Subjects for Real-life Use
recently reported that King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang has i ntroduced an astrology course for engineering students as a general study subject, which has been well-received by students. The professors involved insist that it isn’t about pure superstition as astrology involves statistics, data collection and calculation.
A future sideline as a fortune teller is a good option to have since there seems to be no shortage of Thais who believe in auspiciousness. However, this got me thinking about other subjects that Thai universities should include to prepare students for the real world, too.
Office Life 101
With most students likely to choose an employee’s life, they should know that it isn’t always rosy (as you dear readers may already be painfully aware of). It starts out with “how to put together a respectable looking CV” e.g. not attaching an IG picture from your vacation with your application. Next, delve into the different types of coworkers that they’ll meet with important topics: keep your friends close and your gossiping friends closer; what to do when you meet a loud typist?; how to buy friendship with an afternoon snack; how to handle disappointment when you’re passed over for a promotion because someone pulls strings; and how not to resort to instant noodles before your next paycheck arrives.
This should be useful for students for the first 10 years of their office life, before they decide the employee life is not for them.
BTS Etiquette
An extension to Office Life 101 since first-jobbers won’t be able to afford a car (unless they’re sons or daughters of a president). They’ll have to use — or should I say — resort to commuting on the BTS, which they need to share with other passengers. Basic tips include allowing exiting passengers to alight first before rushing in; not hugging the pole between butt cheeks (forget what you have learned in pole-dancing class); showering at the gym before using the BTS; and not snooping on other passengers’ smartphones.
After mastering this course, they can take the course on “Braving Public Buses and Boats”.
Sensitivity training for Global Citizens
The students should know that what they do on a personal or local level can make international headlines and unintentionally bring shame to Thailand, if they aren’t careful. In a sense, they should think of themselves as citizens of the world and beware of sensitivities in other countries.
This subject can explore; why wearing a blackface to a costume party isn’t ok; why Adolf Hitler was a horrible person; why commenting on people’s weight or change in their complexion as a form of greeting isn’t okay; and why Nazi imagery shouldn’t be glorified on T-shirts or as a theme for a school parade. We don’t want to be known as the Land of Ignorance, do we?
Nepotism, Favouritism, Corruption and You
Students should be made aware of these concepts before they enter the real world. As they will either benefit from these practices, which are part of Thai society, or be at disadvantage because of them. I know, I know it’s a bit gloomy but they should understand these practices so they won’t in for a rude awakening.