veronica at the Floating Market

Some of the business group by a pineapple field (Programme leader Keith on right)

The business group visited many contrasting local sites, including Ban Amphur market, the Portofino condominiums, the local school and temple in Huay Yai and also learnt about some of the local agriculture (cassava, pineapples and rubber) and industry including charcoal burning. One of the most interesting visits was to Worasan Farm, Hua Nong village, where they saw Chonburi Diamond, a beautiful prize winning bull.

The students have spent the weekend on Koh Samet and then move to the Sea Breeze Resort in Jomtien.

Manager Klaus Jergen with students at the Floating Market

The photos show the students enjoying their Asian Experience.

Armin and Victor with the children at Huay Yai school

Veronica, Natalia and Valeriya feed the elephant

The story has been published here: http://www.thainewsland.com/a439278-asian-university-s-august-international-summer-university-is-under-way

http://news.pattaya.com/

http://www.pattayamail.com/890/kids.shtml

2010 July Summer University starts

2010-07-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

Extending the hands of friendship...

Monday 5 July was the start of the 2010 Summer University, programme at Asian University. A second programme will start in August.

Dr. Viphandh welcomes our guests from other countries.

The undergraduates and postgraduates from six different countries will be together for three weeks an Asian Experience based in different parts of Thailand. Initially they are on the campus, then after a weekend on Koh Samet, they stay at the Sea Breeze Hotel in Jomtien. The next weekend is a visit to the north, to Chiang Mai, and then the final week is based in Bangkok. With a variety of lectures, visits and fun to look forward to, the participants are set to make the most of their visit to Thailand.

Top ; Julia and Dr. Apichat Below: Beatrix

The photographs show the first evening. After dinner and a special welcome from the University President, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, and the programme organiser, Keith Cheeseborough, the Bi Si ceremony was held outside in the courtyard of the university. The stars shone down on the group, as they were told about the significance of the string and enjoyed the atmosphere with their new friends.

Ladies from Austria, Bhutan, Finland and the Maldives

The Pattaya local press have also published this story here:

http://www.thainewsland.com/a437483-asian-university-s-international-asian-experience-july-international-summer-university

http://news.pattaya.com/

http://www.pattayadailynews.com/en/2010/07/06/asian-university%E2%80%99s-july-international-summer-university/

http://www.pattayamail.com/current/kids.shtml

Summer University photos: a few more

2009-10-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to ajarn Robert B for these photos.

An Asian Experience: Summer University 2009

2009-10-13T01:28:00.000-07:00

Thirty nine students from thirteen different countries have just enjoyed being a part of Asian University’s fourth Summer University programme. Students came from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Russia, Slovenia, Spain and elsewhere, making it a truly international experience.

They spent a week at the university campus, meeting the students, and learning from them about the Thai way of life. A Thai evening of presentations by the Thai students was followed by an International evening, with the visitors telling everyone about their home countries. Several of the visitors had brought along food and drink from their countries for everyone to share. People either loved or hated the salty licorice from Denmark! However, most people enjoyed tasting the wines. Then a weekend on Koh Samet to relax, including dinner and a fire show on the beach, before enjoying a week at the Jomtien Sea Breeze Hotel. The final week was spent based at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok.

The courses offered the young people a chance to listen to many experts and practitioners to improve their knowledge about business and tourism in Asia, especially in Thailand.

Visits to local businesses gave them an insight into the wide variety of products and services here. They enjoyed seeing behind the scenes at the Royal Cliff and Amari hotels, where they heard about hotel management in Pattaya. They were very impressed by the Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya, where Dr. Iain and Neil gave a presentation and showed us some of their facilities. Other places visited included Mama Noodles production plant (Thai President Foods), Nong Nooch gardens, an authentic Thai meal on the beach at Tung Seafood, Tiffany’s, Henry J Bean, etc. In Bangkok they went to the Grand Palace and the Stock Exchange of Thailand; they learnt the benefits of travelling by Skytrain (BTS) and found plenty of evening entertainment venues to explore. Of course shopping was on the agenda, in both Pattaya and Bangkok, with visits to malls and street-markets.

Everyone enjoyed hands-on classes in Thai Massage, fruit carving and cooking Thai food as well as an introduction to the Thai language and Muay Thai boxing. The students heard about the Art of Meditation from Pra Suchart at Wat Yan, and gave alms to a group of monks early one morning at the university.

The Special Guest speaker this year was Mr. Chung Po-yang (Po Chung) OBE, SBS, JP, a co-founder of DHL International, and a very successful entrepreneur. This lecture was open to the public and Po Chung came with his wife, and told everyone about his life, so far, before telling us about his many business and philanthropic ventures. His talk was an inspiration to the young students who are just starting their working lives.

Some of the comments on the course included “Awesome!”, “Very well organized”, “I liked the chance to talk with the lecturers” and “The mix of international students.”

Staff at Asian University are now starting to plan for Summer University 2010.

http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000010153

Summer University . . . ongoing

2009-10-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

Asian University’s Asian Experience 2009.

2009-10-13T01:19:00.000-07:00

Asian University’s Summer University 2009 started on 3 August. With thirty-nine young people from thirteen different countries, it will be a truly international experience. They will spend three weeks in Thailand, learning about the Thai ways, culture and history and about doing business here.

There are two separate groups, some who are here to learn more about business in Asia, and the others who are studying tourism and related subjects.

After the traditional welcome by students from a local school, the first evening activities included a welcome dinner, a Thai dancing lesson (including dressing for the dance) and a Bi See ceremony by candlelight. Dr Viphandh (the University president) and other faculty members joined together to wish the visitors good luck and a fun and fruitful stay in Thailand.

After a week at Asian University, staying on campus with the undergraduates, the visors will move to Jomtien for a week, and then Bangkok. There is a busy schedule of Thai experiences for them to look forward to.

Asian Experience 2008

2008-08-28T02:30:00.001-07:00

After three weeks of lectures, tours, business and cultural visits and making friends, the 34 international delegates have left Asian University’s Summer University; some have returned to their homes and others are enjoying a short holiday in Thailand.

The programme started on the Asian University campus, near Jomtien, and the young people from nine different countries started with introductions to Thailand from the University’s Thai students about the way things are done here.

After a week on campus, including an inspiring lecture from Mr. Mechai, they went to Koh Samet for a relaxing weekend. Everyone enjoyed themselves on the beach and in the sea, preparing themselves for the study ahead. The group was split into two sections. Fourteen of the Russians from Sakhalin University were taking special English language and Tourism courses, while the others were concentrating on how business operates in Thailand and SE Asia. The business section included undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as people who are already working. Both sections socialized together and were introduced to Thai culture and visited some local sites and businesses.

The tourism group went to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort where they were shown round by Mr. Victor Kriventsov, the Russian director of sales and marketing. They also visited Alangkarn, where the management team allowed everyone onto the stage to see some of the special features used in the extravaganza shows. The students liked the Hard Rock Hotel, and felt it was most suitable for younger visitors. They also visited the Aquarium and the Pattaya Friday market, finding plenty of bargains. The students made time to go shopping, visit a few of the numerous nightspots in Pattaya and Bangkok as well as tasting Thai food in a wide range of venues.

Everyone enjoyed visiting the Amari hotel, with a presentation by Khun Chatchai Sangphet, their professional development manger, followed by supper at Henry Beans. A first for most of the visitors was elephant riding by the beach at Ban Amphur, and also a visit to Wat Yan with a talk by the Abbot about meditation and his life as a monk. He certainly looked young for his age! The visitors were very impressed by Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya (where a few stayed behind to visit the dental department) and Dr Iain Corness guided them around the facilities, many of which compare favourably to a five star hotel.

In Bangkok there was a visit to The Grand Palace in Bangkok, riding the sky train, cruising the klongs (including the Royal Barge museum and Wat Arun) and lectures from eminent businessmen who are working in Thailand. The Asian University President, Dr Viphandh Roengpithya, also gave lectures on some of the influences of Thai Buddhism.

The visitors were looked after by the Summer University Director, Mr. Keith Cheeseborough, and his assistants plus two Asian university students, Poppy and Mink, who were able to guide the students to the night spots frequented by both Thais and foreigners. The feedback was very positive; “This experience was really interesting and great in all aspects. I’m sure these days will stay in my memory forever.” “Like to give great thanks to Dr. Vip and Asian University for an enlightening experience.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s Summer University, and also some customized programmes for individual groups.

Thanks to Robert and Kasinee for help with photos.

University presidents sign MoU during Summer University

2008-08-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Boris Misikov the Rector of Sakhalin University and Deputy of the Sakhalin State Duma and Dr Viphandh Roengpithya, the president of Asian University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable further cooperation between their universities in the future.

The formal signing, along with an exchange of gifts, took place on the top floor of the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok last week, 20 August. Also present were Dr. Misikov’s wife, Marina, who also works at Sakhalin University along with Dr. Ruslan Yakimenko, the Director of the faculty of Service and Tourism.

The universities have already been working together as 15 students and one lecturer from Sakhalin have been on a specially designed three week Summer University programme with Asian University. The students are studying Tourism in Sakhalin and were keen to learn about tourism in Thailand, especially as Russians are the fastest growing sector of tourists coming to Thailand at the moment.

Asian university is located on Highway 331, about 20km from Jomtien, while Sakhalin Island is in the very far East of Russia, to the North of Japan.

Summer University 2008 continues Apace

2008-08-15T01:20:00.001-07:00

The 2008 Summer University delegates enjoyed their first week on campus, and then, after a weekend on Koh Samet, spent the next week in the Sea Breeze Hotel, Jomtien.

Curtin University students enjoy visit to Asia University

2008-07-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Asian University has just hosted a group of twenty six students and two lecturers from Curtin University, Perth, Australia. The students, all studying business or associated subjects have enjoyed a short "Asian Experience" in Thailand. They came to Asian University on Wednesday 25 June, after spending a few days in Bangkok, stopping on the way for a visit to Laem Chabang Port to see how that in operation. The same afternoon they visited Nong Nooch Gardens and then went elephant riding in Bang Saray. In the evening, they arrived at Asian University, and, after checking into the dormitory, they were hosted by a group of faculty members for a welcome dinner, followed by a Bai Si ceremony. The Thai staff explained the symbolism of the string being tied around their wrists to welcome and bless the visitors.

Early the next morning some of the students went to a temple in Baan Amphur to give food to the monks. Then it was back for breakfast and a morning lecture by the University President, Dr Viphandh Roengpithya on Management through the understanding of Buddhist and other Oriental philosophies. The afternoon included a visit to AAT on the eastern Seaboard, and a chance to see a modern manufacturing plant. Back at the University again, the visitors had a go at Thai boxing (two of the students were already leaning Muay Thai in Australia so were very interested in seeing it in its home country) and after this, enjoyed dinner with the Asian University students. The Thai students put on a show "My Thailand" to help the Australian group understand the Thais a little better. The Curtin students had kindly brought along some Australian wine, which was enjoyed by all.

Friday morning was a lecture on cross cultural behaviour, with contributions from faculty members and Dr Vip. After lunch they group were taken to The Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya. Here they were hosted by Neil Maniquiz who gave an interesting presentation about the hospital, its customers, and the influences of expats and tourism. One of the newest members of the hospital's marketing team is an Asian University graduate, Khun Nan, so the visitors from Perth were able to talk with her about her post graduation experiences. A few of the students even stayed at the hospital to have their teeth whitened.

Then it was off to the Amari Hotel for a tour, and dinner followed by a couple of free hours to explore Walking Street and a few of the famous sites of Pattaya.

Saturday was the last day with Asian University. After breakfast it was off to the beach and Koh Larn. The visitors took advantage of the weather, and swam and relaxed on the beach. After such a full few days, the students reluctantly left the island, and boarded the bus to return to Bangkok. Several of the students felt that they had not had enough time and will definitely try to return to Thailand.

Asian University staff are now busy preparing for the annual international Summer University which commences on 4 August, and already has participants booked from ten different countries.

Summer University 2007.

2007-09-14T00:35:00.001-07:00

After three weeks, the twenty eight undergraduates and post graduates from ten different countries have just completed their “Asian Experience” with Asian U. They are returning to Europe with an enhanced knowledge of business and culture in Thailand.

They spent their first four nights on campus alongside the Asian U students, then four nights in Bangkok, and the rest of the time they stayed at the Grand Jomtien Palace hotel. They have had so many new experiences. Four separate courses were included in their program, cross cultural management and communication in Asia, International Business: an Asian Perspective, Emerging Economies in Asia and Asian Culture and Philosophy.

The lecturers were all well known in their own fields. Khun Kriengsek (The Thai Coach) enlightened everyone with information about some of the differences between us and had the delegates taking part in role plays about the way we interact with one another; James Rooney told the stories of several successful entrepreneurs, all based in Thailand. Dr. Narachai taught about the Thai economy, Professor Krairit covered marketing and people management in Asia.

A special guest lecturer was Dr.Tengku Mahaleel Ariff from Malaysia, an ex CEO of Proton cars. He came to Asian U and gave an entertaining and informative talk on globalisation, from an Asian perspective. The auditorium was filled with the Summer University participants, as well as Asian U students and staff.

Asian U lecturers included David Tan, who gave the group a taste of Thai and Asian business law and Kelly Ritchey who covered financing in Asia. Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya (the President of Asian U) attended many of the events and gave several lectures covering the history of Thailand and some of his many experiences working in Thailand and elsewhere. Throughout the program, the participants especially enjoyed the informality and chance to talk with Dr. Vip and all the other presenters.

Apart from the classroom experiences, the students had the chance to visit businesses in this part of Thailand. The Thai President Food (Mama noodle) factory at Sri Ratcha welcomed the group and Mama kindly provided a helpful guide to tell us about the plant and answer questions. Mama generously gave each delegate some samples of a new-recipe of the popular noodles. The Toyota Motor plant in Ban Po was new, big and very impressive. The environmentally friendly plant was opened at the start of the year, and assembles pick-ups for export. The group had the chance to see the assembly lines first hand, and again ask questions of the management. The other visits were to the Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya, where again the hosts were senior staff, including Dr Iain. After a presentation on the business side of the hospital, the effects of tourist nationalities and numbers, and information about some of the special medical treatments available, a guided tour gave everyone a chance to see for themselves .The European visitors were amazed, they thought they were in a five star hotel, not a hospital! The final visit was to a real five star hotel, the Amari in Pattaya. Again, the general manager (M. Dominic), greeted the group and then Khun Sunday gave an interesting presentation about the hotel chain and the ongoing expansion and other developments. Dr. Vip was able to add some more about the history of the hotel as he has family connections. After the visit, the group enjoyed supper at Henry Bean's, with Dr. Vip as host. The students' representative, Adam, from Aston University, England, gave a vote of thanks to Dr. Vip for all his input, advice and help with the program. Dr. Vip gave each delegate a special present from Asian U and Thailand; a gold badge to commemorate the King's 80th birthday. Of course there were also social events, a visit to Koh Larn for games; Thai culture, food and dance lessons from the Asian U students; sports and games in the University sports hall, with the Asian U students; and an international evening to give the Thais a chance to learn a little about the visitors' countries.

Elephant riding was a first for many of the group, the talk on meditation from Chao Khun Suchart at Wat Yan was enlightening, a visit to Nong Nooch was fun and interesting, Thai cooking was another experience to take home. The delegates all enjoyed themselves, and they all learnt a lot: from the lectures, the visits, the Thai students that they met, and each other. Apart from the formal activities, they enjoyed exploring on their own, and having further adventures. Joao, from Portugal, said it was hard to identify the highlight, but it was probably the lectures in Bangkok from eminent Thais.

The final dinner was happy and sad, but everyone is leaving with a new group of real international friends in Thailand and Europe. The Staff at Asian U are now sorting out the plans for next year's Summer University!

A few quotes from the delegates included:

"The caliber of lecturers was exceptional."

"I really enjoyed the leisure activities. They gave a good insight in the Thai culture and those who are interested can get good information."

"An excellent combination of studies and holidays."

“Very friendly and always helpful team, lots of activities to get a deeper insight on Thailand and its culture."

"Invaluable experience, great value. A truly Asian experience."

The photos show the delegates “experiencing” Thailand.

Summer University 2007 has started.

2007-09-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Twenty-eight graduates and undergraduates from nine different European countries have arrived for three weeks of fun and study, all as part of their Asian Experience.

The programme was run for the first time in 2006, and this year the students, mostly business majors, will spend their first four days and nights on campus, four nights based at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok and then go to the Jomtien Grand Hotel for the remainder of their stay.

They will have lectures on business practices in Asia, and in particular in Thailand. They will have the chance to learn, and take part in, Thai massage and Thai boxing. The Asian U students will give them Thai language lessons, they will learn about Thai food and cooking, meditation and Thai culture. The Experience includes visits to four very different local companies and industries.

Of course they will also learn about and from one another.

On their first night, Monday 6 August, the visitors attended a welcome dinner, so they could meet with each other and some of the Asian U staff. A few of the undergraduate students had arranged an Asian U special Bi-Si welcome ceremony. This was an opportunity for the students from east and west to make friends with each other. The photos were taken by Katha, a second year Multi-media student.

Winter University 2007

2007-09-13T23:08:00.001-07:00

Asian University hosted its bi-annual 3 week international “Asian Experience” programme from February 5 - 25. MBA students from Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic were trained in Cross cultural management, Asian economics and Asian marketing.

The students enjoyed their first week in the Thai capital, visiting the Royal palace, having a dinner at the polo club and indulging themselves in Bangkok’s nightlife.

Practical business experience was given to the participants by executive managers at the company visits to Siam Paragon in Bangkok and to the Sheraton Resort in Pattaya.

Back at Asian University campus the students tried different Thai cultural activities. Whether it was cooking Tom Yum, working out at Muay Thai or practising Pasat Thai, they enjoyed their Thai experience enormously.

Relaxing at the beach was part of the programme as well as riding on Thailand’s most famous animal, the elephants. The participants stayed at the campus for a few days and then in the Welcome Jomtien Beach Hotel.

But nothing will stay as deep in the participants’ memories as the Thai hospitality and the “mai pen rai”.

Asian University is looking forward to two Summer University sessions in July and August this year. The programme is open to all international students and people with working experience.

Summer University 2006

2007-09-13T21:42:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Asian University welcomed 73 students from thirteen different countries to the Summer University. The students will be based at the university and at the Welcome Jomtien Beach hotel. During their three-week stay, they will have lectures on Asian culture, history and business. They will also have a taste of Thai culture, with a chance to learn cooking, Thai dance, massage and many other aspects of Thai life.

They will visit Wat Yan and hear about life there from the head monk. Elephant riding, Thai boxing classes and a visit to Bangkok are included in a busy schedule.

At the opening ceremony on Monday 10 July, at Asian U, the students were greeted by the non-academic staff dressed in traditional costumes and boys from a local school; they danced, they sang and they placed garlands on the visitors. Many of the Europeans have never been to Asia before, and were impressed by everyone’s friendliness. There are several students from Austria and Portugal, with future MBA students from Mongolia, Bhutan and Sri Lanka as well as many other European countries.

The students had assembled on Sunday night at the Hotel, and many had stayed up to watch the football final. Monday was down to serious business with a talk about education costs and benefits and a brief the history of the University from the president Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya. The Dean and Deputy Dean of the Business Faculty, Dr. Marie Therese and Dr. Astrid, spoke about the programmes offered by the University and in particular the Summer University. Astrid first met Dr. Vip in Vienna, and he invited her to come to Asian U. Astrid wanted to offer a Summer University for foreigners to learn about Thailand and the region, not just doing business here, but also the culture, the language, the religion, the history and some of the other special features of the country.

Photos, at the university, show the welcome by staff and the newcomers joining in with the Thai dancing.