As Trimester 1 of Academic Year 2026–2027 gets underway, the MUIC campus is alive with global energy.
Welcoming a vibrant cohort of 276 inbound exchange and visiting students—our peak season for international arrivals—our college continues to flourish as a crossroads for intercultural discovery. Each student brings a unique story, weaving perspectives from around the globe into our shared community.
To see what draws these global scholars to Thailand, we caught up with two exchange students to learn why they chose MUIC, their first impressions of campus life, and their aspirations for the journey ahead.
Mr. Lorenzo Joseph Salcedo Sierra
Bachelor of Science in Management with a Specialization in International Business
Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
Q: Why did you choose to become an exchange student at MUIC?
A: MUIC’s exchange program really appealed to me. As one of Thailand’s top universities, I wanted to experience educational excellence in a peaceful, quiet environment yet still close to the city center.
Beyond academics, MUIC’s alive, inviting community made me want to be part of that sense of community too.
Q: What are your first impressions of MUIC?
A: Everything feels premium because everyone strives for quality work and service, yet it remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive.
I feel comfortable studying here with complete facilities and dedicated, available professors. It has just been my first two weeks at MUIC, and everything so far just builds up on the excitement of what’s more to look forward to.
Q: What are your expectations for your stay here as an exchange student?
A: Most expectations have already been met or exceeded!
I expect to meet a lot of new faces, hear new stories from different individuals, and learn about Thailand’s culture, language, and traditions. As a food lover, I’m eager to taste its unique flavor profiles.
Ultimately, I hope to complete my exchange program and leave with a sense of fulfillment, knowing I chose the right university.
Ms. Noa Isabelle Bierdrager
Bachelor of Science in Medicine
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), The Netherlands
Q: Why did you choose to become an exchange student at MUIC?
A: Since childhood, I dreamed of studying in Thailand to deepen my connection to my mother’s culture.
As a luk khrueng (half Dutch, half Thai), I wanted to experience life here beyond visiting as a tourist. I chose MUIC for its diverse student body and cross-cultural learning emphasis, which aligns with my goal of understanding Thai culture and experiencing cross-cultural learning while building meaningful connections with Thai and international students.
Q: What are your first impressions of MUIC?
A: My first impressions were positive, especially during the orientation and our field trip to NaSatta Park.
What stands out most is MUIC’s distinctive teaching approach. Classes feel more personal and interactive than at my home university; for instance, my Human Anatomy class uses a smaller group setting, encouraging active participation and deeper engagement.
Q: What are your expectations for your stay here as an exchange student?
A: I hope to improve my Thai language skills through real-life practice and learn about Thai society through daily interactions, academics, and travel.
As a medical student, I am eager to explore Thailand’s healthcare system and learn about potential research opportunities at Siriraj Hospital.
Beyond the Classroom: The Exchange Experience
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone to study abroad is far more than an academic milestone—it is a transformative experience that builds global citizenship.
Exchange programs nurture intercultural empathy, broaden worldviews, and forge lifelong connections that bridge distant corners of the globe.
As students like Lorenzo and Noa navigate new environments, immerse themselves in local traditions, and exchange ideas in the classroom, they do more than just study in Thailand—they enrich our entire community.
Ultimately, these journeys remind us that education is at its best when it connects diverse minds, fosters mutual understanding, and inspires a lifetime of open-minded exploration.
