Internationalization @ Home

Internationalization is a word that holds fast to the golden truth of humanity’s being connected and interdependent with each other, regardless of their differences in race, belief, creed, or culture. Internationalization is indeed what makes the whole world healthily interrelated, as opposed to isolated or selfishly one-sided. We can learn from one another; and we can help develop each other when we embrace a life-giving facet of internationalization with a kind and open heart. 


On July 4, 2022, Professor Dr. Timothy E. O’Brien, a Fulbright Scholar from Loyola University Chicago, U.S.A., together with his wife, paid a visit to Chiang Rai Campus (CRC) before he went to give lectures and workshops to faculty and students at University of Phayao’s main campus to during July 4-8. Professor O’Brien and his wife kindly exchanged ideas and experiences with CRC’s staff, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tipchan Wongchanta, the CRC director.
 

The meeting between the US scholars and CRC staff members literally made clear the concept of internationalization @ home. The US-Thai cultures, popular tourist destinations in the U.S. A., and the use of English language in daily life were discussed. CRC staff members had new perspectives on the topics, and we all learned things international without physically crossing borders of lands or waters.   

The meeting also highlighted the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goal, as Dr. Wongchanta, the CRC director, presented the future plan to internationalize the campus. Included in the plan was drawing international students to University of Phayao for short courses, workshops in the fields of their interests, as well as degree and non-degree programs.