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Project Information
Project Title
Social Lab: Developing Social Skills towards Global Citizenship
Activity Type
Internship
Program Model
Plan A: GLIP
Eligibility: Exclusively for undergraduate students.
Duration: 1 semester or 3–4 months (depending on the international student's academic calendar) between November 2025 – August 2026.
University Financial Support:
- Tuition fees and other university fees
- On-campus accommodation fees (excluding electricity charges)
- Daily allowance for international students (240 Baht/day)
Eligibility: Exclusively for undergraduate students.
Duration: 1 semester or 3–4 months (depending on the international student's academic calendar) between November 2025 – August 2026.
University Financial Support:
- Tuition fees and other university fees
- On-campus accommodation fees (excluding electricity charges)
- Daily allowance for international students (240 Baht/day)
Duration
November 2025 - August 2026 (10 months)
Student Qualification
Qualifications
In accordance with the qualifications for international students at Naresuan University:
1. Academic qualifications: International students must complete their secondary education or high school in their respective countries with a passing grade. For undergraduate studies, they must complete their secondary education with a minimum GPA of 2.00 or its equivalent.
2. Language proficiency: International students must have the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
3. Additional requirements:
3.1 Applicants must have no records of imprisonment by a court, except in cases of misdemeanors due to carelessness.
3.2 Applicants must have no records of being expelled from any institution due to misconduct.
3.3 Applicants must be in good health and free from diseases or conditions that may obstruct their studies.
3.4 Applicants must possess all qualifications as prescribed by the University.
In accordance with the qualifications for international students at Naresuan University:
1. Academic qualifications: International students must complete their secondary education or high school in their respective countries with a passing grade. For undergraduate studies, they must complete their secondary education with a minimum GPA of 2.00 or its equivalent.
2. Language proficiency: International students must have the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
3. Additional requirements:
3.1 Applicants must have no records of imprisonment by a court, except in cases of misdemeanors due to carelessness.
3.2 Applicants must have no records of being expelled from any institution due to misconduct.
3.3 Applicants must be in good health and free from diseases or conditions that may obstruct their studies.
3.4 Applicants must possess all qualifications as prescribed by the University.
Project Status
Approved
Activity Details
Overview
Overview
The Social Development Program, Naresuan University, is dedicated to advancing international collaboration and nurturing global citizenship through experiential and community-based learning. The “Social Lab” project is designed as a unique platform for international exchange students to engage in internships, cultural immersion, and community development activities in Thailand.
The program offers students opportunities to explore Thai society from multiple perspectives—historical landmarks, everyday life, traditional festivals, local wisdom, sustainable agriculture, contemporary youth culture, and even subcultures such as the Harley-Davidson Biker Club in Phitsanulok. These activities encourage students to experience Thailand not only as observers but as active participants in community life.
By integrating academic knowledge with field-based practice, participants will enhance their social skills, intercultural communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Collaboration with local government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and social enterprises allows students to participate in projects such as community profiling, cultural workshops, and micro social initiatives.
Ultimately, the “Social Lab” bridges theory and practice, enabling students to reflect critically on their experiences and to develop competencies essential for becoming responsible global citizens. The project aligns with the mission of Naresuan University to promote internationalisation and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Objectives
1. To foster cross-cultural perspectives and intercultural understanding by engaging exchange students in Thai society through historical landmarks, traditional festivals, community knowledge, and contemporary youth culture.
2. To develop essential social and professional skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving, through internships, fieldwork, and collaborative community projects.
3. To integrate social science and social development theories with hands-on practices such as community profiling, sustainable agriculture, and subculture studies (e.g., Harley-Davidson biker culture), thereby creating meaningful and critical learning experiences.
4. To cultivate global citizenship competencies, particularly social responsibility, intercultural dialogue, and active engagement in sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
5. To strengthen and expand international academic and community collaboration networks between Naresuan University, partner universities, local communities, and social development stakeholders.
Project Coordinators
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patcharin Sirasoonthorn and Assist. Prof. Dr. Kammales Photikanit.
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, THAILAND.
Email: kammalesp@nu.ac.th
The Social Development Program, Naresuan University, is dedicated to advancing international collaboration and nurturing global citizenship through experiential and community-based learning. The “Social Lab” project is designed as a unique platform for international exchange students to engage in internships, cultural immersion, and community development activities in Thailand.
The program offers students opportunities to explore Thai society from multiple perspectives—historical landmarks, everyday life, traditional festivals, local wisdom, sustainable agriculture, contemporary youth culture, and even subcultures such as the Harley-Davidson Biker Club in Phitsanulok. These activities encourage students to experience Thailand not only as observers but as active participants in community life.
By integrating academic knowledge with field-based practice, participants will enhance their social skills, intercultural communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Collaboration with local government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and social enterprises allows students to participate in projects such as community profiling, cultural workshops, and micro social initiatives.
Ultimately, the “Social Lab” bridges theory and practice, enabling students to reflect critically on their experiences and to develop competencies essential for becoming responsible global citizens. The project aligns with the mission of Naresuan University to promote internationalisation and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Objectives
1. To foster cross-cultural perspectives and intercultural understanding by engaging exchange students in Thai society through historical landmarks, traditional festivals, community knowledge, and contemporary youth culture.
2. To develop essential social and professional skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving, through internships, fieldwork, and collaborative community projects.
3. To integrate social science and social development theories with hands-on practices such as community profiling, sustainable agriculture, and subculture studies (e.g., Harley-Davidson biker culture), thereby creating meaningful and critical learning experiences.
4. To cultivate global citizenship competencies, particularly social responsibility, intercultural dialogue, and active engagement in sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
5. To strengthen and expand international academic and community collaboration networks between Naresuan University, partner universities, local communities, and social development stakeholders.
Project Coordinators
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patcharin Sirasoonthorn and Assist. Prof. Dr. Kammales Photikanit.
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, THAILAND.
Email: kammalesp@nu.ac.th
Weekly Plan
| Week | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Phase 1: Orientation & Preparation (Weeks 1–2) Week 1: Orientation o University & Program Orientation o Introduction to Thai Culture, Society, and Development Issues o Basic Thai Language for Community Work o Team-building & Cross-cultural Communication Workshop |
| 2 | Week 2: Field-work Preparation o Research Methods in Community Studies (Community Profiling, Focus Groups, PRA Tools) Matching Students with Host Organizations/Communities (Buddy Program) o Setting internship goals |
| 3 | Phase 2: Fieldwork & Internship (Weeks 3–12) Week 3–4: Historical and Religious Landmarks in Phitsanulok o Shrine of King Naresuan the Great o Chan Royal Palace o Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Ratchaburana & Wat Chulamanee |
| 4 | Week 3–4: Historical and Religious Landmarks in Phitsanulok o Shrine of King Naresuan the Great o Chan Royal Palace o Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Ratchaburana & Wat Chulamanee |
| 5 | Week 5–6: Everyday Life & Popular Culture o Daily life of local communities o Local markets, weekend markets, schools, local foods and community activities o Almsgiving ceremony |
| 6 | Week 5–6: Everyday Life & Popular Culture o Daily life of local communities o Local markets, weekend markets, schools, local foods and community activities o Almsgiving ceremony |
| 7 | Week 7–8: Thai Traditional Culture & Community Knowledge o Participation in local traditions and festivals such as Loy Krathong, New Year’s Eve, and New Year celebrations (adjusted according to the exchange period). o Workshop with community leaders or local wisdom keepers to learn about traditional knowledge such as handicrafts, weaving, folk music, and local cuisine. o Cultural Festival “Yol Thuen Phumpanya Montra Wang Chan” at Phra Ruang Royal Palace (November 2025). o Annual Festival “Sip Coffee at the Palace” at Phra Ruang Royal Palace (December 2025). o Cultural performance project “Khon in the Palace”, organized by the Phitsanulok Provincial Administrative Organization (February 2026). |
| 8 | Week 7–8: Thai Traditional Culture & Community Knowledge o Participation in local traditions and festivals such as Loy Krathong, New Year’s Eve, and New Year celebrations (adjusted according to the exchange period). o Workshop with community leaders or local wisdom keepers to learn about traditional knowledge such as handicrafts, weaving, folk music, and local cuisine. o Cultural Festival “Yol Thuen Phumpanya Montra Wang Chan” at Phra Ruang Royal Palace (November 2025). o Annual Festival “Sip Coffee at the Palace” at Phra Ruang Royal Palace (December 2025). o Cultural performance project “Khon in the Palace”, organized by the Phitsanulok Provincial Administrative Organization (February 2026). |
| 9 | Week 9–10: Organic Agriculture and Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) o Workshop with community leaders or local wisdom keepers to learn from community learning centers focusing on Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). o Workshop with community leaders or local wisdom keepers to explore private organic farm management practices. |
| 10 | Week 9–10: Organic Agriculture and Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) o Workshop with community leaders or local wisdom keepers to learn from community learning centers focusing on Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). o Workshop with community leaders or local wisdom keepers to explore private organic farm management practices. |
| 11 | Week 11–12: Contemporary Youth Culture o Visiting cafés o Experiencing local dining culture such as Moo Kra Ta (Thai BBQ) and Shabu restaurants o Engaging with art institutions or attending activities such as Art in the Garden o Exploring popular hangout places for youth in Phitsanulok |
| 12 | Week 11–12: Contemporary Youth Culture o Visiting cafés o Experiencing local dining culture such as Moo Kra Ta (Thai BBQ) and Shabu restaurants o Engaging with art institutions or attending activities such as Art in the Garden o Exploring popular hangout places for youth in Phitsanulok |
| 13 | Week 13–14: Subculture Studies – Biker Culture (Harley-Davidson Club in Phitsanulok) o Field study on group activities and cultural practices of the Biker Culture (Harley-Davidson Club in Phitsanulok) |
| 14 | Week 13–14: Subculture Studies – Biker Culture (Harley-Davidson Club in Phitsanulok) o Field study on group activities and cultural practices of the Biker Culture (Harley-Davidson Club in Phitsanulok) |
| 15 | Week 15–16: Reflection & Presentation o Data analysis, and preparation of internship reflective report. o Presentation of internship outcomes in the form of a reflective paper or video clip |
| 16 | Week 15–16: Reflection & Presentation o Data analysis, and preparation of internship reflective report. o Presentation of internship outcomes in the form of a reflective paper or video clip |
Project Coordinator
Full Name (EN)
KAMMALES PHOTIKANIT
Faculty / Institute
Faculty of Social Sciences
Email
kammalesp@nu.ac.th