The intensive student summer exchange program between Guangxi University’s China-ASEAN School of Economics and Chiang Mai University in Thailand was launched in late June. With one-third of the three-month overseas program already completed, the initiative will continue until the end of September. Through systematic coursework and localized business practices, the program is designed to enhance students’ professional capabilities in areas such as China-ASEAN economic and trade analysis and cross-cultural business communication.

Chiang Mai University has meticulously designed a range of courses for the visiting group, including Business Startups, International Economics, International Business, and Thai Business Negotiation and Cultural Practice. These courses are taught by a team of elite faculty members who employ diverse interactive formats such as case studies and group discussions to strengthen students’ understanding of regional economic and trade practices in ASEAN.

Figure 1: Professor Nisit lecturing in the International Economics class

Figure 2: Students learning the wai gesture in a Thai language class

In addition to academic content, the university has arranged multiple cultural immersion activities for the visitors—including a tour of the campus technology park, an experience of traditional herbal hammer making at Wat Sri Suphan, participation in the Lanna Expo, and a Thai cooking class. These activities translate cross-cultural communication theory into practical training, significantly deepening the students’ understanding of Thai social customs, business traditions, and local lifestyles.

Figure 3: The students of exchange group experiencing a herbal hammer-making workshop at Wat Sri Suphan

During the Lanna Expo, the visiting group combined theories from International Trade and other courses with real-world market needs. After attending a seminar on China-Thailand cross-border e-commerce cooperation, the students conducted systematic research on Thai exhibitors and held group sharing sessions to analyze the feasibility of introducing various Thai products to the Chinese market.

Ms. Yu Na, the faculty lead of the visiting group, stated in an interview with local media Chiangmai News——“This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand—the 'Golden 50 Years of China-Thailand Friendship.' We are honored to have been invited to participate in the 2025 Lanna Expo and the Cross-Border E-Commerce Cooperation Seminar. We extend our sincere gratitude to the expo organizers and Chiang Mai University, and wish the expo a complete success! Through these events, the students have not only expanded their global perspective and deepened their understanding of the Thai economy and Sino-Thai trade, but they have also applied their academic knowledge in real-world settings. By engaging deeply with Thai exhibitors and professionals involved in China-Thailand trade, they have helped local enterprises better understand the Chinese market, e-commerce models, and consumer preferences—ultimately contributing to the growth of trade and connectivity between the two countries.”

The activities have not only strengthened the students’ practical understanding of China-Thailand trade but have also provided reference strategies for Thai local businesses seeking to expand into the Chinese consumer market.

Figure 4: The exchange group attending the Lanna Expo

Figure 5: Local media Chiang Mai News covering the event

During the Thai cuisine cooking class, students from the visiting delegation gained hands-on experience in preparing classic Thai dishes, allowing them to appreciate the authentic flavors and deeply understand the essence of Thai culinary culture. The kitchen was filled with laughter and the aroma of ingredients as the students enthusiastically exchanged ideas and collaborated in a lively atmosphere. This immersive experience enabled them to truly “engage with the culture and embrace its values,” laying a solid foundation for the school’s comprehensive efforts to cultivate cross-cultural talent with a global perspective in the ASEAN region.

Figure 6: The exchange group participating in a Thai cooking experience session

Reflecting on the study visit, many students shared their thoughts. Su Kangjia and Jiang Shujing, master’s students in finance, noted that “the fully immersive English-language learning environment not only improved our foreign language communication skills but also enabled us to analyze business phenomena from a global viewpoint.” Liu Yuqiao, a master’s student in international business, described the visit as an extraordinary experience that allowed her to closely engage with ASEAN culture and deepen her professional understanding. She added, “Learning within an authentic ASEAN context opened up new dimensions of knowledge. I truly realized the value of ‘reviewing the past helps you understand the new’ in specialized learning, and I hope all students can make greater academic progress.” Wei Yingying, a master’s student in applied economics, expressed her anticipation for the next two months of study and life abroad.

As a crucial initiative under the school’s talent development program for global competencies, the project has already achieved significant interim outcomes. Through full English instruction, students have not only deepened their understanding of China-ASEAN economic cooperation but have also enhanced their cross-cultural communication skills through cultural immersion. A variety of practical activities allowed them to experience Thailand’s unique culture firsthand, while participation in local exhibitions and conferences provided grounded insights into the operational aspects of China-Thailand trade. The smooth progress of the program marks a firm step forward in the school’s ongoing efforts to promote international education.

Translated by Yu Na

Written by Jiang Shujing, Yu Na

Edited by Gan Ziying 

Reviewed by Gong Zheng