The “Learning from Southeast Asia” study tour program, conducted by Sophia GED and overseen by Prof. Yasushi Hirosato, catered to 18 students from Sophia University and 2 students from Kwansei Gakuin University from February 28 to March 9, 2024.
In this program, we had opportunities to explore various perspectives of Thailand’s culture, society, and environment in the Bangkok and Chiang Rai areas.
We started by exploring Bangkok city freely, including learning about the diversity of Thai culture through lectures by J-will International and Sophia GED staff. Students had opportunities to experience city life, sample Thai-style food courts, and participate in planning and travelling for Bangkok fieldwork.
Moving to Chiang Rai, we visited “Wat Rong Khun,” also known as the White Temple, which is one of Chiang Rai’s most iconic temples symbolising Buddhist culture through its depiction of hell and heaven. This unique temple stands out with its pristine white exterior and the use of glass fragments in the plaster, creating a shimmering effect in the sunlight.
Students are welcomed by the Xavier Learning Community (XLC) institution, where they can experience collaborative learning about socioeconomic issues in the northern Thailand region. The students will have the opportunity to meet the Tai Lue people, a Thai ethnic minority living in the northern part of Thailand. Additionally, our visit to ‘Kio Sati Village,’ home to the Akha ethnic minority, provides further insight into local life and traditional cuisine.
Then we visited many popular spots starting with “Tham Luang” cave, the place where 12 children and their soccer coach were trapped inside. “Mae Sai” border area where the student will have a chance to look around the connecting area between Thailand and Myanmar together with enjoying the market around the border.
We also visited “House of Opium”, the museum that narrates opium’s story through diverse implements, exploring its biology, trading, and historical context. Lastly, we ended up visiting the Golden Triangle, the area that connected Thailand, Myanmar, and Lao.
Furthermore, we visited and had volunteer activities at “Ban Thapkumanthong” School, the primary school of the community where Japanese students can have a chance to experience and exchange culture with Thai children.
The students had to do group work presentations under 4 topics: ethnic minorities and multicultural society, environmental conservation, agriculture and income generation, and education and health.
Finally, We enjoyed a farewell party conducted by XLC staff and students. They had an opportunity to perform a show as a cultural exchange. Moreover, attendees immersed themselves in Thai traditional customs, partaking in activities such as releasing floating lanterns and participating in the Bai Sri ceremony, enriching their experience of Thai culture. We believe that students will not only gain experience and knowledge about Thailand but also valuable memories and new friendships formed during the 10-day course.
