[MilenaMKB]

Hi Jim,
I just saw your post tonight so I think I would share my thoughts with you.
I am Thai and spent a lot of time studying in the US (NC). Now I am working in the US so I think I can speak for her in some aspects (even though, I am not as young as her.)

First of all, Thai students are very shy. Even though she passed the process and being accepted to come here, she is still super shy compared to American teenagers. She won't talk much (or won't talk at all the first few days) Don't get panick. If you ask her, it might take her a minute or two to answer you. It doesn't mean she doesn't want to talk or participate but for Thai people, here how it works--->
1. I think in Thai then translate into English-->2. I speak English carefully and slowly. (make sure it is grammartically correct)---> 3. you answer me in English----> 4. I listen to you and translate into thai---> 5. answer in Thai in my head ---> 6. repeat step 1-5. So you can see how slow the conversation could be.

Second, Thai people don't like to look funny. Speaking English is a big problem for us. We dont want to make a fool of ourselves. This includes western culture. It would be nice if you tell her in advance what will happen i.e., when she goes to a church --what she has to do, she would be every happy to hear that. Or if she will go to a party, she should know what it's like in that party because it is different from a party in Thailand.

Third, She will be stressed out a little bit the first few days in school and it could be weeks or months. It depends on her fluency in English. A lot of Thai students who come here couldn't understand a lot of things in classes and it stresses them out. I have seen a lot of complaints about it in a thai webboard. So it would be nice if you ask her about school and if there is anything you could help her with.

Fourth, about food. A lot of Thai teenagers like fast food but they will crave for Thai food so if you could take her out to a Thai restuarant from time to time, she will appreciate it a lot. I don't think cooking Thai food on a regular basis (even once a week or less) is the best option here. For several reasons, it's not easy to prepare thai food with proper ingredients, even if you have ingredients, some dishes have strong smell and they can disturb you and your neighbors, and cooking for one person is difficult. But she is not from Bangkok so I don't know how much she would like fast food.

Fifth, about religion. I do not think she will bring any buddha image with her except a small amulet. If she does, she will keep it in her room above her head but she will not ask you for candles or incense sticks. So I don't think you have to worry about it. I think she is willing to learn new things about your religion. However, she would be thrilled if you take her to a Thai temple.

Sixth, I would tell her about western culture of dating or mingling with teenagers here as well. I also think that is fair and important for you to tell her at the beginning if you have any rules about dating guys.

Seventh, about calling cards. There is a web site for her to buy calling cards to call back to Thailand. The one that I am using is from www.thaitel.com and it is reliable. She can buy it online or use her check. Do not buy from www.tollthai.com. There are a lot of problems with credit cards.

I am in NE but I lived in NC for 2 years. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions now or when she comes and if she wants to speak Thai, she can talk to me. :-) My family had an exchange student from the US and he did have a great time there.

Sorry for the long answer, again, please feel free to ask me with any concerns. I am more than happy to help you. I wish you have a wonderful time with this student.