Focus on Thailand

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: 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 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 has something for everyone. 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 the Buddha throughout the country.

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized by a European power. You'll 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'll be plenty of people you can talk with immediately. Study abroad in Thailand and discover an exotic and exciting culture of age-old traditions.

Highlights: Year and Semester Programs:
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 Program:
Imagine spending six weeks of your summer in Thailand learning about this historic culture through classes on handicraft, Thai boxing, and Thai cooking. 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 Program:
Perform community service 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.

Cost in US$: $5,900 - $8,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947