50 Valuable Aspects The respondents found several aspects of the exchange program to be useful or valuable: 1) Environmental Awareness: Participants gained an increased awareness of environmental issues, understanding of global citizenship, and the importance of sustainable development. 2) Knowledge Exchange: The program provided opportunities for learning and exchanging ideas with others, including the application of knowledge to realworld situations such as sustainable development problems in the Mekong Delta. 3) Language and Cultural Learning: The program offered participants the chance to practice speaking English, learn about different cultures, and experience cultural exchange between countries. Participants appreciated the exposure to cultural diversity and national differences. 4) Relationships and Friendships: Participants valued the relationships and friendships formed during the program, both with students from the other country and with teachers. These international friendships were seen as particularly valuable.
51 5) Personal Development: Participants reported personal growth and increased confidence in their English speaking abilities. The program also encouraged participants to reflect on their own values and responsibilities towards society and the environment. 6) Practical Experience: Participants appreciated the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical research, including the use of models like the ABCD and BCG models in field research. They also valued the experience of field trips and the practice of systematic thinking in addressing real-world problems. 7) Skills Development: The program helped participants develop skills such as doing research, taking care of each other, and creating wonderful memories together. Overall, the exchange program was seen as a holistic experience that provided participants with a mix of knowledge, cultural awareness, personal development, and practical skills. Recommendations for Improvement Respondents provided several suggestions for improving the exchange program: 1) Clearer Planning and Scheduling: Participants suggested that the program should have a clear plan and schedule to help manage participants' time and energy effectively. Regular assessments and evaluations of the program's effectiveness, informed by participant feedback, could help identify areas for improvement. 2) More Academic Content: Some respondents felt that the program could benefit from additional academic content to ensure continuous learning throughout the exchange. 3) More Time for Research and Activities: Several participants expressed a desire for more time to engage in research, learn about the local context, and explore activities with their peers. Extending the duration of the program was a common suggestion, with some respondents proposing at least two weeks. 4) Greater Focus on Participant Interests and Goals: Taking into account participants' interests, goals, and preferences when assigning placements and host families could help ensure a better match and a more enriching experience. 5) Increased Teamwork and Team Building Activities: Participants suggested incorporating more teamwork activities and team building exercises, such as sports competitions, to enhance collaboration and bonding among participants. 6) More Cultural Exchange Activities: Some respondents felt that diversifying cultural exchange activities between countries would help make the program more engaging and enriching. 7) Practical Fieldwork and Interviews: Participants suggested engaging more actively in interviewing local people and collecting actual data to inform research and problem-solving efforts.
52 8) Expanding Program Locations: Some respondents expressed interest in expanding the program to include visits to other campuses or countries, such as a trip to Thailand to learn more about sustainable development there. 9) Better Accommodations: Suggestions were made to provide more comfortable dormitories or accommodations for participants. 10) Personal Improvement: Some participants saw the program as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement in areas like communication and active participation. Overall, participants were generally satisfied with the exchange program but felt that extending the program's duration, adding more academic content, increasing teamwork and cultural activities, and having better planning would enhance the experience. Reflections The respondents expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of UEH and KKU faculty members and organizing teams in putting together the exchange program. Here are the key points from their responses: 1) Appreciation and Gratitude: The participants expressed deep gratitude for the organization of the program and thanked the faculty members and organizing teams for their hard work and dedication. 2) Memorable Experience: Respondents spoke of the valuable memories, lifelong lessons, and friendships that the program had given them. The exchange was considered a life-changing experience that broadened their perspectives and enriched their lives. 3) Learning and Personal Growth: Participants acknowledged the positive impact of the program on their academic and personal development. They mentioned improvements in their English communication skills, understanding of sustainable development goals, and the benefits of working in a global student environment. 4) Acknowledgment of Effort: The organizing teams were praised for their attention to detail and successful execution of the program, despite the limited preparation time. The respondents expressed admiration for the professionalism and efficiency displayed by the organizers. 5) Special Thanks: Some participants gave special shout-outs to specific team members who had made their experience even more enjoyable. They recognized the efforts of individuals in the Logistics team, such as Ms. Phuong, and also thanked P'Imm, a friend who provided motivation and inspiration during the program. 6) Warm Connections: The students appreciated the warm connections they made with friends from Thailand and the overall camaraderie during the program. They were touched by the welcoming atmosphere and described it as a “second home” experience.
53 7) Eagerness for the Next Phase: The participants expressed their excitement and eagerness for the second phase of the program. They looked forward to reuniting with their friends, continuing their projects, and furthering their research in Thailand. 8) Acknowledgment of the Value of Knowledge: The participants recognized the value of knowledge gained from the program and appreciated the opportunity to learn from teachers, lecturers, and their peers. The trip was considered an excellent learning opportunity. 9) Affectionate Sentiments: Respondents used affectionate language such as “I Love you,” “Besties,” and “I love you 3000,” to express their emotions and closeness with the organizing teams and fellow participants. Overall, the responses from the respondents were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their gratitude, the positive impact of the program, and the strong connections made during the exchange. They looked forward to future opportunities to participate in similar programs and to continue their collaborative projects.
54 Student Presentations
Presentation 2023 Coconut Tourism: A Sustainable Business Model in Action - A Case Study BACKGROUND ACKGROUND Low labors ow labors Impact evaluation Person/ Family Social/ Area Solutions Conduct Market Research Market and Promote Collaborate with travel agencies, hotels, and online platforms to reach a wider audience Train local guides Monitor and evaluate 01 02 03 04 05
FIELD TRIP: Sustainable Business Models in Vinh Long province Fish-farming Bio - Circular - Green Tourist attraction: camping, homestay... Chemical-free: organic fertilizers Fruit garden DIY product Recycle coconut shell Coconut candy store Traditional Show Tourism actvities Boat restaurant Increase income Better ecosystem Attracted tourist Conclusion Increase productivities Reduce cost Thankyouforwatching
GROUP GIRL OF WESTSIDE COCONUT VILLAGE Challenge Background 10 types of rice flakes 6 types of coconut candy handmade souvenir Animal wines Beverages and Ice-cream product portfolio mint cabbage Rhubharb Organic agriculture 20% profit monthly Resources ecosystem optimization Unfrequent visitors Depend heavily on natural resources Business and language Profit Revenue No of visitor Aurg spending per 1 visitor COGS Fixed cost Solutions Cost VL visitors - ^partnership with tourism business -SEO marketing, GG ads Unaware visitors -SEO marketing, GG ads -Facebook and Tipton + other platform Product/service diversitification Eliminate [ [ unprofitable products unproductive [ Technical improvement Optimize farming land Supporting tactics [ Traditional culture resources Utilize natural resources -Standee/Boads with translation FLOATING FISHING VILLAGE Climate change FLOATING FISHING VILLAGE Challenges Opportunities Solutions Nearly 2,100Ha of water surface under aquaculture Cổ Chiên River has more than 1,717 fish raft with high value and volume of output Change the kinds of fingerling based on their adaptation on the rier condition Salt intrusion Higher temperature of the weather, the caprociousness of water level Damaged fish life-cycle High input materials price price & fish diseases The shortage of fingerlings Diversity of fingerlings Choose strong fingerling to limit the dead of fish Develop tourism tour to increase their earnings FLOAT NI G F SI HIN G VILLAGE LOCAL TOURISM Background Solution Challenge a place that combines many services ; restaurant, hptels and gardens Farmers don’t have much knowledge Soil salinity Disposable cleaning tools Come out with more ways to attract visitors by river or by walk Green Farming model Raise awareness of farmers and staff
e.g. Birds waste can be fish food Fish can be a new source of revenue - floating fertilizer Organic farming Vegetable Local tourism for food ingredients Animal Raising Organic farming CIRCULAR ECONOMICS
Student exchange program THE SUSTAINABLE OF LIVELIHOOD AND ECO SYSTEM Model of ECO System Island Thank you GROUP MEMBERS • NAKHARIN SUNGNART • PHONGPHON HOMKULARB • WAEWFA SIRINONGBUA • SUTHASINEE SAKHWA • APISIT SUETRONG • NGUYEN TRUONG YEN LAM • NGUYEN THI THANH TAM • NGUYEN THI DIEM QUYNH
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