On April 25-26, the Center for International Affairs (CIA) at Walailak University organized an immersive cultural exchange and field trip to Koh Libong, the largest island in Trang Province. The initiative aimed to foster out-of-classroom learning and strengthen cross-cultural understanding among the university’s diverse student body.

The excursion brought together 20 international students hailing from seven different nations, including the United States, Japan, Myanmar, Ghana, Botswana, Pakistan, and Bhutan. Joining the group was a volunteer professor from KOICA, further enriching the academic and cultural dialogue of the trip.

The program was designed to connect students with the authentic coastal lifestyle and natural wonders of Koh Libong. Key highlights of the cultural program included:

• Dugong Watching: Visiting the famous Dugong Observation Tower and Point Dugong to catch a glimpse of the rare and peaceful marine mammals that call these seagrass beds home.

• Natural Landmarks: Exploring the iconic Libong Stone Bridge (Saphan Hin), a stunning natural rock formation carved by the sea, and trekking through lush mangrove forests.

• Community Immersion: Engaging with the local Batu Bute fishing village, where students learned about stilt-house architecture and the sustainable traditional fishing practices of the islanders.

• Coastal Activities: Participating in squid fishing and exploring the serene, untouched beaches like Tung Yaka Beach.

In a move to encourage student responsibility, the international participants self-funded their accommodation, while the Center for International Affairs provided logistical support and overall coordination.

The trip also served as a strategic platform for public relations. Students captured and shared their experiences across various Social Media platforms, showcasing Walailak University’s vibrant international community to a global audience. These authentic testimonials play a crucial role in enhancing the university’s international image and promoting Southern Thailand as a premier destination for both education and cultural tourism.