Read What Participants are Saying About Lifelong Learning Payap
Doug and Roongnapa Mann, USA and Thailand
“As someone who believes that learning should never stop, I’ve seen firsthand how LLL Payap’s programs empower people to deep dive into the rich tapestry of Thai culture, history, traditions and politics. Additionally, they offer courses on wellness, arts, music, religion, science and technology. Donating to LLL Payap LLL isn’t just about education – it’s about promoting cultural awareness and mutual understanding. It’s an investment in our diverse expat community ensuring that we all have the opportunity to learn beyond the often-superficial cultural tours. The instructors and presenters have deep knowledge and understanding of their subjects. The participants are also from diverse backgrounds, which adds to the dynamic learning environment.”
Graham Jefcoate, England
“The Lifelong Learning program has established itself as a valuable addition to the range of activities available to older people and expats in Chiang Mai. Learning does not stop with the end of formal education. Indeed, learning and living are almost synonymous. LLL Payap has helped people in Chiang Mai to sharpen their skills, deepen their knowledge of the city and region in which they live, and also to broaden their horizons in many other directions. For this reason, I have given the program my support and look forward to affirming that support in the future.”
Urs Bolliger, Switzerland
“I moved to Chiangmai three years ago…and after Covid I was introduced to Payap’s Lifelong Learning Payap by a dear friend. As a world traveler I have always been fascinated and interested in people… culture…art…dance …fashion…language…food and much more…and luckily Payap’s program focus embraces pretty much all of this!!! All the courses I attended were always highly professional.. inspiring and fun. I’m more than grateful to know and have such a passionate institution here in my new home Chiangmai.”
Maria and Guy Scandlen, USA and Thailand
“For us, Lifelong Learning Payap University has enriched our lives in two ways. One: It has offered a rich variety of courses, learning sessions and field travel that have enriched our lives immeasurably. Two: Equally, it has been the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people who live in Chiang Mai, whom we would never have had an opportunity to meet if we had not participated in these activities.”
Roger Lindley, USA
“The Lifelong Learning Program provides an exceptional opportunity for personal growth. A diverse range of courses provide unique insights into personal health awareness, Thailand, and particularly our Northern Thai community. I always have a “I did not know that” moment in a class.”
Hagen Dirksen and Khun Wanphen (Tum), Germany and Thailand
“Friends who have attended various activities rate the program very highly. I agree, it is an excellent initiative which brings like-minded people together to enrich their knowledge on wide-ranging aspects of history, culture and today’s life in Northern Thailand. Personally, I feel inspired by the lifelong learning philosophy and the meaningful activities. Providing opportunities for sharing knowledge with all citizens is an essential component for a sustainable and peaceful future. I’m grateful to everyone, mostly volunteers, who were engaged in setting up the center of Lifelong Learning in Chiang Mai, as well as those who are responsible for organizing and administering the diverse, high-quality program activities. I wish the LLL Center every success for the future.”
Chili, USA
“In the last five years, I have attended many events at LLL. I love that the offerings are so varied – some in person, some on Zoom, some excursions. LLL provides an opportunity to learn about Thai culture or to learn ways to improve your health. It’s an inexpensive way to expand your knowledge and to meet like-minded people. LLL provides a unique chance to explore Thailand through the eyes of experts.”
Steve Epstein, USA
“Thank you, Lifelong Learning Payap, for providing classes, workshops and tours to learn more about the delightful place that we have chosen to live. LLL has given me a new appreciation for the wealth of cultures here in the Rose of the North and also practical advice on how to live a good life here.”
Richard Johnson, USA
“I left an exciting and attractive position when I returned to Chiang Mai after a four-year assignment in Korea. In Chiang Mai, I wondered how to continue the excitement I had previously experienced. I soon became aware of the Lifelong Learning Payap program and decided to join the organization. I wanted to keep my mind active as I approached 80 and learn new things about life and Chiang Mai. It was also an opportunity to meet new people, learn about their experiences, and to become more socially active. Nearly three years later, I have found many new friends whose lives have enriched my own while continuing to learn about my latest and exciting surroundings through their enriching programs. LLL Payap has been a real benefit to me, and I look forward to meeting new friends and learning more from the offered programs.”
Brian Mason, USA
“Having retired to Chiang Mai four years ago, it was important to find a place where I could continue to learn, be stimulated, and find a positive community of like minded people. Success! I’ve participated in well over a dozen programs and they have all been excellent. It has made a difference in getting adjusted to Thailand. Several words that come to mind: professional, expertly designed and delivered, and fun.”
David Fagerlie and Yao Ratanasopa, USA and Thailand
“Lifelong Learning Payap is an important community resource, offering a wide variety of presentations, classes and excursions. We have attended many of them and they are excellent. We are donating to this campaign so that Lifelong Learning may continue to serve more people and offer more programs. Please join us by offering your support to this important local resource.”
Barbara Weibel, USA
“As someone who has relocated more than 25 times, I know first hand that moving is one of the most stressful events in our lives. When I retired to Chiang Mai, along with the normal challenges, I had to adapt to an unfamiliar culture and language. Fortunately, I discovered Lifelong Learning Payap, which made my immersion into Thai society so much easier. Taught in English by Thai and non-Thai presenters, the classes ensure that discussions are always lively and enriching. Lifelong Learning Payap has definitely enhanced the quality of my life in Chiang Mai.”
James Wise, Australia
“On my arrival in Chiang Mai, I was relieved, then delighted, to learn of LLL Payap. Relieved because, as a newcomer, I was looking for opportunities to learn more about the Lanna region and to meet others with a similar interest. Delighted because the quality of LLL Payap’s lectures and tours is so high. And I discovered that LLL Payap activities spread across a much wider range of interests than I had expected. There is something for everybody. Later, as a speaker at one of LLL Payap’s events, I was impressed with the professional way the staff organised all aspects and engaged with the participants. James Wise, author of Thailand: History, Politics and the Rule ofLaw and Australian Ambassador to Thailand (2010-14).”
Charlie Andrews, Australia
“The Nan & Phrae excursion was superb. The trip was very well organized, the food fantastic and was great fun. Our professor was very informative and I learned a considerable amount about northern Thailand, the different peoples who lived here, their history, culture and politics. I look forward to another trip.”
George McBride, USA
“The Center for Lifelong Learning offers the community a creative and wide panoply of programs and engaging activities for everyone to choose from. Whether it’s learning about an academic topic, Thai cultural experiences, artistic expressions, or a nature exploration, it all stimulates our brains.”
Marie McBride, USA
“Lifelong Learning, through the experiences of museum visits, lectures, small group excursions, and exploration of historical sites, has broadened my perspective and deepened my cultural appreciation of Thailand. I recommend these activities to anyone wishing to understand the fascinating realm of Thai culture.”
Ann Donakey, Britain
“I was so pleased to discover the Lifelong Learning Payap when I retired in Chiang Mai. The courses and excursions are so varied and interesting. I’ve done many courses over the past four years and highly recommend taking any that interest you.”
James and Hongxia Ma, China
“We are from Beijing, China, retired this year in ChiangMai for our second part of life. Behind the Smile, understanding Thais and Thai culture was such an impressive course. It showed us the “farang” way to reflect on Thai culture. We very much benefitted from this course and exchanged different views with our new friends in the course. We really appreciate the courses provided by the lifelong learning program at Payap University where we met so many new friends from different countries.”
Annelie Hendriks, Netherlands
“Lifelong Learning Payap offers me a huge range of activities such as historical walks; interesting lectures; courses; and visits to organizations, institutes and tourist highlights. I personally enjoyed it a lot when I was able to give an artist talk for LLL during my photo-art exhibition in January 2023. For me, now living in Chiang Mai for 23 years, LLL is essential for a richer, more varied life in a country other than the one where you were born.”