From August 30 to September 10, 2025, Sophia Global Education Discovery Co., Ltd. (Sophia GED), together with Professor Yasushi Hirosato, conducted the “Learning from Southeast Asia A” study tour program with 15 students from Sophia University.
The study tour allowed participants to immerse themselves in the rich cultural, social, and environmental landscapes of Bangkok, Thailand, and to experience the charm of Luang Prabang, Laos—a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its living traditions and breathtaking scenery.
We began our journey in Bangkok, where students experienced city life and explored a variety of cultural sites. They learned about Thai culture and local lifestyles through their visits and a lecture delivered by Ms. Shion Sato from Mitsubishi Logistics Thailand and Ms. Suparada Pattarapongsatit (Garfield) from Sophia GED.
After that, we departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport and traveled to Luang Prabang, Laos. We were warmly welcomed by Souphanouvong University, where we attended briefing sessions and participated in group activities together with Souphanouvong students.
Students also gained valuable experiences and learned from the various places we visited, including lectures at the World Heritage Office (WHO), Heuanchan Heritage House (House Museum), the National Museum, elephant riding at the Elephant Camp, learning about animal care and local agriculture at the Buffalo Farm, learning about traditional rice farming at the Living Land, and visiting the Kuang Si Waterfall, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Luang Prabang to learn about Eco-Tourism with Prof. Champa of Souphanouvong University.
Beyond economics and the environment, students also learned about the education system in Luang Prabang by visiting Civilize Primary School, a private school where children from around the city can study not only the standard curriculum taught in Lao, but also English and Chinese language class. We also carried out activities with the students, sharing cultures by teaching them how to make onigiri and perform Japanese dances, and in return watching their performance of traditional Lao musical instruments.
After this long journey, students had a free day to explore Luang Prabang on their own. During this time, they also prepared their group presentations based on their assigned themes, such as education, agriculture, or the environment in Laos. They delivered their presentations the following day to Professor Hirosato, Professor Champa, and subject experts from Souphanouvong University. The feedback they received from professors and peers further enriched their learning experience.
Finally, after all their hard work, we concluded the program with a farewell ceremony aboard a Mekong River cruise dinner, featuring the ‘Bye Sri’ ceremony, a traditional farewell ritual shared with teachers and friends.
This study tour not only deepened the student’s understanding of Southeast Asian cultures and societies, but also inspired them to explore new perspectives and engage more actively with the world around them. We hope that these experiences will continue to guide and motivate them in their future discoveries.
— The Sophia GED Team
