Assumption University of Thailand (AU) welcomed students and faculty from the University of California, Davis, USA., as the UC Davis Summer Abroad Program 2026 officially opened at AU’s Hua Mak Campus in Bangkok. “Aggies” is the proud nickname for UC Davis students and alumni, honoring the university’s agricultural roots and community spirit.
Held on June 20, 2026, at Salle d’ Expo, the orientation marked the beginning of an international learning journey connecting food science, cultural discovery, and global classroom experience. The morning program included registration, official welcome remarks, a group photo, team introductions, an introduction to Thailand, academic planning, and a question-and-answer session.
The program opened with a welcome address by Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka,f.s.g., Ph. D., President of Assumption University of Thailand, who greeted the UC Davis delegation and highlighted the value of international academic exchange. His remarks reflected AU’s continued commitment to building meaningful global partnerships that give students opportunities to learn across cultures, disciplines, and borders.
The students were also warmly welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Patchanee Yasurin, Dean of the Theophane Venard School of Food Biotechnology and Innovation, who introduced AU’s academic environment and the School’s work in food biotechnology, innovation, and international education. Her welcome helped set the tone for a program designed to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experience in Thailand.
A highlight of the orientation was the class information and planning session led by Prof. Dr. Glenn M. Young of UC Davis. With his deep expertise, generous teaching style, and gift for making science meaningful, Prof. Dr. Young helped students see the program not simply as a study abroad course, but as a living classroom shaped by food, culture, people, and place.
From California to Bangkok, the UC Davis students began their summer abroad experience as Aggies on a mission: to learn, explore, ask good questions, and discover how food science connects to communities, culture, and daily life in Thailand.
The UC Davis Summer Abroad Program at AU reflects the growing spirit of collaboration between AU and UC Davis. It also highlights AU’s role as a welcoming international academic partner, offering students a setting where global learning feels personal, practical, and memorable.
As the program begins, AU is proud to welcome the UC Davis Aggies to Thailand and looks forward to a summer of learning, friendship, discovery, and shared academic excellence.
WRITER : THE AU LIBRARY
More Information about Theophane Venard School of Food Biotechnology and Innovation, please visit:
Website: https://foodbiotech.au.edu/
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E-mail: foodbiotech@au.edu
Tel: (+66)-2783-2222 Ext. 3793, 3796
