Sophia University: Field Study on “Learning from Southeast Asia” Program, September 2024

  • Post category:study tour


The “Learning from Southeast Asia” study tour program, successfully organized by Sophia Global Education Discovery (Sophia GED) and supervised by Prof. Yasushi Hirosato, took place from September 4 to 15, 2024. This enriching experience catered to 18 students from Sophia University.

The program provided opportunities to explore diverse aspects of Thailand’s culture, society, and environment in Bangkok, as well as in Luang Prabang, Laos—a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

In Bangkok, students engaged in a variety of activities that highlighted the city’s vibrant culture. A workshop led by Sophia GED staff allowed participants to deepen their understanding of Thai cultural diversity. Students also experienced city life firsthand, sampled local cuisine at food courts, and collaborated on planning and conducting fieldwork in Bangkok.

Upon arriving in Luang Prabang, the group visited Souphanouvong University, where they participated in a welcoming session, attended lectures, and collaborated with local students on group projects.

The itinerary included visits to significant cultural sites, such as Kuang Si Waterfall, an Elephant Camp, a Buffalo Farm, and Living Land, where students learned traditional Lao methods of planting sticky rice. They also explored Ock Pop Tok, an organic textile shop that beautifully merges Eastern and Western cultures, and the Heuanchan Heritage House, which showcases traditional Lao architecture.

In addition to cultural exploration, students engaged in volunteer activities, including teaching Japanese culture through origami at Civilize Primary School and painting walls at Phonesaart Primary School. These experiences brought joy and fulfillment to all students.

Furthermore, the group visited the World Heritage Office in Luang Prabang to gain insights into the city’s heritage, and the Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) to learn about the tourism and hospitality sector in Laos. This visit included an exchange session with local students, fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

The program culminated in collaborative group work and presentations at Souphanouvong University, where students focused on themes such as education, agriculture, and the environment in Laos. Feedback from professors and peers enriched the learning experience.

Students enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Mekong River to celebrate their hard work, concluding with a “Bye Sri” ceremony, a traditional Lao farewell ritual.

Overall, the study tour provided students with invaluable experiences, allowing them to engage in activities they had never tried before. We hope they can apply the insights gained from this program to their future endeavors.