CU Foreign Friends

Hi friends!
Today we have a very interesting summer course to introduce to you guys! If you're in love with the universe of galaxy and beyond in the Science Fiction, you might be interested in this summer course from Ajarn Jenifer Goodman!
More details and requirements can be found in this link: https://www.arts.chula.ac.th/~asc/main/?p=262392&fbclid=IwAR1uwaYoVu_YMFfol5vhiviwDxPRPQaGvUPtzmV3cJwnN7CFj1a9v1zUZjw

The final exam period is coming as well as the course registration for the next semester! Some of you might still be in the process of choosing which Gen-Ed courses to register, CU Foreign Friends would like to introduce to you the reviews of some Gen-Ed courses from our friends! You can click the following link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xiX_SdUMyMg708hlpoowE6B8fj2bNFLw/view?usp=sharing or scan the attached QR code to see the reviews and use this to help your decision. ✨

*Note: These reviews are written by individuals; hence, they are subjective and some might have the experience different from portrayed in the table. These reviews do not represent the opinions of CU Foreign Friends. ☺️

It’s time to know more about our university! Many of us might only know Chula as a university, however, did you know that Chulalongkorn University provides other facilities such as museums and research sites?! Today, we’ll be showing some places that you could visit once the Covid-19 situation gets better. Let’s start exploring!

1️⃣ Chulalongkorn University Museum
The Chula museum was established to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the university’s establishment. It showcases an interactive exhibition and the achievements of professors, researchers, and university students! It is a 4-storey glass building situated near the Faculty of Arts and is without an entry fee. For more information, please visit Chula Museum

2️⃣ Chamchuri Art Gallery
This gallery takes up the first and the second floor of the Chamchuri 8 building by showcasing the artworks of professors, students, and Thai artists. It also offers regular discussions about arts and art workshops for children and adults. The building is situated near Chulalongkorn University Dormitory and the Chula Alumni Association and there is no entry fee to this gallery. For more information, please visit www.chamchuriartgallery.chula.ac.th

3️⃣ Aquatic Resources Research Institute
This institute is a site for marine science research and university students training center, as a part of the Marine Science Department of Chulalongkorn University that was established in 1968. The research institute is situated on Sichang island, Chonburi province. An important achievement of the institute was their aid during the severe spread of disease among freshwater fish in 1982. Its facility can also be rented as a training and seminar center for the public with amenities provided. For more information, please visit http://www.arri.chula.ac.th/index.php/2020-12-08-14-23-42/1-getting-started

4️⃣ Social Research Institute
This was the first social research institute in Thailand that was established in 1974. Its earlier achievements include conducting “Chula Poll” which surveyed citizens for insights to social issues which developed into Thai Volunteer Service (TVS) that is still active. It also offers a library for humanities and social science resources for students and the public at Prajadhipok-Rambhai Barni building near the Faculty of Political Science. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/chula.cusri/

When visiting Thailand during April, you might have seen teenagers carrying water guns, doing water fights with their friends on the street. You might be wondering what the fuss is all about? Why are they doing all of this? This is because they are enjoying the Songkran or Thai New Year festival, taking place from 13 to 15 April every year. Today, let’s get to know a bit more about Songkran so that you may enjoy the festivity more!

Songkran (สงกรานต์ in Thai) is derived from the Sanskrit word, Sankranti, meaning the movement of the Sun from a zodiac to the next. So, Songkran is considered a new year in various countries in Southeast Asia because the festival coincides with the first day of the solar cycle in Hindu calendar, which also falls in April. In Thailand, Songkran takes place every year from 13 April to 15 April. Songkran is also known as the Water Festival since Southeast Asians believe that water can be used to purify one’s mind and wash away bad lucks.

In pre-COVID situations, both Thai and foreigners with their water guns and buckets would gather on the streets to splash water on one another. Some would also visit their loved ones back at home and perform the “water pouring” ritual by washing their parents and the elderly’s hands with flower-scented water. This very same water pouring ritual is also performed on Buddha statues and because of this, if you go to public places during Songkran week, you will see a Buddha statue standing with small water buckets next to it. You might notice how significant water is to the Songkran Festival and that is because water is the symbol of purity, prosperity, and a fresh start for the new year.

Although this year’s Songkran Festival will be celebrated very differently due to the recent wave of COVID-19 as all water fights, parties, and social gatherings are not allowed and travelling back to hometowns may require you to quarantine for 14 days, CU Foreign Friends still wish you all the very best long holiday and hope your time will be well spent with your loved ones. Happy Songkran Festival!