IST Advances Social Engineer Classroom Project, Empowering Khao Sok Youth as Trilingual Young Local Guides
The “Japanese for Communication in Khao Sok Tourism Destinations” project connects classroom learning with real community contexts, empowering local youth with English and Japanese communication skills, community pride, and the confidence to share the stories of their hometown with visitors.
From Classroom Learning to Real Community Engagement
The International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University, implemented the Social Engineer Classroom Project titled “Japanese for Communication in Khao Sok Tourism Destinations.” The project was integrated with the courses Japanese for Communication and Basic English for Tourism and Hospitality, aiming to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real community settings.
Through field-based learning, students practiced social engineer skills by working with local communities, schools, and agencies in the area. The project encouraged analytical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and the design of practical innovations that respond to real local needs. It also strengthened experiential learning by connecting academic knowledge with tangible social development.
A key strength of this project is its two-way learning model. University students developed professional and social engagement skills, while local youth in Khao Sok gained access to language learning, communication practice, and a renewed sense of pride in their hometown.
Empowering Khao Sok Youth through Language, Culture, and Local Pride
The project placed strong emphasis on youth development in Khlong Sok Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province, an area located near the world-renowned Khao Sok National Park. Students from three small rural schools participated in the project: Ban Ya Plong School, Ban Bang Pru School, and Wat Tham Wararam School.
Participating youth learned and practiced English and Japanese communication skills, presentation techniques, and storytelling skills related to their community. Through activities connected to natural resources, local culture, ways of life, and the unique identity of Khao Sok, the students developed greater confidence, self-expression, and pride in sharing the value of their hometown with visitors.
Key Project Outputs
The project produced learning materials and community-based outputs designed to support long-term educational use, local communication, and community tourism promotion. These outputs were developed in line with the local context of Khao Sok and the potential of youth in the area.
Trilingual Vocabulary Postcard Prototypes
A set of 30 postcards under the “KHAO SOK: Our Home, Our PRIDE Project,” featuring youth-created drawings and vocabulary in Thai, English, and Japanese.
Trilingual Youth Guidebook to Khao Sok
A Thai-English-Japanese youth guidebook designed as a learning and communication tool for presenting Khao Sok’s attractions, local stories, and community identity.
English & Japanese Camp @ Khao Sok Training Manual
A training manual developed to enhance youth capacity in foreign language communication, intercultural understanding, and tourism-related presentation skills.
Khao Sok Youth Student Network
A local youth network established to support young learners in communicating the value of their hometown and developing toward the role of young local guides.
Extending Local Partnerships for Long-Term Impact
The project’s impact did not end with the initial activities. It was further extended through collaboration with Khao Sok National Park and Khlong Sok Subdistrict Administrative Organization to continue developing youth potential in the local area.
Khao Sok National Park
The project was extended through the “Young Local Guides in Their Hometown National Park” activity, allowing youth to practice communicating with tourists in real situations at the Khao Sok National Park Visitor Center.
Khlong Sok Subdistrict Administrative Organization
The collaboration continued through the “Khlong Sok Young Local Guides” activity, supporting local youth in developing practical skills that may lead to future career pathways and supplementary income opportunities.
These collaborations reflect the university’s role in connecting knowledge with community development. The project created a learning network among the university, government agencies, local administrative organizations, schools, and the community, contributing to quality education and sustainable community-based tourism development.
Quality Education Beyond the Classroom
The Social Engineer Classroom Project “Japanese for Communication in Khao Sok Tourism Destinations” demonstrates that quality education is not limited to classroom instruction. It is also about creating opportunities for diverse groups of learners to develop their potential through real-life experiences. University students learned through community engagement, problem-solving, and innovation design, while youth in Khlong Sok gained access to foreign language learning and young guide training.
The outcomes of the project went beyond language development. They helped build confidence, local pride, and community awareness among young learners, while laying a foundation for youth to become future contributors to sustainable tourism and community development in Khao Sok.
SDG Report & Relevant Goals
This project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals selected in the SDGs: Best Practice project form.
| SDG Goal | Target Description | Connection to Project |
|---|---|---|
|
SDG 4: Quality Education | The project promotes experiential learning for university students and expands educational opportunities for rural youth near Khao Sok National Park. It enhances English and Japanese communication skills, presentation skills, and the ability to share local stories with visitors. |
|
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | The project strengthens partnerships among the university, Khao Sok National Park, Khlong Sok Subdistrict Administrative Organization, local schools, and the community. These partnerships support youth development, young local guide activities, and sustainable community-based tourism. |
The project serves as a strong example of how a Social Engineer Classroom can connect academic knowledge, language skills, and community partnerships to develop learners with practical skills, local pride, and the capacity to contribute to sustainable tourism development.
