For AFS Intercultural Programs Thailand, 2018 was another successful year.   We continue to be passionate about the fulfillment of our AFS visions and goals while at the same time working towards sustainable growth and diversity in our programs in order to better serve our participants.

We have on-going efforts to stay at pace with the various technological developments and constantly evaluating ways in which they can be incorporated in our own AFS system as well as our various programs.   In our fast-paced globalized world, we are committed to remaining innovative and quick to adapt and modify our programs when needed to suit the changing environs of learning institutions all over the world.  Some of our highlights for the past year include the launching of the high-favored programs in English speaking countries like Canada and Ireland.  Also, our on-going Boarding School Project has become quite successful and more and more popular.  At the same time, many students have chosen to have their AFS experience in India, where the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program is highly promoted.

In addition, on July 19 we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Culture to promote Thai art and culture to all our students and volunteers.  This will include learning about the Thai language, etiquette and traditional dance and music.We have also become partners with the Beijing Language and Culture University  Bangkok College, where they specialize in teaching Chinese language and culture to foreign students.  This has had an added benefit of strengthening our pre-departure orientations to our participants who are part of the one year program in China.

Moreover, our first three hearing–impaired students recently completed their one-year program in the United States under the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Scholarship. Since we hope to continue to offer this unique program, their very enriching experience while there will serve as an example and inspiration for other physically challenged students.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express my humble gratitude to all stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, parents, students, alumni, partner organizations and friends here in Thailand and around the world, for all the support they have given to AFS Thailand.  I would also like to thank the management team and all our staff for their valuable contribution in making 2018 a truly successful year.  These developments and achievements are the outcome of everyone’s committed efforts to promote international understanding through cultural exchange.

Sanan Angubolkul
Chairman
AFS Intercultural Programs Thailand

The Sending Programs Department has well received significant cooperation not only from our volunteers and returnees but also from all partners across the worldwide network, not to mention our capable staff who play active roles in developing programs. These key elements remarkably boost the overall growth

With continuous support from AFS volunteers nationwide, the Department of Admission and Volunteer Development carry out recruitment and admission of all AFS students eligible for sending programs.

The department provides all volunteers the opportunity to enrich their intercultural experience and communication skills through participation in our volunteer exchange programs.

At the department, we are creating and developing new programs in a bid to extend the AFS services to both students and teachers in Thailand. Assistance from the society, as well as from organizations in and around the country are also given to AFS Thailand’s disposal to assist Thai AFS students who are in need of financial support.