"I Want to Become a Global Expert"... Yeungjin College Companion Animals Department Completes Field Study in Thailand

Attending a Dog Show and Industry Training
Recruiting 50 New Students Next Year

Students from the Department of Companion Animals at Yeungjin College (President Choi Jaeyoung) successfully completed the "2025 Global Field Study" program in Thailand, where they experienced the global companion animal industry firsthand during their summer vacation.

This program was conducted over a period of 7 nights and 8 days and included on-site training at local Thai companies, attendance at an international dog show, and meetings with industry experts. In Thailand, which is emerging as the hub of the Southeast Asian companion animal industry, students had a meaningful opportunity to develop practical skills and a global perspective.

The Department of Companion Animals at Youngjin College signed an MOU with Formiri Pet Company in Bangkok, Thailand. Professor Jongmin Lee (left) and a center official are taking a photo together.

This training program, now in its second year, took place from July 23 to July 30, with Professor Lee Jongmin leading the group and eight second-year students from the Department of Companion Animals participating. The students were selected through a comprehensive evaluation of their major-related competencies, academic attitude, and motivation for overseas training.

Thailand is recognized as a leading country in providing integrated services related to companion animals (such as pet hotels, grooming, training, daycare, and healthcare), and is highly regarded for its educational value and industrial potential.

On July 25, the students visited the FLOOF Pet Wellness Centre in Bangkok, where they experienced animal rescue and rehabilitation systems and observed integrated service sites that include animal hospitals, grooming shops, and daycare centers. They further strengthened their practical skills by learning about customized care system operations at Pawmily Pet Co., Ltd., focusing on field-centered experience.

In particular, the university signed an industry-academia cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with both institutions, establishing a foundation for ongoing collaboration. The MOU includes priority provision of on-the-job training (OJT), discussions on graduate recruitment, technology exchange, and joint seminar operations.

From July 26 to July 27, the students attended the "2025 Samutprakarn Dog Club Championship Dog Show" held in Bangkok, where they directly experienced the exhibition and judging process of various dog breeds, deepening their understanding of companion dog culture.

Additionally, on July 25, the students participated in a meeting with key figures such as the president of the Thailand Kennel Club (TKC) to discuss trends in the companion animal industry in both countries and the potential for industry-academia cooperation. This meeting was arranged through the local network of Professor Lee Jongmin, who is an FCI (F?d?ration Cynologique Internationale) judge and has extensive experience judging dog shows in Thailand.

Student Heo Dayeon (second year) said, "By observing and learning about Thailand's companion animal industry firsthand, I gained confidence in my major. After graduation, I want to become a professional who can work on the global stage." Student Kim Hyewon (second year) shared, "Experiencing the dog show and industry sites helped me clearly understand the link between theory and practice. It was a meaningful experience."

Professor Lee Jongmin commented, "This training program went beyond simple observation, providing field-centered experiences and career exploration opportunities. It has become an important stepping stone for students to grow into companion animal professionals with global competence and practical adaptability."

Meanwhile, the Department of Companion Animals at Yeungjin College is fostering integrated talent across all fields of the companion animal industry?including grooming, training, distribution, and healthcare?through hands-on, dog-centered practical education. The department actively promotes internships and overseas employment connections based on cooperation with domestic and international companies, aiming for each graduate to obtain at least three certifications before graduation. For the 2026 academic year, the department plans to recruit approximately 50 new students.