From Akron to Thailand, Zips drive sustainable change abroad

This spring, a cohort of students from The University of Akron (UA) participated in a transformative study abroad program focused on sustainable tourism and community entrepreneurship in the heart of southern Thailand.

Led by Associate Professor of Marketing Sydney Chinchanachokchai, Ph.D., and joined by Professor of Management Steven Ash, Ph.D., the 14-day trip was hosted by Walailak University (WU). Students from UA worked closely with Thai peers, local entrepreneurs and community leaders to address real business challenges and discover new perspectives around sustainable tourism.

“Students become more confident, more culturally aware and more adaptable,” Chinchanachokchai said about her Thailand study abroad program, now in its second year. “They learn to navigate ambiguity and reflect critically. That kind of growth can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom.”

Partnering with Thai communities

The journey began in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where students were welcomed by the WU community with a campus tour featuring a stop at the university’s botanical garden and a formal welcome dinner hosted by the President of Walailak University, setting the tone for the cultural hospitality that would define the rest of the trip.

From the start, the academic goals were clear: give students hands-on experience with sustainable tourism strategy. That began with a lecture on digital marketing and a case study centered around Thon Hong Community Enterprise — a mangosteen farm seeking to expand through experiential tourism. Students visited the farm and explored its operations to design actionable ideas to help it attract visitors and grow sustainably.

Each day added a new layer to that learning. In Krabi, the students kayaked through mangrove forests to understand low-carbon tourism. They heard firsthand how local restaurants and boutique resorts consider sustainability in every decision. At Ao Nang Princeville Villa Resort & Spa, students explored hospitality strategy, gaining insights into how top wellness destinations differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

“To say this trip changed my life sounds like an exaggeration, but in this case it’s truly not,” said Jillian Baker, a second-year student majoring in political science/pre-law. “I learned lessons that will last me a lifetime …  not to mention the one-of-a-kind experience we got to have with Dr. Sydney leading us to the unknown parts of Thailand.”

Tradition, innovation and Thai culture

Of course, the experience wasn’t all business. Students participated in sunrise bathing rituals, visited sacred temples, learned traditional tie-dye and batik techniques, and tried their hand at making Thai desserts like coconut mochi balls.

Another powerful moment came during a hands-on community project on the island of Koh Yao Yai, where students joined local residents in sorting recyclables as part of the island’s waste management program.

One day, back at Walailak University, students attended an interactive lecture by Professor Ash titled, “The Power of Perception: Seeing Differently,” sparking a rich discussion on how personal and cultural filters shape our understanding.

“This experience expanded my knowledge of international business and sustainability and also showed me the power of cultural understanding in driving innovation and global success,” junior accounting major Avani Vaghela declared.

Making change in Thailand

Then, final presentations brought it all together. Cross-cultural teams of UA and WU students proposed sustainable tourism strategies for the mangosteen farm they visited earlier in the trip. Client feedback was positive, particularly for the fresh perspectives and actionable ideas—especially considering the students had only days to develop them.

"It's amazing that sometimes we've been so accustomed to something that we fail to see its weaknesses,” said Surak Mungsathong, community leader of the Thon Hong Mangosteen Large-Scale Community Enterprise. “But to have students come in just for a few hours and offer such fresh perspectives is truly a great experience for us."

The solutions and plans will be further implemented by WU digital marketing and branding students this fall to continue the impact of this collaboration in Thailand and the students’ established cross-cultural relationships.

The trip ended with a Thai cooking class and a joyful farewell party — complete with dancing and plenty of photos.

"Studying abroad in Thailand allowed me to see the world through a different lens and build connections that will last a lifetime,” said Stephen Parker, a fourth-year marketing student. “I'm glad I took advantage of this amazing opportunity, and I encourage anyone interested to do so as well."

BOYD:

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.