“Study at PSU, Go Beyond the Classroom” International Programs Prepare a New Generation for the Global Stage
“We do not aim to make every program international, but internationalization is a vital part of what defines Prince of Songkla University.” This perspective from Associate Professor Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), reflects the University’s educational direction in an increasingly interconnected world.
For PSU, internationalization does not simply mean delivering every program in English. It means building global networks and connecting education, research, and academic collaboration with universities around the world, creating opportunities for students to learn and grow in an international environment.
“If we look at the broader role of a higher education institution, we need networks that enable people from around the world to collaborate with us. One of the most important mechanisms for achieving this is through international programs.”
Associate Professor Dr. Thakerng explained that PSU plans to further develop its programs through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary learning, bringing together different fields of knowledge and integrating education with research. At the heart of becoming a globally engaged university is the ability to develop graduates who can respond effectively to real-world challenges.
At the same time, PSU places strong emphasis on developing students as global citizens through international activities, opportunities to study alongside international students, and overseas internships and cooperative education programs.
“Do PSU students have opportunities to go abroad or participate in international activities? The answer is yes. These opportunities are available throughout their time at the University.”
Students who gain international experience can also return as "change agents", sharing what they have learned and encouraging their peers to strengthen essential skills, particularly foreign-language proficiency, to broaden their future opportunities.
Double Degrees, Exchanges and Internships: Expanding International Experience
Associate Professor Dr. Sirilak Bangchokdee, Assistant President for Academic Affairs, explained that PSU develops its academic programs based on Outcome-based Education (OBE), focusing on learning outcomes that students can apply in their future careers.
The University also incorporates Active Learning to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
“We want every student to be able to communicate effectively in English,
particularly in professional settings. Another essential competency is
global citizenship—the ability to work effectively with people from
diverse cultural backgrounds.”
International opportunities extend well beyond the classroom. Several PSU programs collaborate with overseas universities through Double Degree programs, including 3+1 and 2+2 pathways. Students can also participate in student exchange programs, spending a semester abroad with opportunities to transfer credits back to PSU, as well as receiving support for international internships.
“We would like to encourage students to consider PSU’s international programs. They provide greater opportunities to work in international environments, develop strong English communication skills, become global citizens, and prepare for careers across different countries.”
Phuket: A Real-World Global Classroom
One of the clearest examples of PSU’s international outlook is PSU Phuket Campus, which the University has positioned as a gateway to the international community, drawing on Phuket’s unique strengths as a world-class tourism destination.
Associate Professor Dr. Pun Thongchumnum, Vice President for Phuket Campus, explained that approximately 62% of the programs offered at Phuket Campus are international programs. International students account for around 15% of the student population and represent 34 countries, while more than 80% of postgraduate students are international students.
These strengths have positioned Phuket Campus as an International Program Hub, particularly in tourism and hospitality, international business, environmental studies, and digital technology.
“We do not define internationalization solely in terms of English-language instruction. Our programs are directly connected with global industries and with Phuket’s unique environment.”
A major advantage is the opportunity to use Phuket itself as a real-world classroom. Students learn directly from the tourism, hotel, aviation, food, event, and service industries that are closely connected to the global market. They also gain practical experience through internships and cooperative education with real businesses and organizations.
“Phuket is more than simply the location of our campus. It has become a large-scale classroom where students encounter real challenges, real users, real businesses, and real data.”
The next step is to advance from an International Campus to an International Education Hub - moving beyond being a destination for international students to becoming a regional center for education, knowledge, innovation, research, and international networks serving the Andaman region and ASEAN.
Ultimately, an “international program” at PSU means far more than studying in English. It is about providing students with opportunities to engage with the real world, study and work across borders, understand cultural diversity, and develop into global citizens equipped to succeed in a world where the boundaries of education and careers are becoming increasingly open and interconnected.