27 September 2024: A total of 24 AIT students from Construction Engineering and Infrastructure Management (CEIM), Transportation Engineering (TRE), Water Engineering and Management (WEM), Structural Engineering (STE), and Disaster Preparedness Mitigation and Management (DPMM) program of the School of Engineering and Technology participated in the Global Project Based Learning (gPBL) Program at the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) in Tokyo, Japan from 17 – 26 September, 2024. They were accompanied by Dr. Geoff Chao, the Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE) Department Head, and Ms. Chanidaporn Chaimongkol, a GTE staff member.
The gPBL program aimed to create a multicultural environment where students from different backgrounds worked together in teams to address challenges presented by professors and industry professionals in Japan.
The main theme for this year’s event is “Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainability in Asia.” Students had the opportunity to engage in group discussions with students from Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Kasetsart University (KU), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), and National Taiwan University (NTU). This created an unforgettable and valuable experience.
The students were exposed to cutting-edge research and innovations that are currently under development and in practice. They also took part in the Geotechnical Forum 2024 and the Yukata (an Informal Cotton Kimono) Workshop. This experience provided a delightful immersion into Japanese aesthetics and culture.
Feedback from the Students:
Mr. Peerawut Watsaratiyanont (Thailand)
“Participating in the gPBL program has been a transformative experience. Collaborating with students from various countries to explore resilient infrastructure in Asia has broadened my perspectives. The opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture, visit iconic sites, and engage in meaningful group activities has been invaluable. I am incredibly thankful for this chance to grow both academically and personally while building connections that will last a lifetime.”
Mr. Muhammad Hammad (Pakistan)
“As an international student, the gPBL program was one of the best experiences of my life and helped me grow professionally. I truly enjoyed exploring Japan’s vibrant culture, from its modern cities to its traditional sites and breathtaking natural landscapes, especially the trip to Mount Fuji. The most valuable part was making lifelong friendships and building meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds around the world.”
Mr. Bisesh Hirachan (Nepal)
“The gPBL program in Japan was a fantastic adventure and a valuable learning experience. As a structural engineering scholar, getting to see those highly technical structures up close was a pleasure. The emphasis they place on preservation, culture, and fundamental etiquette is inspiring and something my country could learn from. Lastly, the friendships formed with people from around the world added significant meaning to this exchange program.”
