Herald College Students’ Unforgettable Learning Experience in Thailand

The International Exposure Trip to Thailand 2024 was an unforgettable experience for the students, providing an ideal balance of academic, personal growth, and cultural immersion. This journey not only provided excellent real-world insights, but also enabled students to broaden their views and gain a better knowledge of global viewpoints.

Design Thinking 
The journey began in Bangkok at the Human-Centered Design workshop guided by Daryl Lim and Rosemary Phan, who are the founders of the Design Thinkers Academy. This course was intended for students to provide them with tools that will enable the devising of solutions fully comprehending the actual needs of people. It was more than learning, all the students got hands-on experience in user research, brainstorming sessions, and prototyping. Students learned how to tackle problems from various dimensions and generate ideas that would actually make an impact.

Business Innovation 
Next, students travelled to Thammasat University, founded in 1933 - one of Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, known for its strong academic foundation and entrepreneurial spirit. Here, they got to share their startup ideas in the Biz Innovate Project. The students worked hard to study and improve their plans, getting ready to show them to a group of business experts.

Presentation of ideas before a knowledgeable panel helped students hone their communication skills, and feedback provided an avenue to sharpen their ideas. A chance to discuss your ideas with people who had real-life experience showed them how to improve and refine their pitches for the future. This was a very important moment for students to understand what it takes to turn an idea into a real business.
 

Teamwork and Leadership
The next stop was the Quantum Leap Program, where students stepped outside of their comfort zones to develop the essential skills needed for success in today’s fast-paced world. It helped them build key abilities such as adaptability, decision-making, and personal growth.

The program consisted of a variety of challenges that tested their leadership skills. They learned to handle team dynamics and to make quick and effective decisions under pressure. Also, the program showed how logic must be intertwined with emotional quotient to arrive at a well-balanced and sensitive decision. By the end , the concept of leadership became much clearer to the students. Students understood that leading means  guiding others toward achieving results.

Personal Growth Stories

Beyond the workshops, the trip was also an opportunity for students to fully immerse themselves in Thai culture.

Students delved into Thailand's vibrant history and stunning scenery, creating unforgettable moments with their friends. They discovered that business involves more than just profits. During the workshops, they came to understand the significance of developing meaningful solutions. For them, the journey broadened to encompass a wider perspective on their place in the world and how they can utilize their abilities to contribute towards that goal.

Students learned that the change of environment and interactions with different groups were challenging yet beneficial. It was difficult because they had to stay in an environment that was completely new and work with diverse teams, but they learned that it is okay to be uncomfortable and have to shift for the unknown. Students came back  feeling confident with what they have learned and eager about what is next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trip was a journey of growth, discovery, and empowerment. Students gained valuable skills in Human-Centered Design, entrepreneurship, and leadership, all while exploring a new culture and forging lasting memories.

This trip not only expanded their professional knowledge but also gave them the chance to reflect on their personal development. The trip truly opened their eyes to new perspectives and showed them how to use their skills to make a positive impact in the world.
Herald College’s commitment to providing these international exposure opportunities continues to inspire students to think globally, act locally, and lead with purpose. It was an experience students will carry with them for years to come.