UiTM KEDAH HOSTS THAIS
4 exchange students learn more about local culture
THAI student Chalermphon Srikaensai, 21, had always wanted to travel to other countries as he believes it can broaden his mind.
So, when he was offered a onemonth internship with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kedah, he was beyond excited.
“Malaysia is a beautiful country and I always wanted to come visit. As Malaysia is our southern neighbour, it is important that we get to know each other better,” he said
Chalermphon studies Education at the Thepsatri Rajabhat University (TRU) in Bangkok.
He recently participated in an educational exchange programme between the two universities.
Chalermphon was placed in an English course at UiTM and learnt a lot from students and lecturers.
“UiTM provided us with many facilities and made us feel welcomed.
“Our interaction with local students also helped us get a better understanding of the local culture, which is meaningful to us.”
He wasn’t the only Thai student at UiTM Kedah.
Three students from TRU also joined the exchange programme at UiTM Kedah for their internship.
The other three were Chutimon Srithong, Peth Laola and Tuksima Wongkiaw, all 22.
Tuksima is studying Education at TRU.
Tuksima, who had been on a trip to Penang for a vacation, said she didn’t want to miss the chance for an internship here.
“I thought Malaysia was a beautiful country during my short visit to Penang.
“But being here for a month for this internship has allowed me to absorb more (knowledge) of Malaysia and now, I am in love with the culture, food, history and the nice people.”
Besides being exposed to life on a local university campus, the Thai students were also taken on trips to learn about life outside the campu.
Peth, who is studying Computer Education, found the trips to be an eye-opener.
“I am glad that my friends and I are not stuck on campus for the duration of the internship.
“They took us on trips and this allows us to mingle with the people and see all the beautiful nature in Kedah, such as the Gunung Jerai. Learning through travelling has a bigger impact.”
UiTM Kedah Rector Associate Professor Dr Shaiful Annuar Khalid said the Thai students were taken on trips to explore historical sites, tourism sites, the towns and cities in the state.
“We want to broaden their minds as much as possible during their stay, so we take them to visit important and historical places in Kedah,” he said.
He said the programme was part of an exchange of students between UiTM and TRU.
“UiTM has had several programmes with Thai universities this year, especially TRU. Because of the regular exchange programmes, we can build trust and that helps a lot when we entrusted our students with them and vice versa,” he said.
He said UiTM Kedah was working hard to build connections with universities abroad.
“We have close relationships with universities all over the world. We believe that our students can benefit a lot when we organise exchange programmes.
“Our students can learn from visiting students and when they travel to other universities, they can learn too.
“This brings a lot of benefits to the students. So we will continue to foster relationships with other universities.”
He wished all visiting students the best in their endeavours.
UiTM has ongoing collaborations with universities in India, Brunei, Bulgaria, Turkey, Switzerland and Indonesia, and has plans to expand its network.