Blog Article: PSU Pattani''s Welcome Back Event for International Students
Lavanya S
On the evening of June 30, 2025, the cozy setting of My Space Café at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, came alive with warmth, laughter, and cultural exchange as the university hosted the “International Students: Welcome Back Event.” Organized to mark the return of international students for the new academic term, the gathering was more than a formal reception it was a heartfelt reunion and a vibrant celebration of the global community that PSU proudly nurtures.
More than 30 international students from across Asia and Africa attended the event, representing countries such as Guinea, Liberia, China, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, India, and the Philippines. The evening served as a symbolic homecoming, welcoming students who had been away for academic fieldwork, internships, or personal travels, and setting the tone for a semester filled with renewed purpose, connection, and shared learning.
The event was made special by the presence of key university executives who took time to personally welcome the students. Asst. Prof. Dr. Montira Leelakriangsak, Vice President for Academic Affairs, opened the gathering with a warm message that emphasized how deeply valued international students are at PSU. She highlighted the university’s ongoing mission to create an inclusive and diverse academic environment where students from all cultural backgrounds can flourish and feel at home.
Following her, Asst. Prof. Dr. Bordin Waelateh, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Affairs, took the opportunity to introduce students to the wide range of academic and co-curricular programs available on campus. He encouraged them to actively participate not only in their coursework but also in student-led clubs, cultural exchange activities, and volunteer initiatives. He reassured them that PSU stands ready to support their academic journey and personal growth every step of the way.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Warapark Maitreephun, Assistant President for Research and Social Mission, added another important dimension to the conversation by speaking about PSU’s commitment to internationalization. He shared opportunities for students to get involved in research collaborations, academic services, and community-based projects, highlighting how these experiences can deepen learning while fostering cross-cultural understanding and real-world impact.
The planning and success of the event were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the International Affairs Office, Registration Office, Corporate Communications Office, and other university support teams. These offices not only helped organize the logistics but were also present at the event, ensuring students could connect with the people behind the services that shape their university life.
One of the most engaging parts of the evening was the creative addition of social media-themed portrait frames. Students were provided with Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok templates designed to look like live feed posts. With phones in hand and wide smiles on their faces, they took turns posing inside the colorful frames, turning their welcome into an interactive and photo-worthy memory. It wasn’t just about taking pictures it was about celebrating their presence, their individuality, and their role in PSU’s international story.
As the evening progressed, students enjoyed a spread of snacks, fruits, and desserts while mingling with new and familiar faces. Conversations flowed naturally as students exchanged cultural customs, languages, social media handles, and stories from home. What began as polite introductions soon grew into warm friendships, with the café buzzing with energy, laughter, and shared joy.
The excitement didn’t stop there. A lucky draw at the end of the program brought cheers and laughter, with six students walking away with small but thoughtful prizes. It was a fun and uplifting way to wrap up a night that had already given everyone so much.
Mohamed Sidibe, a Guinean student from the Faculty of Science and Technology, expressed his appreciation to the university on behalf of the international student community. Speaking with sincerity, he said that events like these help students feel truly seen and supported, like they are more than just visitors but a real part of the university’s heartbeat.
Though the sun had long set, the atmosphere in the room stayed bright. The students didn’t rush to leave; instead, they lingered in conversations, group selfies, and laughter that stretched well into the evening. It was clear that this event wasn’t just a welcome back, it was a meaningful reminder that PSU Pattani is more than just a place of study. It is a home that values diversity, connection, and the shared journey of learning and growing together.
