Sophia GED has launched another high school program from the period of March 23rd to 28th 2026 with 30 students and multiple staff members accompanying the program. The visit at the main capital of Thailand in Bangkok was aimed to enhance the learning experience of Japanese high school students on various issues.
With so many students joining the program from all over Japan, each day was filled with an energetic and joyful vibe
where everyone constantly exchanged comments on what they are hoping to learn in a new environment each day.
Upon arrival on the first day, students are introduced to the strong Buddhist influence in Bangkok through a visit to “Wat Saket”, a historic temple located in the heart of the city. This experience allows them to explore cultural and religious aspects that differ from their everyday life in Japan. This activity serves as an energizing introduction, helping students become more active and engaged in preparation for the rest of the day’s program.
We then bring the students to visit one of Thailand’s oldest universities, Thammasat University Tha Prachan Campus to experience campus lifestyle. With a warm welcome and lecture provided by Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwannarat Meesomboonpoonsuk, the students get to interact with university students and deeply learn the unique cultural diversity that Thailand holds.
Later on, we also let the students try to buy dinner for themselves by stopping by at one of the major food centre of the city at “Thonburi Market” where wide selections of Bangkok’s food, drinks, and shopping goods are available for our students to be amazed.
On the third day, we let the students know more about the social issues of Bangkok by visiting Sikkha Asia Foundation where the ongoing problems of slums and poverty still remain at large. Students get to walk around the slum environment and see what the local life is actually like in the area. Later on the afternoon, our group are fortunate to have a visiting chance to Asian Identity Co., Ltd., and receive a brief guidance session from their CEO, Mr. Katsuhiro Nakamura (Jack) on the topic of “how to live as a global citizen” through sharing his own personal experience working in foreign country.
Coming to their fourth day in Thailand, we believe it would be an interesting opportunity for high school students to let them think of a plan to explore Bangkok with Sophia GED Thai staff who have local knowledge of the area. With that idea, we split the students into various groups, each exploring different parts of Bangkok in their choices of preference with staff assisting along the way. The exploration was a huge success with each group managing to create a route to travel by themselves and get to interact with many local Thai people along the way.
With a lot of information and experience gained in just a short amount of time, we arranged a brief period to reflect upon their experiences and start planning in advance for the field work they will be going on without Thai staff accompanying the group on the following day. All the members have used this opportunity to recall what could have been done to make the travel even more efficient and create a list of itinerary that works for every member of the group.
As dinner follows, we reunite with guests from Asian Identity, representatives from the Sikkha Asia Foundation, and meet with the Managing Director of Sophia Global Education and Discovery, Prof. Dr. Yasushi Hirosato where everyone comes and shares lighthearted meals together. Students were able to have an enjoyable time chatting among their colleagues while experiencing local Thai cuisine dishes.
To conclude the final day, students were given the opportunity to put their newly developed confidence and practical skills into action through a self-directed exploration of Bangkok they planned the day before. Students choose to explore various parts of Bangkok, from local parks to major shopping centers and local boutiques in search of souvenirs. This final experience not only encouraged independence but also allowed students to create lasting memories and enjoy a final sense of adventure before returning home.
After everyone returned to the hotel in Bangkok, the group came together for a final wrap-up session, offering students a chance to reflect on their journey and share their key takeaways. Each participant presented insights gained throughout the program, ranging from a deeper understanding of Thai culture to thoughts on future inspirations and personal development.
As the program drew to a close, we gathered for a farewell dinner at a local Thai restaurant in Bangkok, where students shared their future aspirations alongside laughter and heartfelt moments with their peers. During the meal, we introduced a brief traditional Thai practice of tying “Sai Sin”, a symbolic gesture of gratitude and well-wishing for lasting connections. Following this meaningful conclusion, we traveled together to the airport to see the students off. With smiles and a deep sense of appreciation for everyone involved, the study tour for this season then came to a warm and memorable close.
Throughout the program, the participating Japanese high school students showed remarkable development, acquiring meaningful skills and perspectives that will support their future aspirations. We at Sophia GED are sincerely grateful to have been part of this journey and extend our appreciation to all those who contributed to making this opportunity possible.
— The Sophia GED Team
