On 16 September 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supreedee Rittironk, Vice Rector for International Affairs, and Dr. Usanee Patapsikij Lertrattananon, Assistant to the Rector for International Affairs, welcomed representatives from the Institute of International Education (IIE), USA, led by Dr. Jonathan Lembright, Regional Director, along with scholarship program staff. The meeting took place at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan Campus.
During the meeting, the IIE representatives introduced the IIE Odyssey Scholarship Program, which supports talented refugee and displaced students affected by war, conflict, and political crises. The program aims to provide students with opportunities to pursue higher education while developing the knowledge, skills, and professional networks needed to succeed throughout their degree studies.
The IIE delegation also highlighted the Ocean Futures Fellowship, an initiative established in partnership with OceanX that provides early-career professionals with mentorship and educational opportunities in areas related to ocean science, communication, technology, and conservation.
Through this initiative, IIE and OceanX divided the 2026 cohort into six focus areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Correspondent, Digital Asset Archives, Immersive Media, Marketing and Communications, and Partnerships. The program seeks to connect science, technology, communication, and education while providing emerging professionals with access to international networks and practical experience, enabling them to contribute to ocean exploration, conservation, and public engagement.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange information and explore potential areas of collaboration in international education.
