By Dr.Somboon Kulvisaechana, Associate Director for International Affairs

Trends on international education are growing and become significant concerns to all academic institution leaders who aim to expand educational collaborations across frontiers.  BBA Thammasat catches these trends with an attempt to pursuing a global presence.  This year Dr. Somboon  Kulvisaechana (Associate Director for International Affairs) and Ms. Narisa  Klieothong (Exchange Coordinator) were the BBA representatives to attend the annual conference & expo of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) held in Minneapolis (a.k.a. ?the City of Lakes?), Minnesota, USA during May 28 ? June 1, 2007.  NAFSA is an association of individuals worldwide advancing international education and exchange, annually hosting a preeminent gathering of experts, professionals and educators from all over the world.

More than 7,000 participants and over 350 exhibitors joined this year?s conference where General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, was invited to be a distinguished plenary speaker.  His remarks touched upon the fact that, in order to be truly international, leaders of the academic institutions (i.e., rectors and deans) must understand what internationalization really is and what it takes to become one.  It is crucial to be proactive and outreaching, rather than holding back and waiting for others to initiate contacts.  And, more importantly, it should be more than just the rhetoric of policies.  The notions of ?walk the talk,? sufficient budgets and strong commitment from management have to be seriously put in place.