(IBC July 13, 2008) The four-day newcomers’ welcoming ceremony was being conducted in conjunction with the new academic year of 2008/2009 and it just ended after a day-tour to Songkhla yesterday. As usual, this year’s students come from different countries, for instance, Vietnam, China, Australia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Korea.

This year’s newcomers’ welcoming ceremony was being organized by the senior students for the first time. This ensures the new students feel warmth at home while giving senior students the chance to develop their organizing activities’ skills.

The content of the newcomers’ welcoming ceremony include of:
1. Introduction of IBC – history, development, administration, rules and regulations and courses, etc.

2. Introduction of temple – meals, accommodation, daily timetable, six principles of harmony, responsibilities, etc.

3. Self-introduction – it comprises the sessions of self-introduction and also introducing the origin countries the new students come from. This is a two-way interaction and gaining among them.

The last day of the ceremony was a day-tour visiting some tourist spots in Songkhla like museum, picnic at the beach, having the city view from top and zoo.