When a Thai student steps off the plane and into life in the USA, what is the first impression? We can learn just as much about our own culture as the student’s culture. In fact, each surprise speaks of a cultural difference. So, let’s see how five of our students from Thailand answer the question: What surprises you in the USA?
Eating Rice with a…Fork?
Let’s begin with a real shocker. “American people use a fork to eat rice,” announces a student spending this exchange year in Michigan. “Why do they use fork but not spoon?”, wonders another Thai student stationed in Utah. The switch from chopsticks to forks is the first culture shock these students must digest.
American Food
“Food is a top priority for Asians,” explains one Thai exchange agent. “So, the different eating cultures of Americans are quite surprising to students, for example, eating food that is not serious (which would be considered a small snack in Thailand) at some meals.” Our students point out that many of our foods are very salty. What does that tell us about their native cuisine? Others are surprised by the fast foods, big portions and…ranch dressing!
Cars and Driving
But wait! Just getting into a host family’s car to drive home from the airport can be a shocker. Thanks to British influence, drivers keep to the left in Thailand. And that’s just the beginning. “There’s a drive through for everything, even a bank!” declares our Michigan student. “Why do they have very few lights for the roads?” asks a student living in Minnesota. While another is still marveling that high school students can drive.
American Families
What is it like for a Thai teen to live with an American host family for a year? “I’m surprised with how good they take care of their kids and baby,” remarks a student living in West Virginia this year. “My host parents wake up so early,” notes another student in Utah. Other are surprised by curfews, family dinners and just how busy American families are.
High School in the USA
Every exchange student is fascinated by the American high school experience. “The studies are quite different,” explains our agent in Thailand. “Many students say that teaching is easier to understand than in our country.” Meanwhile, students are paying attention to some very curious details. “Even though the teacher is speaking, if the bell rings everyone immediately leaves the room,” reports a shocked student studying in Michigan. “We can use a calculator in math class!” exclaims another. “I could make my own schedule!” marvels one more. What must school be like back home?
American Teens
Most Thai students are still in the care of their parents,” explains our agent, “so seeing the lives of teenagers in America, which are often independent of their parents, is quite surprising." Thai students are surprised that American teens work, drive and “talk very fast”. “They are more friendly than I thought they would be,” says our West Virginia student. “They’re really open about their thoughts and sometimes they really don’t know about other countries and ask some questions,” says a student living in Wisconsin. But what about appearances? According to our Utah student, “They are very huge and physically strong.”
Sports
And then come the sports, especially at high school. “We have a lot of sports at school and practice every day after school,” observes a student in Indiana, while our Utah student says, “Most of the students are very active. Most of them are athletic.” And from West Virginia, we hear “It surprises me how competitive sports are here.” What does this say about Thai culture?
And Public Restrooms?
This issue keeps popping up in our surveys. Americans take it for granted that public restrooms offer little privacy in the USA. Exchange students do not. “Why are bathroom doors very high off the ground?” asked our Utah student. “There are huge gaps in the bathroom doors,” the Michigan teen points out. What might we expect of a public restroom when we visit Thailand and other countries around the world?
American Culture
The net sum of all these surprises is overwhelmingly positive. “I love everything about American culture because it’s better than my country,” exclaims our Utah student. And this is why these students arrive in the USA with so much enthusiasm. “It’s about learning new experiences and seeing the many differences that can be applied to life to find one's own identity,” explains our Thai agent.
American People
And finally, let’s not forget the best surprise of all: Americans themselves. “People are so nice, kind, and open. They are very willing to help you when you are in need,” notes our student in Minnesota. This is seconded from Utah, “What I love most is the people. They are kind.” When asked what they will miss the most, all five students point to their American friends, host family and other people they have met. “People are friendly and cool with everything!” we hear from our student in Indiana.
And now, it's your turn. How might you surprise a student from Thailand? Host a Thai teen to discover just how interesting and exotic your life really is. Learn all about American culture from your student. Then let your student share the the fascinating history, holidays and cuisine and customs of Thailand with you.
