The role of international inter-Universities activities in enhancing cross-cultural competencies for ASEAN integration : the case of Thai students

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of Thai universities in enhancing Thai students’ cross-cultural competencies for ASEAN integration through inter-university activities. Obviously, the socioeconomic and political importance of international and regional blocks such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) can no longer be undermined among its member’s states and beyond. In fact, as the enormous benefits of such regional connectivity accrue, so do the challenges that come with such union. Thus, it members’ ability to overcome the challenges and maximize the ‘mutual’ benefits demands enhanced cross-cultural competency that place it citizens’ at par with or ahead of its neighbors. The urgency and demand for such cross-cultural competencies prompted Thai universities’ recent increased emphasis on enhancing cross-cultural awareness among its tertiary educational institutions students through internationalization and regionalization that is largely confined to academic programs and relevant development agendas. Unfortunately, inadequate scholarly study of the subject matter, bureaucratic red tapes and ineffective practices that focus on various functions and requirements rather than emphasized cross-cultural learning that build inter-cultural competencies among its students in Thailand remains a setback the nation is reeling with, which could adversely impact its workforce’ competitiveness if not strategically addressed. The study has therefore proposed recommendations on how to ultimately overcome the shortcomings in the initiatives employed. Student’s