Sophia GED team has organized two rounds of study tours for students from high school associated with Sophia University on March 17th to 21st and another on 26th to 30th, both rounds consisting of 30 Japanese students each coming from various parts across Japan.

In this 5 day educational field trip, high school students will get to learn and experiment with foreign cultures that they can rarely have the chance to experience in their own country along with creating unforgettable memories with new friends made along the way.

We start off on the first day with a visit to “Wat Saket”, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples that offers a whole panoramic view of the city. Students get to witness the significance of religion that has been assimilated to the life of the locals along with the opportunity to practice some Buddhists rituals as well.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit Mahidol University International College (MUIC) and were greeted by Dr. Orrathip Geerativudhipong, she gives a brief lecture on an introduction to Thai culture and language. Japanese high school students also get to engage in a cultural exchange session with MUIC students where they have interactive discussions on their own country’s culture & tradition along with teaching their native language.

Later on that day, students will finally have the chance to use the knowledge they have gained during the day to try strolling in the Bangkok local food market and order dinner by themselves. Many were amazed by the selection of local food available in the market and were able to successfully manage and customize the dish on their own!

The following day, we visited the “Hua Takhe” community area to learn about the livelihood of local people in the area and practice some cultural workshops. Students get to weave their own “Chula Kite” and make a Thai coconut pancake dish known as “Kanom Krok”.

Not only would we hope for students to learn about local culture, but we also want them to understand the ongoing social issues in Thailand as well which is why we also make a stop at Sikkha Asia Foundation in the “Klong Toey” community. At the foundation, we received a lecture about the ongoing issues of poverty that Thailand is facing along with how the organization has been trying to support those in need through job opportunities provided. Students also get to have a brief walk around the slum area and interact with the local children where they get to play with each other and see how crucial the organization is to their development.

Next on the program, we visited another famous temple called “Wat Paknam” known for the large bronze Buddha statue and magnificent architectural temples where students get to observe various religious relics and learn about some history of Thailand within the temple’s exhibition.

After a short break at Bangkok’s department store, we brought the students to visit the offices of Japanese companies in Thailand. For the first round of the tour, we visited KOIKEYA (THAILAND) Co., Ltd. and for the second part at Asian Identity Co., Ltd. where we were honored to receive a lecture by the director from both companies on the topic of working in a foreign country and how to adapt with new environments. Many students received profound messages from this talk session and were truly content with various tips and advice given by the speakers.

We also kept this exchange session ongoing through dinner where we brought staff from both of the company visited along with people from Sikkha Asia Foundation as well as our very own Sophia GED managing director, Prof. Dr. Yasushi Hirosato to engage in a conversation with the high school students. Throughout the meal, students have asked various questions, from career path related questions to daily life in Thailand.

Coming to the last day, during the morning period, as the students have gained enough skills and knowledge to travel around Bangkok; we give the high school students some time to explore the city on their own. Many students have managed to visit popular tourist sites along with shopping around department stores, creating wonderful memories before returning back to their home.

After regrouping back at the hotel, we took the students to a wrap-up session where they could reflect and present what they have learned and gained throughout their time here in Bangkok. Finally, as the day comes to an end, everyone has one last farewell meal together at a local Thai restaurant before we send the students off at the airport, ending this study tour with a smile.

Within just a short period of time, Japanese high school students have shown so much progress in their learning and the skills gained from this trip will surely be useful towards their future path. We at Sophia GED are truly glad to be able to accommodate this experience and would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has participated in the program. 

— The Sophia GED Team