WRITER : THAI – CHINESE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Amid the transformative waves of the digital age, cultural and linguistic exchanges are flourishing with unprecedented vitality. From April 6 to 27, 2025, Assumption University of Thailand (AU) and Xihua University jointly launched a unique short-term exchange program. Eighteen undergraduate students majoring in Chinese-English Digital Communication from AU, accompanied by two faculty members, embarked on a journey to Xihua University. Over three weeks, they not only delved into the charm of digital media and communicative Chinese but also experienced Chengdu—a city where history meets modernity, and tradition blends with innovation—through cultural visits and hands-on activities.
April 6, 2025 (Sunday) – Bridging Distances, Reunion in Chengdu
A group of 20 faculty and students from the English-Chinese for Digital Communication Program (ECD), Theodore Maria School of Arts arrived in Chengdu from Bangkok! The two faculty members and 18 students settled into Xihua University, kicking off a three-week immersive exchange program. Chengdu welcomed the Thai students with its warm night lights.
April 7 (Monday) – Icebreaking and Campus Exploration
April 8 (Tuesday) – Digital Empowerment, Linguistic Communication
Interactive Classroom Discussions: The morning session focused on “Communicative Chinese in Digital Media,” where faculty and students explored how to integrate traditional Chinese expressions with modern digital technology, laying a solid foundation for future projects.
Practical Media Content Compositon: In the afternoon, under faculty guidance, students brainstormed and wrote, transforming classroom knowledge into digital-age narratives.
Theory Meets Practice: The course emphasized both communicative Chinese and digital media skills, sparking enthusiasm for innovative expression in digital environments.
April 9 (Wednesday) – A Journey Through Millennia, Dialogues with Civilizations
“Where History Meets Technology” – In the morning, students visited the Chengdu Natural History Museum, engaging with rich exhibits. Later, they explored the Chengdu Museum, where ancient and modern cultures converged, adding historical depth to their academic experience.
April 10 (Thursday) – The Power of Language, The Expression of Media
“Exploring Media Narratives Inside and Outside the Classroom” – The morning revisited “Communicative Chinese in Digital Media.” The afternoon media writing workshop buzzed with creative energy as students crafted their works.
April 11 (Friday) – Dual Mastery: Language and Creativity
“Exploring Media Narratives Inside and Outside the Classroom” – The morning revisited “Communicative Chinese in Digital Media.” The afternoon media writing workshop buzzed with creative energy as students crafted their works.
April 12 (Saturday) – Kung Fu and Lakeside Leisure
“Martial Arts and Nature” – The morning featured a Chinese Kung Fu workshop, immersing students in traditional martial arts. The afternoon was spent outdoors, enjoying nature and friendship.
April 13 (Sunday) – Free Exploration Day
“Leisurely time” – A day of free activities, teachers and students strolled around the campus, then visited the alleys of Chengdu to capture vibrant local life.
April 14 (Monday) – Advancing Language and Writing
“Deeper Exchanges” – The morning communicative Chinese class sparked active discussions. The afternoon writing practice transformed knowledge into literary art, with student’s focused expressions.
April 15 (Tuesday) – Pandas and Ancient Alleys
“Iconic Landmarks in Chengdu” – In the morning, the group visited the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to observe the natural behaviors of giant pandas such as eating and playing, and to learn about the achievements of biodiversity conservation in China. In the afternoon, they visited Kuanzhai Alley and Wenshu Monastery, where ancient streets and alleys, traditional buildings and modern culture blended, a hot spot to communicate and take pictures.
April 16 (Wednesday) – Elevating Language and Writing
“Classroom Composition Renewed” – The day focused on “Communicative Chinese in Digital Media.” Morning discussions analyzed linguistic strategies in new media; afternoon group writing sessions fused innovation and cross-cultural perspectives. A visit to Assumption University China Affairs Center at Xihua University highlighted Sino-Thai academic collaboration.
April 17 (Thursday) – Knowledge Exchange and Innovation
Morning sessions refined communication skills; afternoon writing drills followed. Students received Sichuan Opera face-changing dolls from Assumption University Official Office in China. delighting everyone.
Friday, April 18 – Mini World Expo, A Cultural Collision
“A Grand Event for International Cultural Exchange” — The International Culture Exchange Week at Xihua University kicked off with a full day of activities, where cultural elements from various countries converged on campus. Faculty and students from our university were invited to participate in the 4th International Exchange Week at Xihua University. At the opening ceremony, Dr. Namon, Program Director of the English-Chinese Digital Communication undergraduate program, took the stage as a faculty representative to share her heartfelt impressions of Xihua University and its academic atmosphere. Following that, Thai students presented an elegant traditional Thai dance, earning rounds of applause from the audience.
April 19 (Saturday) – Weekend Academic Momentum
“Persistence and Creativity” – The morning and afternoon classes continued to focus on communicative Chinese and media writing with serious interaction between teachers and students and a strong academic atmosphere.
April 20 (Sunday) – Discovering Chengdu’s Charms
“Leisurely Exploration” – Students savored street life and café culture, embracing the city’s rhythm.
April 21 (Monday) – The Course Enters the Final Sprint
“Unstoppable Ideas” – A new day started with the discussion of communicative Chinese and media writing. In the classroom, teachers and students interacted frequently with inspirations, showing the charm of words and languages.
April 22 (Tuesday) – Enjoying Art and Nature
“A Fusion of Creativity and Scenery” — Teachers and students visited the vibrant and art-filled Tianfu Art Park, followed by a trip to the lush and serene Luxe lake Park. There, they experienced the harmony between natural landscapes and modern artistic expression, with moments of exploration and relaxation perfectly captured.
April 23 (Wednesday) – Finalizing Outcomes
“The Transmission of Knowledge and the Dance of Words” — In the morning’s Chinese language class focused on digital media, students engaged in active exchanges and deep thinking. In the afternoon’s media content writing session, teachers and students collaborated closely on refining details of their drafts. The creative process, rich with inspiration and expression, was vividly captured.
April 24 (Thursday) – Refinement and Recap
“Immersive Learning” – In the morning, it was an in-depth explanation of communicative Chinese, and in the afternoon, students showed their unique styles in the media writing class, during which the student enjoyed the time of focused discussion and learning.
April 25 (Friday) – Final Presentations & Closing Ceremony
“The Ultimate Test: Showcasing Achievements” – The final day featured two culminating sessions held in the morning and afternoon. With concise writing and vivid delivery, each student confidently presented their three-week progress and accomplishments, making the event truly spectacular.
April 26 (Saturday) – Leisure Time & Shopping
“Shopping and Bonding: Capturing Memories in Chengdu” – During leisure time, faculty and students explored bustling commercial streets, savoring authentic local cuisine and immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Laughter and joy filled every frame as they embraced the lively urban scenes.
April 27 (Sunday) – Farewell to Chengdu, Journey Home
“Bittersweet Goodbyes, Hopes for Reunion” – On the final day, after checking out of the hotel, the group boarded their return flights, carrying hearts full of memories and achievements. With warm farewells, they looked forward to future reunions and more discussions on culture and language in the digital age.
As the exchange program concluded successfully, both faculty and students gained knowledge, friendships, and cultural inspiration throughout the unforgettable journey. From their initial excitement upon arriving in Chengdu to deep explorations in classrooms, museums, and streets, every moment reflected their dedication and passion. The program not only broadened students’ horizons but also laid a solid foundation for future Sino-Thai cultural exchanges. With cherished memories and new perspectives, they will continue to drive the evolution of culture and language in the digital age.
More Information about the Theodore Maria School of Arts, please visit:
Website: https://www.arts.au.edu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsassumptionuniversity
https://www.facebook.com/artsabac
Email: arts@au.edu
Tel: (+66)-2783-2222 Ext. 2740
