UNT to boost Thailand, ASEAN recruiting with new office in Bangkok

Thursday, September 19, 2013 - 21:18
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DENTON (UNT), Texas -- To better serve potential international students and the more than 1,000 alumni living in Thailand, the University of North Texas has opened an office in Bangkok to provide a base for recruiting throughout Southeast Asia as well as serve as a focal point for alumni.

Plans for the office were announced in December 2012 by UNT President  V. Lane Rawlins during a visit to Thailand.

“There is a growing number of quality prospective students in the region,” said Richard Nader, UNT vice provost for International Affairs. “UNT’s academic portfolio and research strengths match the needs of many students in the region seeking undergraduate and advanced degrees.

“We want to be able to provide them with the information, Thai style. A local, culturally competent presence can make all the difference when choosing a U.S. university,” Nader said. “Our new office in Bangkok will lead those efforts. In addition, we want our university partners in the region to know we are there for the long-term to support a global teaching and research agenda.”

UNT Vice President for Finance Andrew Harris visited Thailand Sept. 12-13 to officially register UNT to do business in Thailand.

“Establishing a formal branch office in Thailand culminates months of effort from a variety of offices at UNT, and demonstrates the university's commitment to internationalization and globalization in strong support of our four bold goals,” Harris said.

During the visit, Harris signed a contract with Soomying Soonthornwat, who will join UNT’s efforts as office coordinator. The office is located at Exchange Tower, 388 Thanon Ratchadaphisek, Khlong Toei, Bangkok.  

The new office provides a base for recruiting and partnership development throughout Southeast Asia in anticipation of increased 2015 student and scholar mobility opportunities.

“Thailand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation countries are aligning academic calendars to more closely approximate the U.S., providing increased partnership potential and recruiting opportunities for quality students in the region,” said Nader.

Supporting the office and coordinator are the Thai Alumni Network and Ambassadors https://international.unt.edu/thai-alumni-network selected by each UNT college for their academic achievements and service.

“We thank our alumni in Thailand who have been outstanding in their support and enthusiasm for the university,” Rawlins said.      

 

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