Thailand
From AFSWiki
Contents |
Country Information
For questions about any country information materials, contact the Program Information Specialist.
Placement
- Age requirement:
- Language requirement:
- Health restrictions:
- Graduates:
- Smoking:
- Dietary Restrictions:
- Dress: Outside of school, teenagers dress similarly to those in western countries. A conservative approach to clothes is best. Thin cotton is basic material due to high temperatures and the humid climate. A jacket or sweater may be useful in the cool season, especially in the mountains to the north and northeast. For students from many countries such as Germany, the U.S. or Australia, clothes are inexpensive to purchase.
Scholarships:
- Off the Beaten Path: http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/news/article/5520
- Thailand Teaching Assistant program receives grant from US Embassy in Bangkok for 17 full scholarships in 2010
See Scholarships or Sponsored Programs for Sending for more information.
Travel Information
- Visa:
- Arrival & Orientation: When you arrive in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, you will pass through customs and be met and greeted by AFS Thailand staff or volunteers who will take you to your first Thai orientation.
The arrival orientation camp, organized by staff and run by volunteers from around the country, is held in English. It will give you a chance to relax, meet other participants from around the world and learn about AFS in Thailand, as well as about Thai culture and language.
The second night of your Arrival Orientation will include a welcome party, during which you will be invited to participate in a talent show with other participants from around the world, giving you a chance to share your talents and/or national costume. Please remember to bring any props, musical instruments or clothing that will be useful in this show. You will also meet your local AFS contact who will accompany you to your host family the following day. If you will live near Bangkok, you will be picked up by your host family at the orientation site.
- Departure:
Host Families & Daily Life
Thais are generally respectful and reserved. They are also caring, warm-hearted and sensitive, and they find it difficult to say “no.” Extended Thai families are very close (which will give you a chance to visit your host relatives nearby) and are customarily patriarchal. Both parents usually work. Caring for the children and managing the household are generally the responsibility of the wife. The father is more involved with work outside the home.
Families are protective. Children ask permission from their parents before going out, and teenagers have less independence than those in Western countries. Young people normally do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. If you smoke, you will probably be asked to do it outside the house, and it is not accepted while in school uniform. Families enjoy spending weekends together at home, where you will experience how Thai families are still bound by a colorful tradition with a long history.
Thai host families, like all AFS host families worldwide, are not paid. They open their homes to students in order to share their community and culture as well as to enrich their own family lives. As far north as the teak forest, as far south as the tropical beaches, passing through the farming central plains, your family could live anywhere around the country but most probably will reside in a regional capital or small town.
Movies and television are the most popular forms of leisure entertainment. Soccer, table tennis, badminton and volleyball are the favorite sports. As mentioned above, Thai schools are the center of the community, and a teenager’s life revolves around them. AFS students are usually invited to join school trips, take part in English camps, community and regional events (e.g. festivals) and give presentations about their countries.
- Food: Rice is the staple food of Thailand. It is often served with meat, fish, vegetables or egg dishes. Curry, peanut and pepper sauces are popular. Typical meats include pork and chicken. A wide variety of fruit is available year-round. To be safe, it is advisable to drink water only if has been bottled or purified. Most Thai families share the evening meal together. It is considered inappropriate for an individual to request foods that are not served or to prepare his or her own food. So it may be difficult if you are a strict vegan, although vegetarians find a number of options.
Support Information
- Academics
- Transcript / Diploma:
- Language: Thai is the official language with dialects spoken in different regions. In some cities, English is understood. From your arrival you will take language lessons daily, with a minimum of five hours per week; you will arrange your schedule with your support person. This may become less frequent as you gain proficiency in the language. Support persons and schools are given a copy of “Essential Thai” that they use as a basis for teaching. AFS Thailand will provide you with some material prior to departure on language, culture and Thai life.
- Transportation:
- Extracurricular:
General Country Information
Known as “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 India, China and neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia and Burma. 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’ll be plenty of people who speak your language.
- Religion: 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. Ninety-five percent of the population is Buddhist, four percent are Muslim, and one percent is Christian or other. Thai people are very accepting of different religious beliefs and, in fact, religious freedom is guaranteed under the constitution.
- Population: The population of Thailand is approximately 64 million. About 20% of the population lives in Bangkok, the capital. Four regional language groups make up the core Thai population: Central Thai (32%); Thai-Lao (30%); Northern Thai (17%); and Southern Thai (5%). The largest minority groups are Chinese, Malay and various Hill Tribes.
- Government: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy that has ruled since 1932. The country has 76 provinces. The government is run by a coalition of elected civilian political parties in which decision-making about affairs of state rests with the prime minister.
- Language: Thai is the official language with dialects spoken in different regions. In some cities, English is understood.
Return to the Country Information page.
For information, questions or concerns on the Program Information Specialist or email countryinfo@afs.org.
Thailand was last updated on: 12/7/2009
