Fourteen future Filipino hoteliers joined over 100 fellow aspirants from 17 nationalities in celebration of global unity, diversity, and cross-cultural understanding at the recently concluded International Summer Program 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The eight-day event welcomed co-students from the partner educational institutions of the host school which is a leading Thai university which focuses on preserving national arts, Silpakorn University International College.

Among the participants, SUIC especially invited De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila. The delegation consisted of Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management educator Dr. Lhoree Valerio and a selection of International Hospitality Management-Vatel Manila students as part of the academic and internationalization initiatives of the two institutions. 

Recently, under the leadership of President and Dean Dr. Sompid Kattiyapikul, SUIC welcomed the delegations of international guests.

Likewise dubbed The Essence of Thainess Course, the initiative combined lectures, industry visits, and cultural immersion activities designed to enhance the global exposure, intercultural competence, and industry knowledge of the students. 

The opening session, which featured a showcase of national costumes and iconic cultural objects, was facilitated by SUIC Deputy Dean for Planning and Development Dr. Sudawadee Chanpiwat and her team.

The hands-on lectures and workshops were facilitated by a roster of industry experts and seasoned academicians: Professor Rattanapong Kongcharoen on Thai florals, Dr. Netchanok Riddhagni on cultural heritage, Dr. Thanya Lunchaprasith on Thai beliefs, and Michelin-star Ban Ya Thai Restaurant owner Tanisa Amatayakul Somraiking and Dr. Papangkorn Kongmanwatana on Thai Cuisine.

Vatel Thailand Deputy Director Robert McKenzie spearheaded the discussion on intercultural communication, whereas Professor Nanpaskorn Lumpakorn and fashion brand Pava Founder Pavarisa Phenjati provided a comprehensive overview of Thai design and brand identity, respectively.

Among the highlights of the program was the Thai local studies excursion around the famous hotspots across the country, to include The Historic City of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. 

Wearing traditional Thai costumes, the student-envoys explored the former capital of the Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It now serves as an extensive archaeological site on the history, diplomacy, and commerce of old Thailand.

The trip included the famous Wat Chai Watthanaram, a restored temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River just outside the Ayutthaya Island. It likewise included the Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition, a collection of over 2,200 gold artefacts from the Ayutthaya period. 

The guests also took a stroll around the Kong Khong Market, a must-visit for traditional Thai handicrafts, artworks, delicacies, and desserts.

The course concluded with a comprehensive final examination. 

The strategic collaboration between SUIC and DLS-CSB, which reflects their shared dedication to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and the development of globally competent graduates, was established through Vatel.

It is a worldwide network which prepares younger generations to build their professional careers in the international hospitality and tourism management industries.

The institution has more than 50 campuses in Europe, America, Asia and Africa. Vatel’s alumni of 35,000 strong occupy leadership positions in premier hotels and restaurants around the world.

For years, Vatel has partnered with Benilde to jointly offer the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, the first international double bachelor’s degree under the new transnational guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education.

Through this, Filipino students are likewise granted the opportunity to participate in global apprenticeships to experience diverse cultures, standards, and practices, as well as widen their connections in the multinational setting.