On 23^rd January 2020, Ms Lada Phumas, the director of Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs had the honour of presiding over the opening ceremony of  English camp organized by Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 23^rd - 26^th January 2020 for the 15^th training programme for students from Thailand’s southern border provinces .  The director emphasized that English was an important communication skill as it often is the international language for business, academics, diplomacy and research. She went on to say the students should make the most of their opportunities to use English during the English camp in Cha-am as their ability to communicate in English was essential to their future career success and would benefit not only themselves, but their communities too.

          The objectives of the English camp were: to develop their English communication skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) through practical yet fun activities, to help boost their confidence and courage using English, to learn how to work together and accomplish tasks, and also to raise their cross - cultural understanding while exchanging their experiences with native English speakers. By the end of   the camp participants would be better equipped to apply the skills they gained in the training to their personal lives and professional careers.

          The participants took part in a variety of communication activities; independently, in pairs, and also in groups that integrated various essential skills of English. The 4–day activity-based English camp covered four key topics as follows:

• utilizing integrated English skills in communication such as making opened questions in various situations,  answering questions, using English tenses in telling stories, expressing their opinions
• speaking in public while enthusiastically sharing information about themselves as well as key ideas under various topics
• being aware of the soft skills they need to work successfully with others such as active listening, networking, critical thinking, team working, problem solving, and time management
• developing cross-cultural understandings and being aware of social values and cultural diversity within different societies including topics on power and privilege

          The students appreciated the creative role of DVIFA in organizing the camp activities. All the participants participated fully, and were enthusiastic and thankful for their English camp experience.The opportunity to interact with native speakers of English throughout the camp inspired the students to appreciate the importance of English even more. Their active participation in all activities and effective teamwork were clearly on display as they demonstrated the ability to overcome increasingly challenging tasks. More importantly, they formed stronger bonds and new friendships, which will last well beyond the program as they head back to their respective home regions. Overall DVIFA and participants felt it was a great success.