Chawatak Ardnaseaw (Pum)

Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University

"STEP is a step to a new world." It rendered a great opportunity to me to "live and learn" in an exceptional academic and cultural environment. I derived countless benefits from this program—from knowledge, culture, to international friendship. Attending classes at the Law School, meeting with the Dean and professors, and sharing knowledge with foreign peers sharpened my wit and broadened my vision. Specifically, I conducted a research regarding the aviation law of the United States and Thailand. The professors and my student mentors offered numerous suggestions which were very helpful. My strong relationship with them would also be beneficial to my future education. Further, Stanford provided abundant sources of learning, namely the extensive libraries and rich databases, which were essential to my research and my thirst of learning. I also enjoyed several social activities—playing Frisbee and other sports with my friends, cooking for my hosts, and having parties. A trip to San Francisco was also a highlight. All of these activities improved my leadership, maturity, responsibility, and interpersonal skills. Experience in Stanford was unforgettable and invaluable. All in all, STEP is an extraordinary program for those who love to learn and desire to improve themselves and to develop international friendship with brilliant students in one of the most distinguished universities in the world.

Isariya Boonkasemsanti (Ja-O)

Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University

Attending STEP at Stanford is one of the most remarkable experience I ever had. By doing the research, a project about the role of design in Thai OTOP product in the international market, I learned many things. I met great people, made new friends, and did things I never imagined I would have a chance to in this crazy life (like serving fried bananas in Thai dinner event or joining late nights with people in the dorm—introducing new product and had them interviewed at one in the morning.) After all, these experiences have pushed me beyond my imagined boundary. From the start of writing the proposal to the end of the presentation on the last day (which was the most wonderful moment in my life), I realize I have learned the greatest lesson: you can be whatever you want if you believe in it. Time flew, but the three weeks I spent there never lose its glamour. And to those who are reading this message, I wish you the best and have your own wonderful stories on STEP XII. Use your potential. Let it shine and be warmth forever by its afterglow. I would like to take this chance to thank you all STEP XI and Stanford. I wouldn’t have made it without your support. We had fun, we talked, I appreciate it. I miss you.

Parkpoom Phatharacharukul (Poom)

Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University

This program is a ‘must’ for those of you who want to know about and live like American college students. Beside chances to sit in a real class and look how enthusiastic Stanford students are, I also know many new friends because we lived in the dorm in the same room. Stanford University has so much more to be discovered. I met Stanford professors for suggestions about my project and learn their opinions on my project. We went around the campus which is huge and beautiful. All in all, the 3-week experience was spectacular and I wish that I ccould join the program next year once more. (Even though I know it’s impossible because the program wants to give all Thai students this great opportunity!)

Pat Wongpan (Pat)

Faculty of Science, Mahidol University

3 weeks for someone equals to his or her whole life… This year, I am happy to hear that we will have STEP XII. When I close my eyes and imagine what happened last year in STEP XI, I cannot tell you all. But here are some. STEP provided me fun, knowledge, vision, and experience from Stanford University and San Francisco. STEP told me about the Stanford student behavior, the scholar way. I met a lot of new friends—lifelong friends. STEP built the research collaboration skill for me. Believe it or not, I am still in contact with my advisor at Stanford about my project until now. In summary, I believe that if we want to transform our country to be the developed country someday, we need the exchange program like STEP, and STEP needs you guys and gals to enjoy this program! Try to step into the STEP program and you will understand my words. 3 weeks for someone equals to his or her whole life…

Tanapat Deesawan (Ohm)

Faculty of Science, Mahidol University

My name is Tanapat Deesuwan, a senior studying in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. I was selected to be one of the STEP XI scholars last year. The project I did was “Improvement of Biodiesel Production in Thailand” which is the study and comparison of some aspects related to the production processes of biodiesel in Thailand and the United States. In my work, I also proposed how to improve the processes in our country. The Stanford-Thai Exchange Program is a great program. It provided me a marvelous experience of working and living in one of the most outstanding universities in the world and also a taste of warm friendships. The diversity that is blended together well is a special characteristic of Stanford. I love the way people live there: studying hard, joining clubs, hanging out, and be generous to other people. It is one of the greatest experiences in my life. I feel lucky to joined the program.

Thita Chiasakul (Joy)

Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University

Hello. My name is Joy and I'm now in the third year in the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. I was a member of STEP XI, in which I did a project on HPV vaccine. Being a part of STEP is one of the best experiences I've had in life. I still remember my first day at Stanford. Everything looked so new and exciting. As time went by, I got to know more and more about Stanford life and it is just amazing how this university brings about all kinds of people on earth, let them share their lives, and the most fun part is to see what happens from there. Though a 3-week period was quite a short time, it was fully packed by all kinds of feelings and emotions, in pretty much the same way that you would experience as an American college student: those meals in the dining halls, those classes, all the fun activities, all those interesting talks and spotlights, our struggles through the research projects, and everything. STEP gave me a chance to make a lot of new friends and learn from them, but even more importantly, I learned more about my very self, discovering my own potential that I didn't even know existed. Interesting, huh? I still feel deeply grateful for the inspiration that STEP has sparked in me. I've grown up and learned so much from this wonderful program, and I'm sure that the next STEP participants will enjoy the program not any less than I did.

Wassa Rimchala (June)

Bachelor of Business Administration, Thammasat University (Graduated with Gold Medal First Honor)
CALYON Bank, Bangkok, Thailand

It was such a great experience joining STEP last year! It was not only about absorbing studying lifestyle of Stanford kids, but also a new way we can approach the project research which is pretty difference from what we have been taught before. Great networks and lots of applications from a little project to real work experience. I’d say you gotta feel it yourself. Why not? And remember—Stanford is just your reach!