Tourism and Thai Culture: October 2022
Study Abroad Opportunity
Students in the School of Hospitality & Tourism spent three weeks in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of a Faculty-Led Program Abroad (FLPA) led by Seneca Hospitality Professor and Program Coordinator Heather Laver and assisted by Flights Professor and Program Coordinator Carrie Broughton.
Delivered in collaboration with the Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM), students earned a General Education course credit focusing on Thai culture and a program credit delivered by Ms. Laver.
Professors from Seneca College and Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM)
Through various field trips and weekend activities, students immersed themselves in Thai culture while learning about the local hospitality industry and eco-friendly alternative tourism.
Students participating in this opportunity are from the following School of Hospitality and Tourism Programs:
Hospitality – Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM)
Tourism – Services Management – Global Tourism Business Specialization (GTB)
Tourism – Services Management – Travel Services Specialization (TIS)
Flight Services – Operations & Cabin Management (FSO)
The group is also accompanied by the cutest hospitality icon, Hedgie
Things are about to get even more exciting for these students as the week goes on!
Below are some of their weekly highlights.
Highlights of Week 1
October 22 - October 29, 2022
Their classes abroad have officially started, and PIM university has prepared a lot of exciting learning experiences and activities for the students.
PIM Campus Tour and Cultural Class
Cooking Classes (Pad Thai and Mango Salad)
Beverage Making (Traditional Thailand Drinks and Coffee)
Participation in International Potlock Day
Temple Tours
Thai Street Food Market
Field Trip to a Private Beach Resort in Pattaya
Halloween Party in Downtown Bangkok
also during the weekend, students are given free time to explore the country on their own.
“Here’s to making great career decisions and choosing to do a 3-week course in Thailand. Today’s class was basically going to a beach and making ice cream that we ate later on. I love my life!”
Highlights of Week 2
October 30 - November 5, 2022
Another week has passed, and these students didn’t let the week pass without learning and having fun!
Visited the Elephant Sanctuary
Had training sessions at the PIM Air Dreamliner (Airplane Simulator)
Learned and experienced wearing the Traditional Thai Outfit
Visited the Historic City of Ayutthaya
Cooked more Thai Traditional Dishes: Tom Yum Goong
Made more Traditional Thai Drinks: Butterfly Pea
Visited the Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market
“One thing I love more than exploring new places is capturing those memories through photos. I love you all and cherish our friendship more than you could ever know.”
Highlights of Week 3
November 6 - November 12, 2022
On their last week in Thailand, the students spent their last days learning more about its rich history and flavorful cuisine. Students also got the chance to experience Thailand’s Loy Krathong, a festival known to be the most picturesque in Bangkok.
Aside from the knowledge gained from this trip, students treasured the deep bonds that developed among them, particularly with new acquaintances from PIM University.
“It was fun creating a core memory with people who always look after each other. This trip wouldn’t be as amazing as it is without the love and support from Seneca and PIM University.”
SoHT Faculty-Led Program Abroad students and faculty created this touching video to express their warmest gratitude to PIM for their hospitality.
Video Courtesy of students: Claire, Chelsea and Alijah
Follow Hedgie and our students’ daily adventures on our Instagram and other social media accounts!
