International exchange course, "A Changing Southeast Asia: Environment, Industry and Society", concluded (1–13 September 2014)

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Fifteen first- and second-year undergraduate students taking part in the international exchange course, "A Changing Southeast Asia: Environment, Industry and Society", have completed their study program in Thailand and returned to Japan. The program was organized under the guidance and leadership of Professors Eiji Nawata and Mamoru Kanzaki from the Faculty of Agriculture in cooperation with Kasetsart University.

The program involved observing farming practices as well as conducting interviews at agricultural and horticultural farms located on steep slopes in the northern mountain areas, at farm fields on moderate slopes in the central plains, and at suburban horticultural crop farms in the Chao Phraya Delta. The participants studied tropical forest ecosystems and resource management practices on the Doi Inthanon mountain in the north and in the Sakaerat region in the northeast. In addition, the students learned about coastal ecosystems and the utilization of coastal wetlands near Bangkok, and also visited various cultural sites. In the latter half of the course held in central and eastern Thailand, Thai students also took part and various exchange activities were held. At the presentations held on the final day, the students shared their experiences about their stay in Thailand. The program undoubtedly enabled KU students to gain valuable international study experiences.

A slope field study

A field study in a tropical forest

Visiting a shrimp farm

An interview at an ethnic minority village

Lunch in a forest clearing

On the Bridge on the River Kwai

In the Obluang National Park

At the student presentations