News

       An overseas internship experience is one element of the internationalization policy on which Walailak University places importance. Today, WU Global is with Mr. Supakit Sathu or Kan, a 4th-year Marketing program student from the School of Management, Walailak University. Kan has just departed for Malaysia to complete his cooperative education program at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). 

      In this featured story, WU Global is excited to hear about Kan’s story; his decisions, preparation before departure, support, and, definitely, the perspectives which inspire WU students to apply for an internship semester abroad. After that, we will get to learn what role his supporting team of Walailak University, School of Management, and the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development play to help Gan achieve his overseas internship goal. 

WU Global: How does this journey begin? 
Kan: It all starts with a contract from Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit and his friend, an alumnus of UniSZA. I have always wanted to study abroad. I think it will be an eye-opening experience. You get to learn the culture and broaden your thinking.

WU Global: What are some of the challenges you have to deal with? 
Kan: One of my biggest concerns is the language but actually, it kind of forces me to practice more. Before coming to Malaysia, I took an IELTS test and scored 5.5, so I hope that my stay in Malaysia will help to strengthen my English skills which I need to pursue higher degrees in the future.
 Another challenge I come across may be the accent. I am adjusting to processing English spoken with a diverse accent. It is a Global English world. However, all it takes is to ask for a repeat or clarification. All you need is the courage to communicate I believe. This has helped soften the language challenge instantly. 

WU Global: Can you share with us what you will be doing at UniSZA? 
Kan: I had actually been doing a cooperative study program with an organization in Malaysia since January but due to the COVID 19 spread, the program was temporarily adjusted into a WFH work in which I was assigned to tasks in marketing focusing on the production of public relation media for the university as well as planning holistic marketing media. Now, I am here on site in Malaysia continuing with those responsibilities still. 

WU Global: How do you feel about this experience? 
Kan: I feel excited, of course, and concerned at the same time, knowing that I was going to Malaysia. With full support and encouragement from Ajarn Jay (lecturer), Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Dean of the School of Management and Head of Digital Marketing and Branding program, Ajarn Dew, Mr. Nititorn Wongchestha, UniSZA alumnus and the lecturers in Digital Marketing and Branding program, School of Management, Walailak University. 

WU Global: We all know that living overseas can come with lots of challenges. For you, besides the language challenge, are there any others? 
Kan: I have been known as a person who likes tackling challenges and trying new things. However, being away from home this far can be occasionally stressful too. First and foremost, I have never been here before meaning the ways of living and culture here are new to me. Being away from my family coupled with a super complicated immigration procedure, this journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am sure I will add up to my learning as well as personal growth. 
Kan talked further about the coordination procedure facing lots of limitations. However, all have been solved by Ms. Sanghatai Khabklomsong and Ms. Suphatsara Amornluck, specialized officers in an international internship from the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, Walailak University
        “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being so supportive, especially the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, Walailak University, Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, lecturers in the Digital Marketing and Branding program, Walailak University and Mr. Nititorn Wongchestha, UniSZA alumnus and the UniSZA,” added Kan. 

          At the end of the interview, Kan added that “Last but not least, I would also like to thank my family for encouragement and support that I never have to ask for.”

“Overcome your fear and uncertainties for this worthwhile experience”

Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp Dean of School of Management, Walailak University 

      As for the School of Management, Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Dean of the School of Management and Head of the Digital Marketing and Branding program emphasized the school’s commitment to sustainably internationalizing the students’ learning through networking with international organizations in Malaysia, Vietnam and currently Russia, etc. For overseas cooperative education, the school in coordination with the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, Walailak University, provides support and addresses issues common in students’ decision to join the program and relocation to overseas internship sites. 

    “Being a good opportunity for students to broaden their perspective, practice self-reliance and languages, going abroad comes with issues in budgets, language proficiency and, on top of everything, fear. Addressing the first issue, for example, in the case of Mr. Supakit, I arranged for him to work as a research assistant before his departure so that he could save money. For, English proficiency development, we organize a language learning session and recruit to join the school,” explained Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit. 

    “Fear, however, seems to be the hardest one to deal with. Living in a place where you tend to feel alienated because of the difference in cultures, language and ways of living can be a daunting experience for everyone,” said the Dean of the School of Management. 

    To reduce fear and ease everyone’s transition into an international community, the school is implementing a proactive strategy entailing three activities for sustainable internationalization of the program, namely 1) a minimum of 1 visiting scholar a year 2) 5 exchange program students a year 3) hiring international lecturers and launching English proficiency development projects for students to collide with English-instructed classes and 4) entering into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through academic networking.

    Associate Prof. Dr. Siwarit shared with WU Global further his key to communicating in English, “When it comes to speaking English. I always remind the students, based on my personal experience abroad as a Ph.D. student in the UK, that their job is to communicate. Being a non-native speaker, their job is to have the courage to speak out, the rest is up to your listeners. Confidence shall follow.” 

“International cooperative education is one of our leading policies.”

Ms. Sanghatai Khabklomsong
International Cooperative Education Officer, Walailak University  

   Ms.Sanghatai Khabklomsong, International Cooperative Education officer, at the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, reflected on her experience in processing immigration documents during the COVID 19 outbreak that it entails more obstacles than it normally does. However, support from all the parties involved contributed to the success. 

   “International cooperative education is one of the leading policies of the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development prioritizes. As a Cooperative education officer, we are delighted that Kan has succeeded, especially during the COVID 19 situation."

  "However, with determination on his part combined with our internationalization policy, the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development can successfully send him to Malaysia. We are so proud of him and will be providing support for Walailak University students," added Ms. Sanghatai. 

Nootchanat Sukkaew 

WU Global, Division of Corporate Communication, Walailak University