By Mae Thiwari
January 10, 2022 -- The Spring 2022 semester at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) began with a virtual institute-wide orientation to warmly welcome a high number of new students joining from near and far. Even from the computer screen, it is clear how truly international and diverse the AIT community remains even international travels remain restricted due to the pandemic.
The introduction to the institute was done in the first half of the day, as classes began in the afternoon. In addition to the warm welcome by the senior leadership of AIT, the Spring 2022 batch were introduced to the strengths, opportunities, and support at the institute. Despite being a short introduction, the information provided will not only surely help the new students make the most of their journey within, but also beyond, AIT.
Starting with a quick self-introduction, the master of ceremony, Jaynos Cortes, a doctoral student in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management program, asked the participants to let each other know where they were joining the orientation from. Answers included Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bangkok, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Singapore, Slovakia, and Singapore. In his welcoming remarks, the President of AIT, Dr. Eden Woon, noted that compared to Spring 2021, the institute is welcoming more regular degree students, more inbound exchange students, more special students in certificate programs, and more professional master students.
At the time of the orientation, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, counted around 130 new students, out of which, 91 are in the regular degree programs and 36 are visiting exchange students. More students are expected to join as late enrollments. Having congratulated the students for having successfully enrolled to pursue their graduate studies, Prof. Dhakal went on to introduce ways in which the new members of AIT family could tap into the strengths and opportunities available at the institute. He concluded his remarks by reminding the students of the many study options that are available; of the possibility of the in-person class to start as soon as possible; of the importance of time management for study-life balance, and the availability of huge academic resources that are easily accessible. “Congratulations once again for successfully joining AIT, and I look forward to congratulate you again on your graduation sometime in the future,” said the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Expanding on the remarks by Prof. Dhakal, the Vice President for Knowledge Transfer, Dr. Naveed Anwar, stressed AIT’s strength in providing “experiential” learning through its connection with the industry, businesses, non-profit organizations, universities, think tanks, etc. Stressing the importance for the students to expand their horizon, the Vice President for Knowledge Transfer highlighted the internship program where almost 80 organizations inside and outside of Thailand are willing to accept students from AIT, and where students can earn credits from their internship. Dr. Anwar concluded that “you will not only receive work experience but also a network that will help you in the future.”
The key takeaways from the Vice President for Administration, Mr. Russell Rein, contained an interesting key takeaway that tells the students to stay F.A.T. – Flexible, Adaptable, and Tolerant. The other key takeaways are for the non-Thai students to behave properly as they are guests in Thailand, for everyone to follow “no-harassment” policy seriously, and for everyone to be kind to one another.
Following the welcome remarks from the senior leadership, the Spring 2022 students were also introduced to AIT COVID-19 and Community Compact; Harassment policy; Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Start-up Opportunities at AIT; Academic and Non-Academic Requirements and Services; Language Center Services and English Language Requirements; Campus Wide IT Services; and Facilities Management and Accommodation Policies by directors and staff of respective unit. Mr. Bryan McKeown, the President of Student Union (SU), a body that represents AIT students, also introduced himself and the SU team who will be organizing a series of activities for their fellow students – all to ensure a pleasant and memorable experience for every member of the AIT community.
Puja Bhetwal, a master student in Food Innovation and Nutrition Health, joining in Fall 2021 semester, spoke to her new friends joining in the Spring 2022 semester to find out what they hope to achieve by the end of their programs. Here are some insights.
