OSU alumna’s renowned institution in Thailand becomes home for OSU students

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-8320 | kirsi@okstate.edu

Lakhana Didyasarin poses for OSU graduation portrait. A third-generation educator’s hope for an impactful career has become a legacy of learning, opening the doors for Cowboys to experience academia worldwide.

Dr. Lakhana Didyasarin graduated from high school in Thailand in 1967, then took a leap of faith to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education at Oklahoma State University.

Didyasarin attributes her ability to be successful in studying abroad to a supportive older cousin, who was completing his Ph.D. at OSU at the time.

Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, Didyasarin felt a calling and profound connection to education, setting her on a path to Stillwater.

In her first semester at OSU, Didyasarin spoke no English, so she took courses in her strongest subjects first and worked to improve her understanding of the language.

Didyasarin said OSU was influential in her development as an educator, as she still teaches many of the lessons learned at OSU, implementing them at the American School of Bangkok Green Valley (ASB). She established ASB in 1983, and now, the school is globally recognized as a leading educational institution — named a top 50 school worldwide by the Global Forum of Education and Learning in 2019.

“One of the most memorable parts of my time in OSU’s educator preparation program was the guidance I received from my advisor,” Didyasarin said. “He was incredibly supportive and played a key role in helping me transition from being a student to becoming a confident teacher.

“I learned how to structure lessons with a focus on what truly helps students learn. Thanks to that foundation, I walked into classrooms prepared and excited to teach. ”

As an OSU student in the 1970s, Didyasarin gained a deep understanding of human rights, women’s liberation and the realities of discrimination. These academic concepts challenged her to think critically about belonging and the kind of leader she sought to be.

“I am committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, valued and heard. The values I learned at OSU are embedded into the culture of ASB, where we actively promote fairness, dignity and equal opportunities for all,” Didyasarin said.

Didyasarin became an educator who always puts students first.

“Throughout my time at OSU, I was encouraged to see students not just as learners, but as individuals with dreams, unique challenges and limitless potential — which are all qualities of good leaders. Today, my focus is on both academic achievement and student well-being by doing a lot of mindfulness practices in the school,” she said.

“At ASB, we strive to create a student-centered learning environment where children are successful, happy, supported and empowered.”

The quality and structure of OSU’s education program also played a vital role in preparing her for leadership.

“The knowledge, skills and values I gained there gave me the confidence to build and run my own school,” she said.

Upon graduating from OSU, Didyasarin pursued and completed her master’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska and remained in the United States for 11 years teaching English as a second language. She also received an honorary doctorate from Hatyai University, a private university in southern Thailand.

Building a legacy

Although Didyasarin loved being in the classroom, she realized that she could influence more students by creating a school.

Founding ASB allowed her to build a learning environment where the entire school culture supports student growth academically, socially and emotionally. Originally known as the Didyasarin International Kindergarten, it was the first of its kind in Thailand.

By 1997, the school had expanded to include elementary and high school levels, accommodating up to 2,000 students, and changed its name to The American School of Bangkok.

ASB received accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges of the United States in 2000.

“Coming from a long line of educators instilled in me a sense of purpose, a legacy that transforms lives and shapes the community that we have here right now at ASB today,” she said.

At ASB, educators focus on developing the whole child. Their Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) emphasize global citizenship, critical thinking, communication and lifelong learning.

“Our mission is to empower students to reach their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment. By shaping the vision and direction of the school, every decision from curriculum to community engagement aligns with those goals,” Didyasarin said.

The growth of ASB has rightly been one of the most fulfilling experiences of Didyasarin’s life.

“Personally, I feel incredibly proud when I look at how far we’ve come — from campus expansion to the increasing number of students, and most importantly, the students’ achievements. Seeing our students succeed, whether academically, socially, or in their personal growth, brings me joy and purpose,” she said.

“Professionally, it has pushed me to grow as a leader. As the school has expanded, it has been my responsibility to recruit passionate, dedicated educators who share our vision and will guide our students toward their goals. Building a team that believes in our mission has been essential, and it’s taught me the importance of leadership that is both visionary and grounded in empathy.”

Didyasarin’s pride in her school is apparent when she speaks of ASB’s students and their individual accomplishments.

“I’m also proud of the strong reputation ASB has earned in Thailand and internationally,” she said. “Our graduates have been offered generous scholarships and opportunities because universities recognize the quality of our programs and the well-rounded, capable learners we produce. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the education they receive here opens their doors to opportunities around the world.”

The 2025 graduating class of high school seniors was offered more than $60 million in scholarships.

In addition to excellent academics, ASB is home to the International Preparatory Golf Academy, one of the best golf academy schools in Asia. Situated within the ASB campus, the academy boasts PGA instructors, the most advanced training technology available in the game and facilities that range from simulations to a sprawling 160-acre, 18-hole championship course.

Passing the torch

Dr. Lakhana Didyasarin now serves as chairman for ASB. Didyasarin now serves as chairman for the school, handing the reins to her daughter, Nisanart “Gift” Dharmageisirattana, as the director of ASB in 2019.

With an undergraduate degree from New York University, Dharmageisirattana returned home to join her mother’s mission to strengthen the school.

She helped to establish each department — from human resources to IT to business and finance — before becoming fully involved in the academic side of things.

Over the span of 15 years, she became increasingly involved and earned a master’s degree in public educational leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College.

As the fourth generation in her family to forge a path in education, Dharmageisirattana attributes her current leadership to her mother.

“When I was growing up, I saw how she managed the school — the care and attention to every detail that goes into what’s on the menu, what kind of shows they put on, the kinds of books she selected to teach at each grade level and in the classroom… The way she spoke to parents, knowing how to solve immediate problems, and helping children learn and grow to become young adults with responsibility, care and respect,” she said.

Dharmageisirattana said her mother has always had a vision for students and children to grow up to be responsible adults and world-class citizens, to be successful in their careers, and to have well-being in their lives.

“I cherish the path that my mom laid out and showed me — how wonderful it is to live by sharing the passion for education and leadership in our school and with the outside community,” she said.

Cowboys in Thailand

More than five decades after Didyasarin arrived in Oklahoma, OSU students are now making their way to Thailand to complete their student teaching practicums at her school, a full-circle experience.

Many individuals at ASB and OSU have come together to form a unique partnership.

Ashley Haseley, director of the Global Engagement Office within the College of Education and Human Sciences, said this partnership has been in the making for many years.

“OSU has had a memorandum of understanding with the American School of Bangkok since 2020, where faculty from the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences (STLES) provided five online professional development sessions on topics selected by the American School of Bangkok, Green Valley Campus,” Haseley said.

Gift and Lakhana pose together enthusiastically at the alumni event in Bali. In 2023, OSU Global held an alumni event in Southeast Asia. Didyasarin and Dharmageisirattana attended the event along with Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean of OSU Global.

His wife, Pam Kluver, is an adjunct professor for STLES, assisting in the supervision of student teachers. After discussing possibilities, the group thought it only made sense to welcome emerging teachers from OSU to the ASB Green Valley campus.

“It was during that conversation that I shared my belief in the value of global exposure for future educators,” Didyasarin said. “I mentioned how impactful it would be for OSU students to complete part of their student teaching abroad, where they could experience diverse cultures and educational settings that would broaden their horizons.”

Haseley said from there, they worked on an agreement and started the recruitment process.

The international student teaching practicum is now offered as an option for students in the CEHS’ teacher preparation programs. After a rigorous application and interview process, students are encouraged to seek scholarships and are supported by a team of faculty and staff to move through the program.

Four students — one majoring in secondary education and three in elementary education — went to Thailand last spring. Three more education students made their way to ASB this fall.

This experience offers students the unique opportunity to explore a range of teaching strategies, from those used in domestic classrooms in Oklahoma to those applied in an international setting in Thailand. The school follows U.S. educational standards, and Thai and other Asian cultural influences enrich the environment. This blend allows students to reflect on and adapt what they’ve learned in both contexts, ultimately shaping their own teaching approaches.

Not only were students immersed in the classroom, but they also had the chance to experience Thai culture and hospitality.

“The interns told me how welcoming, warm and helpful Thai people were to them. They enjoyed local cuisine so much, and they visited temples as well. They enjoyed taking part in our traditional Thai New Year, or Songkran, celebration. It was wonderful to see them embrace the richness of our community with curiosity. Their presence brought fresh energy to our school, and our students and staff enjoyed learning from them just as much as they learned from us,” Didyasarin said.

OSU student teaching intern Emma Copeland interacts with Thai children during a festival. “The ASB students were genuinely excited to have intern teachers from overseas. It was more special because they were from the very university where I graduated. Interacting with the OSU interns allowed our students to experience different teaching styles, practice their English in meaningful ways, and learn more about American culture. It was a great opportunity for cultural exchange.”

Echoing her mother’s sentiment, Dharmageisirattana noted the positive impact the intern program had on their students.

“The OSU interns showed a lot of poise and humility, and demonstrated how wonderful American education can be in our school,” Dharmageisirattana said. “They set a great example of what university students should be. Hopefully, in the near future, we will see OSU graduates find placement and perhaps think about living and working at ASB Green Valley.”

Dharmageisirattana calls the partnership between the ASB Green Valley and OSU one of the best she’s experienced in years of partnerships with professional organizations.

“The synergies and our vision in education are so similar and so aligned,” Dharmageisirattana said. “We both have a passion for teaching and learning and want to improve in all aspects of education, whether it be science, engineering, math or any other areas where children can grow.

“We look forward to a continuing partnership and more exchange programs for years to come.”

For OSU and the CEHS, the student teaching program is a great accomplishment, and there is excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.

“OSU is very proud of the careers of our alumni, Dr. Didyasarin and her late husband, and their legacy of building high-quality education institutions in Thailand. It is a great privilege for OSU students to be able to gain student teaching experience in such a dynamic and culturally enriching environment,” Kluver said.

Like all international study opportunities, this one is filled with day-to-day educational responsibilities, and highlighted by enriching cultural experiences.

“My experience in Thailand opened my eyes to the people and cultures who live beyond our (U.S.) borders. It showed me how amazing and diverse this world is and how much there is to explore. The opportunity to teach abroad has allowed me to fully immerse myself in Thai culture and broaden my knowledge of its people, as well as my (teaching) subject area,” secondary education graduate Katie Etheredge said.

Haseley describes the international student teaching practicum in Thailand as a “middle ground” opportunity for students seeking to expand upon their education through study abroad.

“This program allows students to immerse themselves more deeply in the culture than a five- to 10-day experience, while still being approachable for those who may have never been outside the country,” Haseley said.

Whether it’s a short-term faculty-led program or a full semester exchange, any international experience is meaningful for students.

“Traveling abroad is a life-changing experience. It will expand your worldviews, it will strengthen your adaptability skills and boost your confidence,” Haseley said.

Haseley said it’s imperative to conduct research, find a program that aligns with individual goals for short- or long-term study, and explore all available funding opportunities — noting that there are many resources to help get started.

“I often hear, ‘Oh, I wish I would have studied abroad.’ Don’t miss out during your college years to study abroad, and instead think about there being no better time for the experience,” Haseley said. OSU student teaching intern Madeline Hager worked with students in an interactive bar graph activity.

Elementary education student teacher Madeline Hager said studying abroad has been among the most rewarding aspects of her OSU career.

“Interning in Thailand has not only grown my professional skills, but also expanded my worldview in ways I never expected. I can’t think of a better way to wrap up my time as a Cowboy,” Hager said.

Didyasarin had a message for all aspiring educators.

“At the heart of education are the students. Each child comes with their own story, strengths and challenges. Your role is not just to teach, but to see them, believe in them, and help them grow. Be curious about who they are, listen with empathy and teach with purpose,” she said.

“Your greatest impact will often come from the relationships you build and the confidence you inspire, more than any lesson plan.”