Taking the First Step at Chula: International Student Orientation for the Academic Year 2025
On August 1st, 2025, the Office of International Affairs and Global Network organized the International Students Orientation for the Academic Year 2025 to welcome incoming international students. The event was held in Room 212, Mahitaladhibesra Building.
The program offered the new international students a warm reception and introduction to Chulalongkorn Univeristy including essential support to prepare them for their new journey, both academic and personal.
On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University delivered welcoming and opening remarks. In his address, the President emphasized the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering global society through the promotion of global citizenship, international engagement, and sustainable development. He highlighted how these efforts are rooted in education, opportunities for international students, and an inclusive focus on students’ well-being. Asst. Prof. Tewarit Sarachana, MT, Ph.D., Assistant to the President for International Affairs was present at the event to warmly welcome the new international students.
The orientation was held in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and it also reflected Chulalongkorn University’s Intellectual Growth and International Growth Strategy. The key strategy of ‘Intellectual Growth’ places students at the center of education, recognizing them as the university’s top priority, and the focal point of all directions of growth.
At the same time, the ‘International Growth Strategy’ aims to elevate the University’s academic excellence and global competitiveness. The strategy focuses on developing all students so as to become future leaders with a global mindset, capable of contributing meaningfully to society on an international scale within an environment that fosters cross-cultural learning and inclusivity. The International Student Orientation serves as the first step for international students to begin their cross-cultural journey at Chulalongkorn University and in Thailand.
The Orientation also featured informative sessions which included the registration procedure provided by the representatives from the Office of the Registrar. In recognition of the importance of students’ mental health, Chulalongkorn University Student Wellness Center (CUSW), a health promotion center that supports the well-being and provides psychotherapy sessions for students was introduced by Mr. Pannathorn Kittiputtarapol and Ms. Pimploy Rungsaeng, Counseling Psychologists.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Narapong Srivisal, Assistant to the President for Student Affairs presented The CU CUDSON (Chulalongkorn University Desired Student’s Outcome Next Generation) a web-based application designed to help students explore more about their potentials and interests, enabling them to plan their academic and career path more efficiently. Ms. Kanitthar Sinthupatsuk and Ms. Siriyakorn Poompradab, representatives of Chulalongkorn University’s International Student Affairs (CU ISA) presented the CU ISA and a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities available on the campus.
In addition, the international students actively participated in the Q&A session, having the current international students, Ms. Chihiro Okajima, a student in Faculty of Architecture and Ms. May Sandi Naw, a student in Chulalongkorn Business School, provide them with the information they wished to know.
In line with the core mission of Chulalongkorn University to provide not only high-quality academic opportunities, but also to ensure the well-being and safety of international students, the session ‘How to Adjust to Thai Culture, Live Harmoniously in a Diverse Culture, and Smoothly Settle in Thailand to Prevent Culture Shock’ was conducted by Dr. Jennifer Chavanovanich, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, to share a glimpse of Thai culture, way of life and community values.
The International Students Orientation for Academic Year 2025 was participated by over 276 international students. Four student clubs were on hand to welcome and recruit new members who wish to join their activities. The event was marked as a meaningful first step for the international students as they begin their journey in Chulalongkorn University and in Thailand.
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