WSU Tri-Cities partners with Thai, Canadian universities in exchange program

By Communications staff, Washington State University

Memorandum signingBy Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday, June 28, to partner with Vanwest College from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Mahasarakham University from Talat, Thailand, for a language and cultural exchange program that will benefit students from each of the three campuses and countries.

The purpose of the partnership, which takes effect immediately, is to deliver programs that promote academics and cultural understanding among the three institutions and countries associated.

  • VanWest College will be responsible for delivering an English as a second language program, academic workshops and sightseeing at its campus.
  • WSU Tri-Cities will be responsible for cultural exchange activities at its campus, which may include select lectures and presentations, tours and friendship exchange meetings with local organizations.
  • The Mahasarakham University will be responsible for facilitating study abroad opportunities for WSU Tri-Cities students.
Chris Meiers, WSU Tri-Cities vice chancellor of enrollment management and student services, and Nitiphong Songsrirote, dean of the Mahasarakham Business School, shake hands
Front (l-r) Chris Meiers, WSU Tri-Cities vice chancellor of enrollment management and student services, and Nitiphong Songsrirote, dean of the Mahasarakham Business School; (back l-r) Bob Harrington, WSU Tri-Cities director of the Carson College of Business, Pornlapas Suwannarat, Mahasarakham University associate dean for research and internal affairs; and Warawut Waranantakul, Mahasarakham University assistant to the dean for research and international relations affairs. (Context: Chris Meiers and Nitiphong Songsrirote shake hands after signing the MOU)

“This is a valuable experience both for our students and for students from Thailand and British Columbia,” said Chris Meiers, WSU Tri-Cities vice chancellor of enrollment management and student services. “The students will benefit from the language exploration and competency experiences at VanWest and at Mahasarakham, in addition to learning about the cultural components, networking and more through WSU Tri-Cities and the regional community.”

“Coming to Canada and the United States is a great experience for us,” said Pornlapas Suwannarat, associate dean for research and international affairs at Mahasarakham University. “We are hopeful for a fruitful collaboration to take place between VanWest and Washington State University Tri-Cities.”

A group of students and administrators from VanWest College and Mahasarakham University spent the last couple of days learning about the educational and business opportunities at WSU Tri-Cities, touring the Tri-Cities region, as well as networking with local businesses.

It’s been a fun and enlightening few days for all institutions,” Meiers said. “We have a lot to share and learn from one another. We’re excited about this partnership and the educational and cultural opportunities that will enrich the student experience for all three institutions and countries.”

 

Media Contacts: