Pre-Departure Homestay is Just the Beginning for Thai Exchange Students Going to the U.S.

March 27, 2009

More than two dozen secondary school students from the predominantly Muslim south of Thailand spent March 22 to 28 living with American host families in Bangkok to prepare for their high school exchange program in the United States next year.  Dozens of Americans opened their homes and hearts to these energetic and excited students to offer them a bit of American life in Bangkok.  Trying new food, practicing their English, and even an evening out to a local Bangkok bowling alley were some of the experiences the students shared with their hosts. 

The homestay was part of a pre-departure English language and culture course at the American University Alumni (AUA) Language Center held under the auspices of American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Program, Thailand.  The group, the majority of who are participants in the Department of State’s Youth Exchange Study (YES) program, also includes recipients of scholarships from the U.S. Embassy's Media and Cultural Section. 

The closing ceremony for the week-long orientation course was held on March 27 at AUA and featured special guest Ambassador Eric G. John, who shared his own experiences as an AFS student in Brazil.  Following the presentation of graduation certificates to the student by Ambassador John, guests were invited to view presentations about life in Thailand created by the soon-to-be exchange students.  As a testimonial to the host parents, AFS, and AUA, several students expressed excitement that they were about going to the U.S., but lamented that their stay with their American host families in Bangkok had come to an end.

To learn more about the Youth Exchange Study (YES) program, please visit the Department of State Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) website here.  To learn more about AFS Thailand, click here.