The Tourism Study Program within the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Yogyakarta State University (UNY) hosted the 2025 Cultural Exchange Program between Naresuan University International College (NUIC) and Yogyakarta State University (UNY). The event took place from July 12 to 19, 2025, in Phitsanulok, Thailand.

The program included seven students—six from the FISIP Tourism Study Program and one from the FBSB English Language Education Study Program. The students were Nida Safira, Vanya Sri Selsya NA, Fathih Aryaditya, Roberta Nathania Sidi, Sesy Liamaldi, Muhammad Naufal Cartenz, and Lopiya Suganda. They were accompanied by two faculty members from FISIP UNY: Dr. Awanis Akalili, M.A., (Vice Dean for Research, Cooperation, Information Systems, and Business) and Yosi S. Mutiarni, Ph.D., (a lecturer in the Tourism Study Program).

This exchange program was designed to maintain and strengthen the collaboration between the two institutions through academic partnerships and an appreciation for their different cultural backgrounds. The 2025 Cultural Exchange activities blended academic sessions, cooking lessons, cultural and field visits, and community service.

On the first day, participants visited the ancient capital of Thailand, Sukhothai, exploring heritage sites like Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, and the Sukhothai National Museum. The second day's events were officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirimas Hengrasmee, Director of NUIC, accompanied by Dr. Eugenia E. Boa from NUIC's International Office. This was followed by a campus tour and Thai cultural and language sessions for the participants.

On the third day, students visited a heritage hotel in Phitsanulok to learn about the hotel business in a regional transit city. The next day, they traveled to Ban Pha Rang Mee village in the Noen Maprang District of Phitsanulok. This visit aimed to teach them about community-based tourism management and included a community service activity where they introduced Indonesian culture to the local villagers.

The 2025 Cultural Exchange is expected to strengthen institutional cooperation and enhance students' learning experiences by helping them understand diverse cultures from around the world. The program also supports the internationalization of higher education and Diktisaintek's impactful programs by improving global competence, international academic networks, and institutional capacity to address global challenges.