Why did you choose Mexico for your year-long exchange?

Suppalak:
First, I chose the USA because it is a diverse country with people from India, Japan, Italy, and all over the world. It has many interesting cultures and diversity. AFS chose Mexico for me, and now I am glad because I want to learn another language since I already know English. I wanted to stay in Seattle because an AFS student from there stayed with me for a year. I learned many things from that experience such as English and a new way of greeting by hugging and kissing -- we don’t greet like that in Thailand, we bow or shake hands.

Jitlado:
I also chose the USA, but there were no more spaces there available. I wanted to go there because it is a very modern country and beautiful. I also wanted to study English more and learn it better. I am excited about being here in Mexico though. It is a very interesting country with many traditions.

What is your family like in Thailand?

Suppalak:
There are four people in my family, I have one brother and live with my father in Northern Thailand. My father is very strict. He does not let me stay out very late, or have a boyfriend. He wants me to study hard so I can get into a good University. He lets me have friends that are boys, but my family teaches me that we should not have sex before marriage. My mother lives far away in Southern Thailand. I do not get to see her often. She wanted me to go on an exchange with AFS and is proud of me, because it is difficult to get accepted into AFS. She wants me to learn more languages.

Jitlado:
My parents are divorced also and I live with my father in and my brother and sister. I do not get to talk to my father much because he is very busy with his job. He owns a motorcycle parts shop and works many hours each day. My mother lives in another house in the same town, but I do not see her much either because she is also very busy with work and goes to Bangkok often.

What do you think Mexican Culture will be like?

Suppalak:
I think Mexicans are very friendly. I met a Mexican on the plane and he was very nice. I am interested because I have heard that there are still some Indian people living here. I think Mexican food is similar to Thai food because it is spicy. It is a festive culture with lots of celebrations.

Jitlado:
At first I imagined that it must be really good, like a dream. But when I learned more, I realized that it was not so perfect. The country is beautiful, but with much poverty and pollution. Mexicans have big families, and a tradition of respecting their elders, which is similar to Thailand. The old people are given respect and people must be polite to them. In Thailand when talking to older people you must have good posture and should not touch their heads. They make many important decisions in the families.

What fears do you have about being in Mexico?

Suppalak:
I am afraid of not being able to speak the language. I don’t know if I will be understood, or be able to understand others. I am also afraid that I will not like the food. I don’t think I will be able to find Thai food here. I hope I can get used to Mexican food.

Jitlado:
I will have to find new friends and get used to having a new family. I have good friends and family in Thailand and it will be hard to make new ones. I am also afraid that I will not be understood. Communication will be difficult.

What will you miss most about Thailand?

Suppalak:
My parents and friends. I will really miss Thai food.

Jitlado:
I will also miss my family and the food.

What are you most excited about?

Suppalak:
I am excited about learning a new language and learning about a new culture. Thai and Mexican cultures are very different, so it will be a very interesting experience.

Jitlado:
I want to have more responsibility than I have at home and learn to take care of myself. I will learn to be more adult here and independent. It is also exciting to learn another language and culture.


Now meet the third student I interviewed:

See if you can find this information:

• How many people live in Asle’s hometown?
• What kind of food does Asle eat a lot of?
• What does he say the people are like in Mexico?