University Schools: Thai Exchange Program

For over a decade University Schools has had an Exchange Program with Satit Kaset Laboratory School in Bangkok Thailand. This long-standing relationship has been very positive for students and teachers in both schools.

Each year a group of Thai students from Satit Kaset International Program comes to Greeley in late August and spends the school year with host families. The Thai students carry a full load of courses at University Schools. These students have always been an asset to our classrooms and our school. They get involved in many extracurricular activities and our school community is enriched by their presence. In the spring, a group of students from Satit Kaset Thai Program come for a six-week experience at University Schools. The Thai students really appreciate the opportunity to study English and American culture.

In the summer University Schools students and teachers travel to Thailand for a 4-week experience at Satit Kaset. They live with host families and experience Thai school and Thai culture. Students at

tend classes in the purple uniform of Satit Kaset and learn about Thai dance, culture, arts, history and language. They take weekly field trips to see beautiful temples, ride elephants and shop in the markets. Host families may arrange weekend trips to the beach or a national park. Students come back with a unique perspective of another culture and the experience of living in a city of six million people.

Students in Grades 8 through 12 are encouraged to apply for the summer exchange program. Families are responsible for airfare and spending money. The host families in Bangkok supply room, board, transportation, and school uniforms.

Applications can be submitted to Julie Claeys, Thai Exchange Program Coordinator, at University Schools. You can contact Julie at jclaeys@universityschools.com or 970-506-7051 if you have questions about the program. Applications can be obtained from this site or from Julie Claeys. Applications should be submitted by March 1st so that students can participate in Thai cultural awareness, etiquette and language classes before they go on exchange. This also gives students the opportunity to plan fundraising activities to help defray the cost of the trip.

Host families are always needed for both the school year and the six-week exchange students. There is a monthly stipend for the families who host a studen. This is a great opportunity for your family to learn about another culture and to show appreciation for all the Thai exchange program does for our school. If you are interested in hosting or getting more information, please contact Julie Claeys at 576-7051, or the University Schools Main Office.