Asian University's Asian Experience: August 2008

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.

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.