Thailand

Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand is full of tradition and adventure - whether it's trekking through the forests on elephant, taking a voyage down the Chao Praya River, visiting the beach resorts, or simply meditating at Wat Pho (temple of the Reclining Buddha).

Thailand will entice you with her breathtaking natural beauty, magnificent palaces, golden temples, and legendary tales. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a tapestry of culture influenced by her Indian and  Chinese neighbors. Thailand is a unique blend of ancient philosophies, Buddhist beliefs, exotic cuisine, and social pastimes. Thailand prides herself as being a free monarchy, which gives the royal family divine right and ultimate power, while freely electing parliament and cabinet members. Over 90% Buddhist in religion, followers of other faiths such as Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, are granted full freedom of expression by the Thai constitution.

The cuisine in Thailand will lure you right off the streets onto the floating markets, where you can purchase tropical fruits, fresh herbs, and lush vegetables. Abundantly rich in variety and spices, Thai cuisine is an art form that mixes just the right amount of curry, ginger, and garlic.

Bangkok, the capitol, reflects the evolution of Thailand. A land where the old blends with the new, it's like Venice meets New York. Although many waterways have been filled, the rich history and elaborate shrines remain among the modern day highrises. Hollywood has taken an interest in Thailand by capturing its natural beauty in such films as The Phantom, Tomorrow Never Dies, and The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Academic Program

Start your year in Thailand with a four-day arrival orientation in Bangkok covering such information as Thai society, language, school, and home life. After joining your host family, you will go to a local Thai school, where you will be placed in grade 10, 11, or 12 depending on the school. You will wear a school uniform, which may be provided by your host family. 

Required classes include Thai language, social studies, and physical education. As an exchange student, you will have many elective subjects to choose from such as English, languages, history, Thai music, Thai dancing, Thai cooking, arts & crafts, artificial flower making, sword fighting, Muey Thai (Thai boxing), religion, meditation, and many others. In English class, you will be considered a guest speaker and asked to assist the teacher. Students also join an academic, sports, or recreational club that meets during school time. The school day is Monday through Friday and classes are typically held from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Tuition covers the cost of school enrollment, but students should be prepared to pay for school supplies, school uniform, and any transportation cost to school.

A mid-year orientation camp is planned in October during the school break between semesters. After final exams in February, you will attend a re-entry orientation in early March before returning to the US.

Summer Program

Discover Thailand
This six-week summer program allows you to totally immerse yourself into the Thai culture. Your cultural experience begins with a four-day orientation to Thailand in Bangkok, where you will learn Thai customs, language, and cuisine. You'll visit the magnificent Grand Palace and The Emerald Buddha and enjoy a riverboat ride by the Chao Pya Express.

The bulk of your program will be spent attending classes with Thai students and living with your host family. Although students will discuss specific classes and activities with their individual counselors, the program is designed to get the best overall look into the Thai culture and way of life. Students will participate in elective classes such as Thai language, dancing, music, sword fighting, and Muey Thai (Thai boxing), as well as other subjects. You will be invited to join in school activities and asked to participate as a resource in English conversational classes.

Your final eight days will be spent exploring the Northern region - traveling to Chiang Mai, "the Rose of the North," attending an Elephant training Camp and Safari in Lampang, and visiting a beautiful beach resort. Experience the adventure, learn from your host family, embrace the tranquility and peace, and revel in the jewels of Thailand!

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Applicants must be born between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1994.

Online Resources

To learn more about Thailand, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Thai language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Thailand in Washington, DC web site

"It was beyond what I expected! It was great to experience a different culture and be totally submerged in it."

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: 09/05/2008