13 Thai teachers and students visit US university

• Welcome: Jay Gatrell, Indiana State University's interim director of Inernational Programs and Services, welcomes students and teachers from Thailand who have come to Terre Haute to participate in an exchange program set up by ISU. While here they will be working with the Vigo County School Corp. The group was honored at a dinner Monday night at ISU. Tribune-Star/Rachel Keyes

  

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9 students, 4 teachers welcomed at ISU dinner

Arthur Foulkes The Tribune-Star The Tribune Star Tue Mar 22, 2011, 09:30 AM EDT

TERRE HAUTE — After flying 20 hours and traveling about 8,700 miles, more than a dozen guests from Thailand arrived in Terre Haute Sunday to begin a two-week cultural and educational experience.

Coordinated by the Indiana State University office of International Programs and Services, the visit will give the nine students and four teachers from Thailand a chance to learn more about America and Americans.

“This is really a unique exchange opportunity,” said Jay Gatrell, interim director of International Programs and Services at ISU. Gatrell and other ISU officials hosted a welcome dinner for the Thai guests Monday night in the Generations banquet room in the university Commons.

During their two weeks in Terre Haute, the Thai students, who are all high-school aged, will stay with host families from the community. They will also spend several days visiting North, South and West Vigo high schools. Meanwhile, the four Thai teachers will team up with Vigo County teachers to learn about American educational techniques.

“The students are very excited to stay with the host families,” said Phuwitch Ngiwline, a Thai educator and the leader of the visiting group.

The Thai students, still tired after their long journey and dealing with an 11-hour time difference, met their American host families at the Generations dinner.

“I think it’s amazing. That’s all I can say,” said Thitisan Twinprawate, 16, one of the Thai students, when asked his initial impressions of the United States.

Four students, all boys, will be staying with Ron and Sherri Ramseyer of Sullivan, who are veteran hosts of international students.

“I like to have kids around the house,” said Sherri Ramseyer, who is also an ISU employee. Hosting international students provides a great learning opportunity and also establishes life-long friendships with people around the world, Ron added. “That’s another plus.”

During their two weeks in Terre Haute, the Thai students will visit Chicago and Turkey Run State Park, Gatrell said.

While the students have only been in the United States a short time, they have already gotten some early impressions of Terre Haute.

“It’s a nice city,” said Phuwitch Ngiwline. “Friendly people.” When asked what the students were most looking forward to, he said they are looking forward to learning about U.S. education, American culture, food and “shopping malls.”

One benefit of the visit is that Vigo County high school students will get to meet their peers from Thailand during the next two weeks, said Zachariah Mathew, associate director of the Office of International Programs and Services at ISU. That may “tickle” the interest of American students to at least wonder where Thailand is, he said.

“I’m looking for a wonderful two weeks,” Mathew said.