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When Pimbongkoch Promchan (Bua), a Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Chemistry student from the School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, decided to join the summer school program at Harbin Engineering University, she saw it as more than an academic opportunity. For her, it was a chance to challenge herself, explore a new culture, and step into a world far beyond her comfort zone.

Bua was selected for the program through a combination of English proficiency test results, résumé screening, and an interview. The support she received from Harbin Engineering University - covering accommodation, daily living expenses, tuition, and registration fees - made the opportunity even more accessible. She only needed to handle her travel expenses.

“I wanted to learn from a culture different from my own, build new knowledge, and meet new friendships,” she shared. “It felt like the right moment to push myself toward something new.”

At Harbin Engineering University, Bua found herself immersed in a world of advanced science. She attended classes and laboratory sessions in chemical and materials engineering, where she observed real experiments related to nanomaterials, drug development, material strength testing, and battery production.

What struck her most was the patience and precision required in drug experimentation. “Even a small mistake meant starting over,” she said. “I could see how dedicated and persistent the students were. Their passion inspired me.”

Her academic experience broadened her perspective, but it was the combination of learning and exploration that truly opened her world.

Outside the classroom, Bua explored Harbin’s cultural landscape - from well-known tourist sites to simple moments of local life.

She visited Sun Island, known for its famous winter ice sculptures, but in summer she discovered a peaceful green haven filled with families picnicking and enjoying nature. She rode the cable car across the Songhua River, wandered through the European-influenced Central Street, and marveled at the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Beyond the postcard-perfect locations, she also learned about history at the Unit 731 Museum, a deeply emotional experience that left a lasting impact. Her visit to the Harbin Pharmaceutical Factory, designed like a European palace, added yet another unexpected contrast to the trip.

“This journey was more than a trip,” Bua reflected. “It was a moment of growth - a new lens through which I could view the world.”


Bua participating in a nanomaterials laboratory session at Harbin Engineering University.

For Bua, life on campus felt both familiar and new. Harbin Engineering University provided everything from supermarkets and banks to libraries, sports fields, and even a campus museum. After classes, she would explore nearby markets, try local dishes such as dumplings, xiaolongbao, and stinky tofu, or visit historical neighborhoods like Chinese Baroque Street.

Although some Chinese friends were not fluent in English, Bua’s basic Chinese skills helped her communicate and form close bonds. “Even simple conversations helped us understand one another and connect more deeply,” she said.

Living in a northern city brought unexpected challenges. From differences in work culture -such as nighttime construction - to unfamiliar daily routines, Bua learned to adapt quickly. The dormitory environment, designed for freezing winters, also felt warmer than she expected due to the heaters and limited ventilation.

Yet she embraced every challenge as part of her growth. “I learned to take care of myself, manage my time, and take responsibility in many aspects,” she shared.

The month-long experience helped Bua build confidence in both English and Chinese - two languages she rarely had the chance to practice in her daily life. She learned to navigate new environments, travel independently, and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.

She also observed characteristics in Chinese society that inspired her - confidence, diligence, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. These impressions encouraged her to reflect on her own mindset and integrate these qualities into her life back home.

“Participating in this activity made me more mature. It gave me experiences that cannot be learned in the classroom,” she said.

For students considering exchange programs, Bua encourages them to take the leap.

“Don’t be afraid of whether you can do it or not. Instead, dare to step out. Dare to step out of your comfort zone,” she said. “You will gain new experiences, new friends, and new lessons that can truly change your perspective.”

To her, the experience is like a beloved book - one she hopes to revisit. “I want to return to Harbin again, to feel the atmosphere one more time. I truly hope that others will also have the chance to read this book by themselves and feel the story of this place in their own way.”

Bua hopes to graduate with strong academic results and pursue further studies abroad, applying for international scholarships along the way. Most importantly, she aims to live each day to the fullest and continue growing through new experiences.

Photos courtesy of Harbin Engineering University and Pimbongkoch Promchan 
Article by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication