Apr 13 2009 /
US Ambassador to Thailand Meets YES Class of 2009-10

This was originally posted at the US Embassy in Thailand web site.

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

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 and 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.

Photo courtesy US Embassy Bangkok: Ambassador John presents graduation certificates