Chulalongkorn’s New Learning Center at Chamchuri 9 for International Students and Professors to Promote Internationalization on Campus

Chulalongkorn University has renovated Chamchuri 9 Building to provide a modern learning center for international and Thai students, corresponding with Chulalongkorn’s strategy of internationalization. The center is set to open this coming August.

Mr. Pokai Sriratanobhas, CEO CU Enterprise and Assistant Vice President for Special Affairs, discussed the renovation of Chamchuri 9 into a learning center for international students and teachers, saying that Chulalongkorn University previously had a learning center known as PLEARN Space at Prem Burachat Building, which was mostly visited by Thai students. However, the university’s strategy to promote internationalization and encourage international students and teachers to spend time on campus calls for an international co-working space. The center will serve to increase interaction between Thai and foreign students and teachers from various faculties.

In choosing Chamchuri 9 Building to house a new international learning center, Mr. Pokai reasoned that Chamchuri 9 is already well-known by foreign students and staff who visit the CU Health Service Center and is easily accessible via multiple Shuttle Bus routes. The building is also located close to Samyan Mitrtown, Block28, and U-center, which have thousands of residents and shops. A survey of the study habits in Chulalongkorn also revealed that the most popular places for this purpose are the Central Library and Samyan Mitrtown, and Chamchuri 9 happens to be located in between these two places.

Chamchuri 9 Learning Center to Promote Internationalization

Mr. Pokai said that the university aims for the learning center at Chamchuri 9 to have an international user-friendly design, starting from the design, decorations, themes, and furniture colors, to create an international atmosphere. There will be signs in 4 foreign languages that are commonly used along with national flags of various countries to convey openness for everyone from every nationality, including Thai students.

Use of Space and Facilities in the International Learning Center

This learning center has an area of over 400 square meters on the 3rd floor of Chamchuri 9, with a lot of facilities. The area is divided into 3 zones according to the level of noise use.

• The first zone allows for loud noises, which are suitable for workshops and events.
• The second zone allows for low noises, such as meetings, group discussion, or working group, and has digital devices provided.
• The last zone is the quietest zone to be used for peaceful reading and relaxation. The area looks out to a beautiful view of the green space in Chulalongkorn University Stadium in the distance.

Benefits for Students from the International Learning Center

This learning center will provide a space for Thai and foreign students and faculty members to exchange knowledge in language and culture, as well as promote interdisciplinary knowledge exchange to generate research or innovation that can serve Thai or global society. In addition, students are encouraged to engage in self-study. There will also be collaborations with the Office of International Affairs and international networks to organize activities related to foreign universities, such as Open House, Education Fair, and International Consulting Desk, where students can discuss study overseas opportunities.

“The International Learning Center at Chamchuri 9 has been in process since March and will take 5 months to complete. The expected completion is in August of this year, just in time for the new semester at Chulalongkorn University,” said the Assistant Vice President for Special Affairs.

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