Sophia GED kicks off the second half of the year with two study tour programs for students in high school that have a partnership with Sophia University. The duration lasts for 5 days, with each round starting from 20th July to 25th for Group A and August 3rd to 8th for Group B, bringing students from all around Japan to visit Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.
With 30 students in each group, each day in the study tour was full of vibrant energy, where students from different schools got to interact with each other to learn about new types of cultures they rarely have the chance to encounter firsthand.
After arriving on the first day, we bring the students to witness the strong Buddhist influence in Bangkok by visiting “Wat Saket”, a temple in the city center with rich history and cultural activity, for students to learn some differences from what they usually experience in Japan. Climbing the stairway of “Golden Mount”, the temple’s most renowned monasteries, was also a good warm-up exercise for our students to get more active for what the latter half of the day holds for them.
Once we let the students have some brief idea of what Thai culture is, it’s finally time for them to experience Thai university life by visiting two of Thailand’s most well-known universities. For Group A, we visited Mahidol University International College, where we were privileged to receive a lecture from Dr. Orrathip Geerativudhipong about Thai language and culture, along with a brief interactive student exchange session there. The students in Group B get to visit Thammasat University Tha Prachan Campus, located next to the Chao Phraya River, where they also get a brief lecture from Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwannarat Meesomboonpoonsuk on Thailand’s cultural activity, and even get to try some for themselves as well!
Using the knowledge and experience they gained so far from their first day, we later bring the students to try ordering and shopping for local foods using the Thai language by themselves at Thonburi Market, a food centre with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Many students not only buy dinner but also look around for souvenirs to bring back home already!
With everyone getting along and enjoying an adventure-packed first day in Bangkok, we then let the students see how people in the past lived by visiting a community named “Hua Takhe” in the following days. We were given a very warm welcome by local people and provided with a tour of what the community was like in the past. Students also get to try weaving Thai-style kites and cook a local Thai snack called “Kanom Tom”.
Visiting a foreign country is not only about absorbing a culture but also about knowing and realizing the local situation that the people in each country are facing as well. Through this, we cooperate with Sikkha Asia Foundation, located in the Bangkok suburban district of Klong Toey, by visiting the organisation to learn more about the slum community where many people still live. Through meaningful lectures regarding social issues and a brief walk around the area to see what the future holds for this community, students of both groups have come to gain insight into how the poverty cycle can truly affect society as a whole. We at Sophia GED hope that this opportunity can become an inspiration for the new generation of people who can use this experience to create a better world for the future as well.
After a fulfilling Thai-style barbecue for dinner, the fourth day of the program starts with a field work activity where we let the students observe and explore around “Wat Paknam Temple”, one of Bangkok’s most famous temples that offers a magnificent view of the cityscape. Many of the students have gained a better image of how significant Buddhist culture in Thailand is from their own observation and seeing how the temples accommodate the local people’s needs of making merit and practicing ritual.
With a brief stop at the city’s department store for some lunch and shopping, we hope that the students can get to see how Thai people spend their daily lives, which leads to the next session we prepared for them: seeing how Japanese firms set up a business internationally and what kind of career path they can pursue. We were very honoured to get to visit Asian Identity Co., Ltd., where the CEO of the company, Mr. Katsuhiro Nakamura (Jack) himself and other staff have offered to give lessons, advice, and opinions on working in a foreign country. The session was truly an impactful one as students received many thoughtful inspirations and realized how having a global mindset can lead to even more opportunities in their lives.
The exchange session continued into the evening as we gathered for a shared dinner, creating a relaxed atmosphere for ongoing interaction. Alongside the high school students and Asian Identity staff, we were also joined by representatives from the Sikkha Asia Foundation and our Sophia GED Managing Director, Prof. Dr. Yasushi Hirosato. This diverse group helped foster meaningful dialogue across different backgrounds and experiences. Throughout the meal, students eagerly participated in conversation, asking questions ranging from guidance on potential career paths and educational opportunities to learning more about daily life, culture, and working environments in Thailand.
On the final day of the program, we gave the students a chance to apply the confidence and practical skills they had gained throughout their time in Bangkok. During the morning period, they were encouraged to explore the city with their own group, navigating public transportation and discovering places of their interest. Many chose to visit well-known tourist attractions, while others spent time shopping at major department stores and browsing local shops for souvenirs. This independent outing allowed them to create lasting memories and enjoy a sense of adventure before preparing to return home.
Once everyone returned to the hotel, we held a wrap-up session that allowed the students to look back on their experiences and share their key takeaways from the program. They had the opportunity to present what they learned, whether about Thai culture, future career possibilities, or personal growth. Later on, we gathered for one final farewell dinner at a local Thai restaurant, where laughter, gratitude, and excitement filled the air. After enjoying a warm and memorable meal together, we accompanied the students to the airport to see them off. Although it was time to part ways, the study tour came to a close with smiles and a strong sense of accomplishment from everyone involved.
The Japanese high school students who participated in this program have demonstrated impressive growth, gaining valuable skills that will support their future goals. We at Sophia GED are grateful to have helped provide this opportunity and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the program.
— The Sophia GED Team
