Seevic

Seevic College welcomed Kru Pi Nan, teacher of all things Thai, yesterday.

Kru Pi Nan, considered to be “the Jamie Oliver of Thailand”, is the Vice-President of Enconcept E-Academy, the biggest English language tutorial school in Thailand. The Thai celebrity brought with her not only her expertise of business & teaching foreign language, but also a variety of exciting Thai experiences for students of Seevic College.

The day proved both entertaining as well as educational. Seevic students got a world premiere of Kru Pi Nan’s latest song release, entitled Pood Thai. This song showcased Nan’s successful teaching technique known as ‘memolody’ (combining memory & melody), which she uses as a learning tool to teach English to her students in Thailand. Not only this, but students were also given the opportunity to see a famous Thai dance, ‘The Weaver’s Dance’, performed in traditional Thai costume. Students were also invited to wear a variety of Thai costumes, which proved to be a new experience for all involved, but one that the students relished.

Mandy Thurston, Travel and Tourism lecturer, commented: “Once the students put the costumes on they didn’t want to take them off. The whole experience broadened the students’ horizons and opened their eyes to just how varied one country can be."

Lyubo Stoykov, A-Level student, 17, from Southend, enjoyed the opportunity to learn about Thai customs. He said: “I’ve found it interesting to learn more about the culture. For example I didn’t know that there is different clothing throughout the regions of Thailand.”

Travel and Tourism student, Eliza Pogorzelska, 17, from Basildon, who modelled a stylish Thai dress, said: “It was fun to dress up because I love learning about different cultures.”

The most popular part of the day however proved to be the Cooking experience. Students were given a cooking demonstration by a professional Thai chef as Kru Pi Nan’s Enconcept team taught students the steps to cook Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup. Everyone was given the chance to try the dishes.

Seevic student, Joanna Espinas, 19, from Benfleet, commented: “The Pad Thai was really nice. It was the first time I have tasted it and I might go to a chinese store tomorrow to buy the ingredients. I don’t know how to cook for myself but this is really easy to make.”

Academy Director of Humanities and Business, Malcolm Karmy, said of the event: “It was a wonderful opportunity for students and lecturers to experience the culture and diversity of Thailand. The feedback from the students has been fantastic. They have found it both inspirational and fun.”