Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Program Cost | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Year | Early April | Late February | US$7,000 | 15-17.6 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure.
Thailand Details :
Known as the “the land of smiles,” Thailand is the gateway of Southeast Asia. This country draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia thanks to an irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine, and ruins of fascinating ancient kingdoms. From the mountains of Mae Hong Son to the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, from the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok to tranquil villages along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for everyone. A diverse culture awaits with influences from China and Burma. Buddhism, which places a high value on hospitality and kindness, is the dominant religion, and you are likely to see orange-robed monks and statues of Buddha throughout the country. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized by a European power. You’ll most likely have an opportunity to see different parts of the country as extended Thai families enjoy visiting each other. And while you’ll learn Thai, English is a required subject in schools, so there will be plenty of people who speak your language. Study abroad in Thailand and discover an exotic and exciting culture of age-old traditions. You’ll experience the engaging warmth of the Thai people who will want to learn about you and life in the U.S.
Year and Semester :
Upon your arrival, you will take daily language lessons, with a minimum of five hours per week. As you gain proficiency, these lessons may become less frequent. School runs from May to March with a break in October. Thai schools are the center of life for Thai youth, and you and your new friends’ social lives will revolve around school. In addition to academic courses, there are a great variety of cultural subjects offered such as Thai language, dancing, sword fighting, music, cooking, arts, history, Buddhism, and meditation. During your stay, you can travel to and study in a school that is located in a different part of the country for a change of pace. You can also perform community service by helping in English language camps or developing your own project. You can obtain a Certificate of Participation from AFS Thailand and a transcript from your school upon completion of your coursework.
Summer Homestay :
Imagine spending six weeks of your summer in Thailand where you will learn about this historic culture and exotic and beautiful country. In this program you will live with a Thai host family and receive individual lessons at a local school. This will give you the opportunity to practice your Thai, make new friends, and become involved in community life.
Summer Community Service :
Perform community service in Thailand for six weeks and enjoy a summer like no other. Teach English and serve as a teacher’s aide in a traditional school or even tutor adults; assist secondary school health or physical education teachers develop programs to reduce problems in schools or highlight social/health issues; or work in a local hospital. You’ll live with a host family, make new friends, and become involved in community life while learning about the local culture. You can earn up to 105 hours of community service credit.
