Written by Laureen Tauli & Darthon Ventura
Muang Phon, Khon Kaen, Thailand — In a display of global collaboration and community service, University of Baguio’s (UB) exchange students from the Bachelor of Secondary Education and Bachelor of Elementary Education programs recently took part in outreach activities aimed at promoting English learning and environmental awareness in Thailand.
Throughout January—their first month in Thailand—the group engaged in two significant initiatives: the English for Fun Fair Project and the Environment Conservation Project, organized by Krassaepattana School (KSP) and Phon Commercial and Technical College (PCTC). These programs provided meaningful educational experiences while encouraging environmental consciousness among students.
English for Fun Fair
Working alongside teachers from KSP and PCTC, the group organized fun, interactive activities for elementary and secondary students in Muang Phon Municipality and nearby areas. The ongoing program has reached several schools, including Sri Muang Phon School, Nong Waeng Pracha Upatham School, Wang Yai School, Mittraphap School, Thung Kae School, Khum Chat School, and Ya Kha School, among others.
They engagingly taught English, using tools like Kahoot, guessing games, and songs to promote vocabulary development. By integrating fun into learning, they made English lessons enjoyable yet educational, which Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasama Chanawongse, President of KSP, described it as “edutainment.”
On January 31, the UB students also participated in the Environment Conservation Project held at PCTC, which gathered students from various secondary schools. One of the highlights was an outdoor learning activity that allowed participants to explore and study different types of plants.
Accompanied by Thai teachers, the group facilitated five stations, each focused on plant categories such as flowering plants, standing timber, bushes, grasses, and herbaceous plants. Using examples found around the school grounds, they conducted five-minute sessions per station, sharing insights about plant parts and their benefits. Beyond their contributions, the exchange students gained valuable insights by observing Thai school life firsthand, witnessing local teaching practices, and interacting closely with students and teachers, which will undoubtedly benefit them as pre-service teachers. Through the Environment Conservation Project, they also broadened their knowledge of Thailand’s plant species, learning about their practical uses and ecological importance.
These outreach efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 13: Climate Action. By combining engaging learning strategies with lessons on environmental care, the activities promoted both education and sustainability.
Carrying the values of UB even in a foreign country, the exchange students embodied the University’s mission to foster learning, service, and leadership wherever they are. Their involvement highlighted UB’s commitment to meaningful contributions both locally and internationally, creating connections that transcend borders.
