On 7 April 2026, Dr. Usanee Patapsikij Lertrattanon, Assistant to the Rector for International Affairs, welcomed Dr. John Lucas, President of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), USA, together with the ISEP Regional Coordinator for the Asia Office based in the Republic of Korea. The meeting took place at the Office of International Affairs at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan Campus with executives from Pridi Banomyong International College and OIA staff also in attendance.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed the current status of their student exchange programs, noting a decline in participation in both directions since the COVID-19 pandemic. They acknowledged that ongoing global uncertainties, particularly in the United States, have influenced students’ decisions to pursue exchange opportunities.
To address these challenges, the two institutions agreed to strengthen collaboration by enhancing support mechanisms, including the provision of room and board assistance. Thammasat also highlighted its institutional commitment to “Experiential Learning”, which integrates internships into academic curricula. In alignment with this approach, ISEP offers internship programs that provide valuable opportunities for Thammasat students to gain international experience.
This visit reaffirmed the longstanding academic partnership between Thammasat and ISEP, and paved the way for a deeper and more sustainable collaboration in the years ahead.
