Patcharin Jongjai 2019/09/01 , ( 402 views)
The Office of International Relations (IR) organized a nature and culture tour for UBU’s full-time international students, short-term exchange students from one of its partner university, and Thai students. The event was held from 31 August 2019 to 1 September 2019 in the Khongjiam District and Sirindhorn District, Ubon Ratchathani. There was a total of 33 students who attended: 11 full time international students (from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Turkey, and the United States of America), 11 exchange students from Ganesha University of Education, Indonesia, and 11 Thai students from UBU. The Thai students were individually invited by each international student in order to accompany them on the trip, build new connections within the international community, and help serve as a tour guide around the Northeast region of Thailand.
On the first day, the students had an opportunity to visit Kaeng Tana National Park. While there, they could walk on the longest suspension bridgein the Northeast of Thailand which strongly hangs above the Moon River. Moreover, they could admire the beauty of the forest during the rainy season and could breathe in fresh air. Afterward, they visited Wat Tham Kuha Sawan which is located on a cliff in Khongjiam District. The temple or wat was built by Luangpu Kham Khaning, a traditional forest monk in 1978. One of the most admirable attractions of the wat is that some parts of the temple are located in a cave. Furthermore, there is also the body of Luangpu Kham Khaning placed in a glass coffin, a beautiful Buddhist church, a gigantic gong with all of the ASEAN countries’ flags on it, and beautiful views of Khongjiam city. Moreover, the students could see Lao PDR which is located directly on the opposite side of Khongjiam city.
Later in the afternoon, they visited the local market at the Chong Mek border in Sirindhorn District. At the market, they could shop for local foods and products either from Thailand or Lao PDR. Meanwhile, they also got a glimpse of the local people’s way of life surrounding the border. To finish off the full day of activities, they went to the reputable Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao, a well-known fluorescence temple. Upon arriving, the students made merit through a community service activity of cleaning the wat. They picked up litter and swept the grounds. Once finished, they then got to admire the beauty of the temple and the breathtaking views that surrounded the temple. On the following day, students provided helpful feedback and valuable suggestions that would help improve further activities hosted by IR.
IR expresses thanks to all students who participated and appreciate their enthusiastic contributions and energy during all activities. IR hopes that the activities provided have helped everyone refresh themselves from their rigorous studies and learn more about Ubon Ratchathani.
IR will continue to organize this nature and culture tour for UBU’s international students annually and is looking forward to welcoming all the students for next year’s trip.
Written by: Jarinda Boonjan
English revised by: Thaviny Shaipitisiri
Photos by: Therdphoom Thongin