Discover the Kingdom of Thailand
During the 2026–2027 academic year, the KSU campus and community will embark on a journey to discover the Kingdom of Thailand. Through education abroad opportunities and a wide range of dynamic on-campus programs, the Year of Thailand will showcase the nation's diverse heritage, contemporary achievements, rich culture, history, traditions, and global influence, offering meaningful opportunities to engage with the unique identity of this vibrant Southeast Asian country.
The Year of Thailand continues KSU's longstanding tradition of global engagement through the annual Year of Country Study initiative, established in 1984. In collaboration with international, national, and campus partners, the university will present performances, lectures, film screenings, and special events throughout the year. Together, these experiences are designed to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful cross-cultural connections, and deepen understanding of Thailand and its people.
Together, we look forward to a year of discovery, dialogue, and shared experiences that celebrate Thailand while fostering a meaningful celebration of global learning and cultural exchange.
About Year Of Programs and Events Education Abroad Research Instagram & Annual Mascot Panels & Trivia YoT LogoYear of Thailand Programs & Events
Below, see the programs and events that are being offered this year. Check back regularly for new additions.
Many thanks to the faculty and staff, as well as the campus, community, and international partners, who are bringing this global experience to Kennesaw State University.
Please follow us @ksu.yearof on Instagram to keep up with event details, including updated times and locations of future Year Of programs, should unforeseen circumstances require a change.
If you have any questions about the events listed below, contact shae.smith@kennesaw.edu or Community Engagement and Outreach in Global Education at global.engagement@kennesaw.edu.
"Year Of" Undergraduate Research (YOUR) Funding
A priority of the annual Year of Country Study program has been and continues to be inspiring and supporting international partnerships and research. To further this goal, Global Education is working with KSU's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) to provide funding of up to $1,000 for faculty who choose to mentor undergraduate researchers, while expanding their research in partnership with colleagues in the country of focus. Faculty who wish to be considered, must identify a research partner within that country's higher education institution/s and/or organization/s, and complete the application during the fall semester.
Congratulations to the following faculty who were selected to receive funding during the Year of the United Kingdom (2025-2026):
- Dr. Kawther Hamash, Associate Professor of Nursing, Wellstar College of Health and
Human Services
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of Chalcone Isomerase-like Proteins in (Iso)flavonoid Biosynthesis - Dr. Soon Goo Lee, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of
Science and Mathematics
Biochemical and Structural Tuning of Enzymes for Plant Specialized Metabolite Production - Dr. Shadi Beshai, Associate Professor of Psychology, Radow College of Humanities and
Social Sciences
Comparative Acceptability and Credibility of Psilocybin, Ketamine, and Antidepressants for the Treatment of
Depression
The application for the Year of Thailand is open. Please review the requirements at the OUR website link below.
Education Abroad
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! During the 2026–2027 academic year, some students in Geer College of the Arts will travel to Thailand to experience its vibrant culture firsthand. From exploring historic landmarks and engaging with local communities to discovering new traditions and perspectives, these immersive experiences will bring the Year of Thailand to life beyond the classroom. KSU students will get more information on the many study abroad experiences possible around the world at KSU's Education Abroad Fairs in October!
Have you already graduated from KSU and still want to travel abroad? Look for annual trips being coordinated by KSU's Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement. This year's travel to Thailand is already full, but future trips to other "Year Of" countries are being planned!
@KSU.YEAROF and the Annual Mascot
Over the past several years, Kennesaw State, the surrounding community, and audiences around the world have explored each featured country through the adventures, stories, and educational experiences inspired by the annual Year of Country Study mascots. From Kenny, our Canadian moose, to Nigel, the United Kingdom’s beloved country mouse, these memorable characters have helped bring each culture to life and enriched our global learning journey.
What mascot will represent the Year of Thailand? Stay tuned for the reveal coming in September!
Panels & Trivia
In collaboration with KSU's Museums, Archives, and Rare Books (MARB), the Year of Thailand has developed a set of introductory exhibit panels to provide a general overview of important topics related to the country of study, and to draw the campus into the Year of Thailand experience. Look for these panels across both campuses (one is on the Marietta Campus) and test your knowledge with the Thai-focused trivia embedded on each piece. Complete the trivia on all seven panels and be entered to win a Year of Thailand prize pack in November and April!
We extend our sincere thanks to Geer College of the Arts faculty members Dr. Ploy Twishime and Dr. Peter Fielding for their expertise, thoughtful contributions, and support in shaping the panel content and ensuring its accuracy.
Year of Thailand Logo
In collaboration with KSU's Geer College of the Arts and the School of Art and Design’s Design Practicum course (ART 4030), we are excited to present the iconic Year of Thailand country study logo (seen at the top left of this page). This logo is used throughout the year to identify official programs that are affiliated with the university-wide focus. Many thanks to Assistant Professor John King and the following seniors who created this design: Catelyn Benson, Jayden Berry, Olivia Buoni, Isabella Rachel, and Nicolas Wigfall. Global Education is proud to feature the work of our young professionals as part of this signature focus at KSU.