From Taichung to Thailand: Tunghai University Students Experience AU’s Global Classroom

Assumption University of Thailand (AU), through the MSME Business School, welcomed a delegation of Tunghai University, Taiwan, for a two-week international study tour held from June 30 to July 13, 2025, under the theme “Intercultural Understanding and Communication.” The delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Min-Hsun Liao, Chief International Officer, and Ms. April Tsai, Program Coordinator for European and Southeast Asia Affairs, and included 11 undergraduate students seeking to broaden their international perspectives and deepen their understanding of Thai culture.

Co-organized by Tunghai University and MSME Business School, the study tour provided students with a diverse learning experience combining academic sessions, cultural activities, industry visits, and intercultural exchange. Participants had opportunities to explore Thai traditions and cultural practices, experience local cuisine, and engage with the Thai community, including a special cultural presentation by the AU Thai Dance Club.

Beyond cultural tourism, the program emphasized the development of intercultural understanding, communication skills, global awareness, and the ability to engage respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds. Through direct interaction and experiential learning, students were encouraged to examine their own perspectives, challenge assumptions, appreciate cultural diversity, and develop the global competencies increasingly required of future business leaders.

The collaboration also strengthened academic and institutional connections between AU and Tunghai University, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and relationship building across borders. The successful study tour demonstrates the role of international education in connecting students, institutions, and cultures while creating meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

Through initiatives such as this, MSME Business School and Assumption University continue to advance internationalization and global learning, preparing students to become culturally aware, adaptable, and globally competent professionals who can contribute positively to an increasingly interconnected world.

SDGs Alignment

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Promotes international, experiential, and intercultural learning, enabling students to develop knowledge, communication skills, global competencies, and lifelong learning capabilities.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Develops global competencies, adaptability, communication, and intercultural skills that are increasingly important for future employment and international business.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Promotes respect for cultural diversity and encourages meaningful interaction among people from different cultural and national backgrounds.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthens international academic collaboration and people-to-people connections between Assumption University and Tunghai University through education and cultural exchange.