PSU Phuket Campus - Telkom University Summer Program 2023

From September 24th to October 2nd, 2023, the International Affairs Centre (IAC) organized the Summer Program 2023 for Telkom University, the Republic of Indonesia. This 9-day program was participated by 30 students and 2 academic staff from Telkom University, who were warmly welcomed at Phuket International Airport by our IAC staff. The program began with their exploring Lard Yai Walking Street to get a glimpse of Phuket's gastronomy and local culture after their check-in at Pearl Hotel, Phuket town.

The opening ceremony was on the following day, when the participants were ceremoniously welcomed at The Hub, on the 2nd floor of the International Services Center Building (Bldg. 10), by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pun Thongchumnum, Vice President of PSU Phuket Campus; Dr. Tagsina Sripracha, Assistant President for International Affairs, Phuket Campus; the IAC team; and Thai student ambassadors who were there to assist the Indonesian participants with the activities throughout the program.

The Summer Program was designed to include a diverse range of activities: academic, cultural, recreational, and experiential. Academically, the participants got to know PSU Phuket through a campus tour program and attended classes on Thai culture, cooking, and traditional performances by PSU Phuket faculties. In terms of culture, they visited several popular cultural sites and tourist attractions, namely the Chinese Holy Shrine, the Peranakan Phuket Museum, Gems Gallery Phuket (Pearl of the Andaman), the Big Buddha, Promthep Cape, local souvenir shops, shopping malls, walking streets, and night markets, which allowed them to learn about Phuket history and local ways of life. In addition, they had the opportunity to experience the sustainable marine farm at Intara Farm on Coconut Island and learn about pearl production and the local fishery lifestyle.

....

For recreation, the program provided them with a snorkelling day to explore marine life underwater at Maiton Islands and Coral Islands, as well as discover and enjoy a splashing time while immersing themselves in Thai mythology at Andaman Water Park, a Thai heritage-themed water park. They also went kayaking while learning about ecological conservation in the mangrove forest and doing a CSR activity by cleaning up the beach and collecting garbage.

For experiential activities, they visited local communities engaged in community-based tourism (CBT), namely Baan Borae, where they attended a workshop on creating tie-dyed fabrics, and Baan Kamala - another workshop on local desserts such as A-Pong and Moon Dumpling (aka Kanom-Duan). Besides, they visited the renowned café - Baan 92- in Phuket Town, where they joined workshops focused on local food, such as Chinese-style fried Noodles and dessert, Red Tortoise Cake.

Not only does the Summer Program offer an overview of Thai culture but also insights into Phuket culture and cuisine. Participants were allowed to explore the various must-visit tourist attractions and enjoyed their time in Phuket.

We are sincerely impressed with and thankful to all the participants for joining our Summer Program. We hope to have another opportunity to organize this program for you and anyone else who would like to learn more about Phuket while having a great time with us.