BUUIC NewsExcellent academics, cross-cultural friendships, vibrant campus life

January – May 2011

Getting Ready for

AFTA

BUUIC News • January – May 20112

Contents

On March 29, 2011 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rana Pongruengphant, Dean of Burapha University International College (BUUIC), and her team welcomed a group of delegates from Institut d’ Adminstration des Enterprise, Universite Montpellier 2 (IAE) and Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier Business School (GSCM), France.

BUUIC Welcomes French DelegationThe delegation was led respectively by Dr. Emmanuel Houze, Deputy Director of IAE and Dr. Didier Jourdan, Dean of GSCM. The BUUIC team introduced the International College, shared its vision, and discussed possible future collaboration. In addition the visitors from France had an opportunity to meet and to talk with BUUIC students.

Syracuse UniversityFrom the Dean Information Sharing with Other Universities •Syracuse University •BUUIC Welcomes French Delegation •BUUIC Welcomes Representatives from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (CMRU) •Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University Under the Royal Patronage Team visits BUUIC •BUUIC Receives Deputy Director from Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep •Faculty of Sports, Linyi University Visit

MOU•Chungnam National University, South Korea •Montpellier 2 University, France •Univesitas Internasional Batam (UIB), Indonesia

Getting Ready for AFTA•Burapha University International College Hosts Seminar “Getting Ready for AFTA” •BUUIC Speech Contest 2011 •BUUIC Study Visit to Management Develop-ment Institute of Singapore •Students from Universitas Internasional of Batam, Indonesia •Vice Rector from UIB Visits Exchange Students at BUUIC •BUUIC Collaborative Program with Burapha•University’s Faculty of Education and•Universitas International of Batam •ASEAN Today

Exchange Student•Foreign Exchange Students from the Erasmus Mundus Project: Bridging the Gap •BUUIC Students Study at Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA •Life at Burapha University International College, Bangsaen Chonburi - Thailand. •BUUIC Students Attend “Global Business Leadership Camp 2011 in Korea “ •“Global Business Leadership Camp 2011 – Thailand”

Student Activities•Students Club Activities Workshop 2011 •Songkran (Thai New Year) Ceremony 2011•Amphawa Trip for Tourism Students•Career Planning and Personality Develop-ment Workshop 2011•Charity Dinner for Southern Thailand•Student Project for Ajarn Thaksaorn

BUUIC Provides Two Training Programs for Bhutanese Government Officers

On January 24, 2011, Assoc. Prof. Rana Pongruangphant, Dean of Burapha University International College and Dr. Anat Deepatana, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, jointly welcomed a group from Syracuse Univer-sity led by Prof. Gustar A. Engbreson. During their visit Dean Rana Pongruang-phant shared BUUIC’s vision of interna-tional education and discussed possible future collaboration with Syracuse Univer-sity. Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States.

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Burapha University International College (BUUIC) recently organized a seminar entitled “Getting Ready for AFTA”. The seminar, which was held on March 11, 2011, was attended by directors and guidance teachers from local high schools and International schools in Thailand. The purpose of the seminar was to provide information relevant to AFTA (Asian Free Trade Area) that could be subsequently disseminated to students from these schools. By doing so it is hoped that they would be better prepared to take

Burapha University International College Hosts Seminar “Getting Ready for AFTA”advantage of AFTA when it becomes effective in 2015. As one of the members of the ASEAN community, Thailand is scheduled to join AFTA at that time. In addition, the importance of English language with relation to doing business in AFTA was especially emphasized. The seminar is part of Burapha University’s ongoing policy is to promote cooperation between Thailand and the surrounding region.

On January 22, 2011 BUUIC organized a “Speech Contest” based on the theme “Getting Ready to be a Part of the ASEAN Community”. The aim of this contest was to encourage students in eastern Thailand to focus more attention on the ASEAN community. Students representing 13 area schools participated in the contest. The winner of the contest was Mr. Geoffrey Tatpon New, from Assumption College, Sriracha; the 1st Runner-up was Ms. Panchanit Putipat from Streeprasertsin School; and the 2nd Runner-up was Ms. Suchada Poangprakon from Suanku-larb Wittayalai School.

BUUIC Speech Contest 2011

During the past year BUUIC hosted foreign exchange students in connection with “Erasmus Mundus Project: Bridging the Gap”. These students were from various countries in Europe including Italy, Finland, and Germany. While at BUUIC they attended regular classes during the fall semester.

Foreign Exchange Students from the Erasmus Mundus Project: Bridging the Gap

BUUIC News • January – May 20114

Information Sharing with Other Universities

On January 21, 2011, BUUIC Dean Rana Pongruengphant and members of her staff welcomed an administrative team from the International College, Raja-mangala University of Technology Krungthep, Bangkok. The team was headed by Asst. Prof. Poonsri Chandranipapongse, Deputy Director for International Affairs. The visit was used to share experiences regarding the operation of an interna-tional program including systematically setting up an international curriculum.

BUUIC Receives Deputy Director from Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep

BUUIC Welcomes Representatives from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (CMRU)On May 26, 2011, Dr. Rana Pongruengphant, the Dean of BUUIC, welcomed an administrative team from the International College, Chiang Mai Rajabhat. The team was led by Ms. Pattaragamil Ruksuan, the Deputy Director of the College. Among the topics discussed were: the acquisition of new knowledge by teachers and staff, the realization of teaching and learning potential in an organization, problem solving, knowledge sharing, and performing quality assurance assess-ments both internally and externally.

On May 23, 2011, Dean Rana Pongruengphant and Kritta-Orn Chewwasung, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, received an administrative team from the Faculty of Management Sciences, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University Under the Royal Patronage.The purpose of the visit was to discuss the various

Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University Under the Royal Patronage Team visits BUUIC

aspects of establishing and running an international program including collaboration with other universities and organizing student activities. The Faculty of Management Sciences is planning to set up an international program in the near future.

The Student Club of BUUIC organized a workshop on “Student Club Activities” on April 30, 2011 for those students on the Student Club committee. The workshop focused on understand-ing the role of the Student Club, developing a good working strategy and learning from the experiences of previous clubs in order to work more effectively. By the end of the workshop the new Student Club committee had come up with a BUUIC student activities calendar for 2012.

Student Club Activities Workshop 2011

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On February 10, 2011 Prof. Dr. Sompol Pongthai, President of Burapha University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rana Pongruengphant, Dean of BUUIC, and other university administra-tors welcomed a group from Chungnam National University, South Korea, led by Prof. Chung Beom Ku, Dean of CEMCNU. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BUUIC and CEMCNU was signed during their stay. This collaboration will cover five different activities: a student exchange program, a student internship program, the Global Business Leadership Camp, a faculty exchange program, and research collaboration.

Chungnam National University, South Korea

Prof. Dr. Sompol Pongthai, President of Burapha University together with Asst. Prof. Pichan Sawangwong,Vice - President for Foreign Affairs, Assoc. Pro. Dr. Rana Pongtrengphant, Dean of Burapha University International College (BUUIC) and Asst. Prof. Patchanee Nontasak, Dean of

Montpellier 2 University, Francethe Faculty of Management and Tourism went to Universite Montpellier 2 and Universite Montpellier 3, France in order to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic collabora-tion and research on Dec 17, 2010.

Faculty of Sports, Linyi University VisitOn January 19, 2011 Assoc. Prof. Rana Pongruangphant, Dean of International College and her administrative team welcomed Mr. Ding Zhao Feng, Vice-President of Faculty of Sport, Linyi

University, China and his team to Burapha University International College. Dr. Rana shared BUUIC’s vision with Mr. Ding Zhao Feng and the two discussed future collaboration possibilities.

BUUIC News • January – May 20116

The International College successfully conducted two separate training programs for government officers from the Kingdom of Bhutan during the spring semester.The first training program was held on April 4-13, 2011 and was attended by two Bhutanese government officers, Mr. Kachung Tshering and Mr. Mindo. The training was entitled “Procurement Procedures in Thai Organizations” and included such aspects of procurement as the effective management of resources and the development of an organizational structure for effective procure-ment. The second training program, which centered on Quality Assur-ance, was delivered to three high-ranking government officers

BUUIC Provides Two Training Programs for Bhutanese Government Officers

Procurement Procedures in Thai Organizations

Quality Assurance

from the Bhutanese Ministry of Education. The training is part of the Ministry’s ongoing plan to implement a Quality Management system for Bhutan’s education system. The training consisted of a variety of instructional activities including lectures, discussions, and study visits to Rangsit University, Assumption University, the Office of Higher Education, and the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment. The three participating Bhutanese officers were Ms. Sangay Zam, Secretary Ministry of Education, Royal Government of Bhutan; Ms. Maina Kharga, Government Office Director; and Mr. Kachung Tshering, CAO. The training program was conducted between May 19-25, 2011.

BUUIC Study Visit to Management Development Institute of SingaporeProf. Dr.Suchart Upatham, a consultant to the Dean, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rana Pongruengphant, the Dean of Burapha University International College, led a delegation from BUUIC to the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), the Republic of Singapore. The purpose of this visit, which took

place from 9 – 12 April 2011, was to exchange information about each institution’s respective program and to discuss at length such topics as the operation of management systems and educational development. The BUUIC delegation was made up of 28 instructors and support staff.

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On May 4, 2011 Burapha University International College gave a joint farewell party for a group of students from Burapha University’s Faculty of Education and two students from the Universitas International of Batam, Indonesia. The Faculty of Education students had completed one year of study at BUUIC while the Indonesian students were celebrating the finish of one semester at the College.

BUUIC Collaborative Program with Burapha University’s Faculty of Education and Universitas International of Batam

Students from Universitas Internasional of Batam, IndonesiaThis year BUUIC was pleased to welcome Mr. Raykall Permanah and Ms. Agustriyani, two exchange students from Universitas Internasional of Batam, Indonesia. During their time here Ray and Agus studied five subjects with the regular BUUIC students. They shared their unique perspective in classes and also participated in many activities.

On May 5 - 6, 2011, Prof. Dr. Sompol Pongthai, President of Burapha University, Prof. Dr Suchart Upatham, Consultant, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rana Pongruenghpant, Dean of International College and Dr. Punnee Pimapunsri, Assistant Dean for Research and Quality Assurance visited Universitas Internasional of Batam (UIB), Indonesia. During the visit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Prof. Dr. Sompol Pongthai, President of Burapha University and Professor Dr. Handoko Karjantoro, Rector of Universitas Internasional of Batam. The agreement focuses on cooperation involving a student exchange program and a double degree program between BUUIC and UIB. From its inception twelve years ago UIB has grown to include five faculties composed of 2,200 students and 60 full-time lecturers.

Univesitas Internasional Batam (UIB), Indonesia

The Vice Rector of Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB), Hepy H. Ariyanto, SE,MM, recently visited BUUIC in order to meet with the Indonesian exchange students from UIB who

Vice Rector from UIB Visits Exchange Students at BUUICwere studying here. They were enrolled as a part of the student exchange program between BUUIC and UIB.

BUUIC News • January – May 20118

Exchange Student

Two BUUIC students, Ms. Nattacha Jealim, a marketing major and Mr. Pongnarin Satapongpan, who is studying logistics, recently spent five months (January to May 2011) studying at

BUUIC Students Study at Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USAAppalachian State University, North Carolina, USA. During their stay they were enrolled in four subjects. The exchange study was made possible by a scholarship from BUUIC.

Mr. Pongnarin Satapongpan If one thinks of the countries where students would like to study, most students will think of the United States of America. Education can be one of the key factors for students as to whether they will be successful in their life. Studying in the USA can be a great opportu-nity for students to improve their English, gain experience, and also see many businesses and industries outside their country. However, it is still a difficult task for students to achieve due to many reasons. One of these is the cost. Burapha University International College provides a great opportunity for students to study at Appalachian State University without paying any fee. There were a lot of things that occurred to me when my name was announced to be one of the recipients to study there. Appalachian State University is located in Boone, North Carolina. Boone is a mountain town with natural resources everywhere.

Appalachian State University offers a challenging academic environment, energetic campus life, and a breathtaking location. Appalachian State University’s education systems are different from our university. I had a chance to study in an online class. It was quite strange for me because everything had to be done online like discussions, work, projects, and even the exam. The atmosphere is very pleasant for students to study. The library is always full of students who work hard. I have directly become more mature and independent. At Appalachian State University, I learned to accept drastic changes in my lifestyle such as communicating in a different language, living in a different climate and environment, and getting new habits like eating. This was a rare opportunity for me to learn how to adapt myself where needed.

Moreover, I met many friends from around the world, such as Mexico, Spain, Uruguay, Italy, and the USA. This gave me the best opportunity to learn their culture and language and also exchange Thai language at the same time. They did not know about Thailand but they would like to visit our country. We did many Appalachian State University activities such as poetry reading and International food day. Many students were interested in my TomYum soup.

Attending Appalachain State University will be a great opportunity for Burapha University international College’s students to improve their English, gain experiences, and also see many businesses outside the country. Last but not least, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to Assoc. Prof. Dr.Rana Pongruengphant, Dean of International College for giving me a great opportunity and also thankful for the advice from my beloved teachers (Aj Chutima Thongdeelert and Aj Thitikar Ratthanachaikul). The world is evolving all the time. To be able to succeed, people should evolve with the world.

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Life at Burapha University International College, Bangsaen Chonburi - Thailand.by Raykall Permanah & Agustriyani, International students from Indonesia

TIme flies, or so they say. It’s been three months since we came back to Indonesia, but our memories of living in Thailand for five months makes it still feel like yesterday. We miss our routines in Thailand: going to classes, having a feast of Thai food in the vicinity of the university, having a walk around the university and then to the nearby beach, enjoying Songkran festival and all the other pleasant things we did!

We would like to thank Dr. Rana Pongreungphant, Ph.D., for giving us the opportunity to study at BUUIC. We really miss all the classes that we took during our semester there. All the laughter in Dr. Fox’s classes, all the presentations in Aj. Thak-saorn’s classes, the patience of Aj. Joe when teaching us foreigners writing & reading in Thai (we still remember clearly: Gor Gai, Kor Khai, Kor Khuad, …), the coolness and patience of Aj. Sid in energetically explaining things to all the confused students during class, and also all the stories that we shared in

Aj. Sirinthorn’s classes. But, we hope we will not forget each and every single person at BUUIC who treated us as their own. WE MISS YOU ALL!

Burapha University has been the perfect place to live at. Sitting around the park eating ice cream during a hot day, taking a joy ride on the school bus, feeding fish and birds in the park in front of the Confucius Centre, sitting by the beach feeling the sea breeze, each of these were ordinary & common activities, but they simply have left fond memories in our heart.

We are very thankful to everyone we know who took good care of us during our short time in Thailand. In life, people come and go, but we hope that we did not just come and go in your life but that we also left some footprints in your heart. Those five months may be short but it has surely left a deep impression in our heart. WE’LL BE BACK AGAIN! Hope we can meet again soon!

BUUIC News • January – May 201110

This past April (2011) Burapha University International College organized an “ASEAN Today 2010 Exhibition”. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rana Pongruenghpant, Dean of Burapha University International College, officially opened the exhibition and gave a special lecture on the topic of “ASEAN”. Among those in attendance were

ASEAN Todayinstructors and students from BUUIC, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Informatics and the Faculty of Geo Informatics. The overall purpose of this exhibition was to share knowledge and create more understanding about the respective cultures of the member countries of ASEAN.

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BUUIC was pleased to host a group of administrators and students from the College of Economics and Management, Chungnam National University (CNU), Republic of Korea, between February 9-23, 2011. The visitors were here as part of the second phase of the “Global Business Leadership Camp

“Global Business Leadership Camp 2011” – Thailand2011”. During their stay the Korean students attended business classes and Thai cultural events. During the first phase of the Camp in January, students from BUUIC travelled to CNU. The “Global Business Leadership Camp” is a continuing activity between BUUIC and CNU aimed at fostering regional cooperation.

A group of BUUIC students traveled to the Republic of Korea between January 3-16, 2011, in order to attend the “3rd Global Business Leadership Camp 2011” which took place at the

BUUIC Students Attend “Global Business Leadership Camp 2011” in Korea

College of Economics and Management at Chungnam National University (CNU).

BUUIC News • January – May 201112

BUUIC Assistant Dean Kritta-Orn Chewwasung led a group of students from her “International Tour and Hotel Operations” class to Amphawa, a riverside community located in Samut Songkram province on February 26-27, 2011. During the trip the tourism students acted as tour guides for other BUUIC students and instructors. As “tour guides” they were responsible for managing

Amphawa Trip for Tourism Studentsall aspects of the tour including planning, acquisition and serving of refreshments, taking photos, as well as meeting an assortment of other demands from their student “tourists”. In addition, actual local guides provided a historical perspective of all the sites that were visited.

On April 6, 2011, Burapha University organized a “Songkran” Ceremony to celebrate the Thai New Year. The ceremony, which was held in front of the 50th Anniversary of Burapha University Prof. Prayoon Chindapradist Building, was presided over by Burapha University President, Prof. Sompol Pongthai, MD. Also joining the ceremony were university administrators, instructors and students including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rana Pongruengphant, Dean of BUUIC. The ceremony was sponsored by Thai Herbal Beverages which produces a variety of beverages including those

Songkran (Thai New Year) Ceremony 2011made from plants such as pandanus leaf juice and cane juice, and Thai traditional soft drinks made with ingredients from traditional Thai medicine. BUUIC also sent one of its students, Ms. Li Yang Xiao Qing, as a contestant to represent the college in the Burapha Miss Songkran 2011 Contest and she was declared “Miss Songkran”. For winning the Miss Songkran 2011 Contest she received a beautiful Songkran bowl with supporting stand and a cash prize of 3,000 baht.

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Organizational culture and problem solving skills

Each year selected students from BUUIC participate in an “Internship and Cooperative Education” program which provides them with some practical work experience in prepara-tion for their eventual entrance into the workforce. However prior to their internship, these students are required to attend a special “Career Planning Workshop”. Organized by BUUIC, this annual workshop covers such topics as: working effectively, writing applications and resumes and preparing for job interviews. The workshop also touches on organizational

Career Planning and Personality Development Workshop 2011culture and personality development. This year’s “Career Planning Workshop” was held between 18 - 21 May, 2011, and one of the guest speakers was Ms. Panadda Wongphudee, Miss Thailand 2000. Ms. Panadda spoke on the topic of “Personality Development”. In addition, Mr. Nutthapon Jeangbutsri, the Human Resources Manager for the St. Regis Hotel delivered a presentation on “Organizational culture and problem solving skills”.

Career Planing

Personality Development Workshop

Mr. Nutthapon Jeangbutsri, the HR Manager for the St. Regis Hotel

Ms. Panadda WongphudeeMiss Thailand 2000

BUUIC News • January – May 201114

A “Charity Dinner for Southern Thailand” was organized and presented by 2nd-year students in the Tourism and Hotel Management program in order to raise funds for the people of southern Thailand who were still suffering as a result of severe flooding earlier in the year. The “Charity Dinner”, which was held on the 2nd and 3rd of May, 2011, also gave students an

Charity Dinner for Southern Thailandexcellent opportunity to practice their restaurant-related skills such as food preparation (appetizers, main course, dessert with tea or coffee), serving food and drinks, and hosting an event. The dinner, which was attended by lecturers and students from BUUIC, successfully raised over 8,000 baht for charity.

Students in Ajarn Thaksaorn’s course “Generic Competency and Its Development” are shown taking part in a classroom activity. The activity involved making a tower out of plastic straws that would be strong enough to hold a bottle filled with water.

Student Project for Ajarn ThaksaornThe goal was to use the smallest number of straws possible. By thinking logically, students were able to construct a tower with only a few straws that was capable of supporting 8-10 bottles of water. This activity was useful in demonstrating how to work as a group as well as the value of teamwork. It also served as a way for the students to get to know each other.

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BUUIC News • January – May 201116

From the Dean

BUUIC offers a variety of English-language undergraduate programs, including:

Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts (B.F.A.) in Communication Arts and Design - Art and Design Management (Minor) - Textile Design (Minor)Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in the following areas: - Logistics Management- Management- Marketing- Business Information System- Tourism & Hotel Management- International Business Management- FinanceBachelor of Arts (B.A.)- Communication Skills for Human Resources Development- Global Business Communication

Our diverse student body benefits from an international, cross-cultural academic atmosphere, and enjoys access to the large curricula of well-known universities in Europe, the USA, Australia, and other parts of Asia.

Academic CalendarFall: September – DecemberSpring: January – MaySummer: June – August

Burapha University International College

The Professor Dr. Suchart Upatham Building 169 Long-Haad Bangsaen RoadSaensook, Chonburi 20131, Thailand

About Burapha University International College

Excellent academics, cross-cultural friendships, vibrant campus life

One of our primary aims at BUUIC is to provide our students with a quality learning experience that will prepare them for the competitive global environ-ment which exists today. Our excellent academic staff members possess a wide range of skills, knowledge and experi-ence to support their teaching activities toward this end. Furthermore we con-stantly update our academic programs to meet the ever changing demands of the world. Although there have been some difficult global economic problems during the past few years, there will always be opportunities for those individuals who possess a creative and an entrepreneuri-al mindset.

At BUUIC we prepare students to recognize and seize these opportunities by helping them develop the talents and skills that are flexible enough to thrive in any economy. Being an International College we are able to offer a diverse cultural experi-ence for our students as well as serve to promote global citizenship. We are also very fortunate to be located nearby a vibrant, thriving tourist destination that provides abundant opportunities for training and collabo-ration with our College.All in all, this is an exciting time to be studying at Burapha University International College. I wish you the best of luck in your studies and your subsequent career.

Assoc. Prof. Rana Pongruengphant, Ph.D.Dean, International College,

Burapha University

Phone: 03-810-2571-2 Fax: 03-874-5856E-mail: buuic@buu.ac.th buuic.buu.ac.th facebook.com/buuic