News

Walailak University (WU), through the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), is preparing to join hands with the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the United States Embassy in Bangkok to enhance English language teaching and learning at both the secondary and university levels.

Today, WU had the opportunity to welcome representatives from RELO, led by Mr. Eran Williams, RELO Director, who joined one of the university’s ongoing English edutainment programs - PLEARN English -  which aims to improve students’ communicative English skills through fun and engaging activities.

Held every Friday since the beginning of the year, the program provides students with a relaxed, supportive environment in which to learn alongside their peers. Activities include ice-breaking games, crossword puzzles, English debates, and academic English competitions.

The program has also collaborated with international partners such as Universiti Sains Malaysia to promote dynamic and interactive English learning while immersing students in cultural diversity.

 

Associate Professor Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul, Dean of SOLGEN, noted that today’s session was particularly special due to the visit from RELO representatives.

“The director himself came to observe how we create opportunities for students to use English outside the classroom. This is a great opportunity and marks his first visit to our campus,” said Dean Pragasit.

He added that SOLGEN plans to collaborate with RELO on initiatives that support English language teaching not only for university lecturers but also for secondary school teachers in the southern region, particularly in Nakhon Si Thammarat. “This will ultimately enhance English instruction at both the secondary and university levels,” he said.

Dean Pragasit further explained that in the Thai context, where English is seldom used outside the classroom, students often engage with the language only during formal lessons. Without programs like PLEARN English, they might have little or no opportunity for real-life language practice.

“By creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, students can enjoy using the language without feeling pressured. When learning is fun and stress-free, it encourages participation and builds confidence,” Dean Pragasit emphasized.

 
Associate Professor Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul, Dean of SOLGEN (left), with Mr. Eran Williams, RELO Director (right).

Mr. Eran Williams, RELO Director, praised the edutainment approach at WU as a powerful way to support English learning. He noted that learning through play mirrors how children acquire their first language
.
“If you really want to learn a language, you probably have to play with it. That’s what babies do when they learn a first language,” he said. “So when you were learning Thai or Bahasa Melayu. You played all the time with the language. You’re always playing. It was never book study; it was never grammar. It was really just learning. So this is a great idea.”

Director Williams also highlighted exchange programs supported by the U.S. Embassy, which include sending Americans to Thailand to teach or conduct teacher training workshops, as well as offering Thai educators opportunities to attend conferences and workshops in the United States.

“We do professional development workshops for teachers in Thailand working with universities. And that’s why we’re here at Walailak University - to look for ways to have partnerships.” 

 

Recognizing the importance of English in today’s globalized world and students’ future careers, Walailak University also offers up to 390 hours of foundational English instruction for first- and second-year students - the highest number of fundamental English teaching hours among Thai higher education institutions. 

Additionally, English instruction takes place in modern Smart classrooms with no more than 25 students per class, enabling closer interaction between students and lecturers, who are native or near-native English speakers and certified by Advance HE under the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF). 



News and Photos by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication