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BBA Delegation Pursuing a Global Presence at NAFSA Conference & Expo 2007
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By Dr.Somboon Kulvisaechana, Associate Director for International Affairs
Trends on international education are growing and become significant concerns to all academic institution leaders who aim to expand educational collaborations across frontiers. BBA Thammasat catches these trends with an attempt to pursuing a global presence. This year Dr. Somboon Kulvisaechana (Associate Director for International Affairs) and Ms. Narisa Klieothong (Exchange Coordinator) were the BBA representatives to attend the annual conference & expo of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) held in Minneapolis (a.k.a. “the City of Lakes”), Minnesota, USA during May 28 – June 1, 2007. NAFSA is an association of individuals worldwide advancing international education and exchange, annually hosting a preeminent gathering of experts, professionals and educators from all over the world.
More than 7,000 participants and over 350 exhibitors joined this year’s conference where General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, was invited to be a distinguished plenary speaker. His remarks touched upon the fact that, in order to be truly international, leaders of the academic institutions (i.e., rectors and deans) must understand what internationalization really is and what it takes to become one. It is crucial to be proactive and outreaching, rather than holding back and waiting for others to initiate contacts. And, more importantly, it should be more than just the rhetoric of policies. The notions of ‘walk the talk,’ sufficient budgets and strong commitment from management have to be seriously put in place.
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The booth number 1502 was our BBA exhibition unit to welcome educators and representatives of our exchange partners, such as University of Southern California, Ohio State University, McGill University, etc., to discuss about ways in which exchange program schemes can be enriched and enhanced over years to come. Dr. Somboon got down to an engaging conversation with exchange directors/ managers to promote an internship program and an independent study scheme as free electives for incoming exchange students. These initiatives allow more flexibility and offer ‘unparalleled’ opportunities for the incoming exchange students to expose to both academic and corporate worlds in Thai context over just one period of stay. Moreover, “it is good put a face with a name. I have corresponded with lots of exchange coordinators from our partner universities for years but I have never met them in person. This is a great opportunity to meet and greet them,” added Ms. Narisa.
Apart from formal and informal meetings with our partner university delegation, a negotiation to establish a new prospective exchange agreement is underway. That is the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, ranked 25th of the best business schools by US News and World Report.
All in all, the annual NAFSA conference & expo proved to be beneficial to BBA Thammasat in terms of pursuing a global presence and seeking exchange collaborations. Also, it has allowed us to stay connected, stay current and stay global, yet talk local, which actually helps leverage the value of internationalization at BBA Thammasat.
Posted date: June 11, 2007 |
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