Traversing Local and Global Agendas: Education Through Multicultural Exchanges

Dr. Adrian Lo, Director, Urban Design & Development (International), Thammasat Design School

Adrian Lo is the Director of the Urban Design and Development International Program at Thammasat University in Thailand. With a PhD in Architecture from the University of Auckland, he has extensive experience in both academia and professional practice. His research focuses on urban informality, the right to the city and equitable urban development, particularly in Southeast Asia. Prior to Thammasat, Dr. Lo worked and taught in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and Nepal, where he explored issues related to migrant workers, public spaces and informal settlements. Dr. Lo is committed to creating inclusive cities and empowering marginalized communities through research, teaching and practice.

Challenges and Opportunities in International Education: A Focus on Collaboration and Societal Impact

In tertiary education, particularly universities, the post-pandemic era presents both challenges and opportunities in facilitating international student and faculty exchanges. The lockdown period hindered overseas travel for conferences and exchanges, but since 2021-2022, universities have actively sought to revive these programs.

Along the same lines, the Faculty of Architecture and Planning (also known as Thammasat Design School) at Thammasat University has welcomed students from various Japanese and Vietnamese universities to collaborate with Thai students on informal settlement upgrade projects. This multicultural exchange, with students working towards a common good, addresses significant global challenges highlighted in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty, inequality as well as sustainable cities and communities.

“We need to think outside the 'four walls' of our institutions to foster international exchanges that help universities achieve common goals.”

The most significant challenge in education is to ensure its relevance and impact on society, both locally and globally. This means going beyond assessments and grading, revalidating education to allow students to address broader societal issues. In the post-pandemic era, the social significance of education is paramount and overseas exchanges play a pivotal role in this by allowing students to engage with new contexts, immerse themselves in different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Integrating Multicultural Exchanges: Enhancing Local Learning Through Global Experiences

In previous international workshops hosted locally by Thammasat University and those our students have attended abroad, participants' knowledge and skills have improved on various topics, ranging from urban health (as evident from our summer schools with the World Health Organization) to broader aspects concerning sustainable urbanization and urban development. By engaging with the challenges of today and envisioning solutions for tomorrow, our students enhance their international perspectives and global mindsets, ultimately learning how to make meaningful societal impacts. They achieve this by developing teamwork skills in multicultural settings, both within the regular curriculum and during summer break when students have more flexibility to collaborate with international partners.

Exchanges often occur naturally during the summer, but offering summer courses for credits could further encourage participation while ensuring these valuable experiences count towards students' academic progress. I recently returned from one such workshop in Japan, witnessing firsthand the profound impact of social exchanges in fostering understanding between cultures. In this case, Thai and Japanese participants shared their customs, traditions and rituals, enriching both groups' perspectives.

One key takeaway, particularly relevant to my urban design teaching, was the intricate relationship between cities and lifestyles. Cities reflect the way we live and vice versa. For instance, the prevalence of walking and public transportation in Japan is evident in the design of their cities, with many areas planned for walkability and oriented around transit hubs, which nowadays we call ‘15-minute compact cities’. Conversely, urban areas which are lacking in public transportation options can lead to car dependency and sprawl. This underscores the dynamic interplay between urban design and how people live their lives.

Social Benefits of Multicultural Exchanges: Insights from Student Workshops

I recently returned from an international summer program hosted by our partner university, Yokohama City University. This short program examined the challenges that cities face due to the climate crisis and the rise of an elderly population, issues that both Thailand and Japan share. By studying these urban issues, students better understand how to benefit society after graduation.

The Thammasat University and Yokohama City University program was a five-day workshop consisting of lectures, field visits and case studies. Students from both universities collaborated on research and design proposals focused on urban resilience to climate change impacts in a seaside industrial area needing regeneration in Yokohama.

Beyond this specific workshop, the broader social benefits of multicultural exchange are significant. We need to think outside the 'four walls' of our institutions to foster international exchanges that help universities achieve common goals. Such exchanges allow students to see similarities and differences between cultures, like the contrasting approaches to urban living in Japan and Thailand.

We must embrace diversity and learn from each other to make a real societal impact. This involves seeing situations from multiple viewpoints, developing a global mindset and gaining a more holistic understanding. Educational institutions should leverage their domestic and international networks to facilitate exchanges for students and staff alike. By prioritizing multicultural exchange, we can build greater appreciation and understanding among future leaders.

International Collaboration in Education: A Catalyst for Growth, Diversity and Innovation

We need to move beyond traditional teaching methods and assessments. Let's explore how international collaborations can truly benefit both students and staff. While I've focused on my university's efforts, universities and educators worldwide face similar issues. We have much to learn from each other, and students stand to gain immensely from multicultural experiences. In light of these opportunities, I strongly encourage the pursuit of international collaboration and forming networks to facilitate regular, annual student and staff exchanges, to enhance local experiences with global mindsets.