Over the last three weeks we have been lucky enough to host nine Thai students at the school. The students are all in year 9 and are part of a group of fifteen students aged between 13-17, the older students have been on a placement at the Isle of Wight College. The students come from all over Thailand and most of them only met each other once before flying out to the UK.
The students have come to the UK for seven weeks, the aim of the trip is so the students can work on their English, gain an understanding of UK culture and to tell us about Thailand. During their first week they made an exhibition about Thailand and rice, which is currently on display at the Isle of Wight College. The students then had a couple of weeks of English lessons to help prepare them for their school or college placement. During the evenings and weekends the students have visited various places such as London, Portsmouth, Robin Hill, Alum Bay, Osborne House.
During their time with us, the Thai students have amazed us with their fantastic grasp of the English language. They have been a joy to host and we hope they’ve got lots out of their time on the Isle of Wight and at Medina College.
We asked the Thai students how they have found their trip, here’s what they had to say…
“I enjoy every moment here, even though it’s just a short time of being here. The teachers and most of the students here are really nice which makes me enjoy it. My favourite class here is Geography, the teacher was really kind and the things he taught me were really easy to understand and it was really fun.” Kannaphat (Grand)
“From the day that I started to study, I felt that all the teachers were very loving and all of my friends were very friendly. The society at school is very good. The curriculum here and Thailand are not that similar, for example, in Thailand we don’t have to walk to go to other classes, but here we have to go to another class. Overall, I really like this place.” Suchanan (Namwan)
“I am from Phitsanulok Province. At first when I came to Medina College I felt strange but time went by and I don’t feel like that anymore. People in this school are so friendly and they are kind. I love to come here.” Tinn (Justin)
“It’s good that we have this opportunity to be in England and on the island called the Isle of Wight, to be learning languages with local people. I really love the weather here, it’s not too cold and too hot, Thailand is very hot. My buddy is very kind and helpful. We like to have conversations because it helps my accent to get better.” Sasinat (Bonus)
“I come from Phetchaburi Province. I had to take an exam to exchange. In my school there are many monkeys because it is next to the mountain so they come down to find food at my school. When I arrived in England I was excited to meet my buddy, host family and other friends. I studied at Isle of Wight College for three weeks and at Medina College for three weeks. I study with my buddy at Medina College, she’s very sweet and kind to me. Her friends are very kind and friendly.” Torfun
We asked our students how they got on being buddies…
Holly said “I don’t want my buddy to leave, I’ve really enjoyed having them here!”
Kayla told us “I’ve really enjoyed having my buddy here. She taught me some Thai words, I can now say hello in Thai.”
Fergus had this to say “It’s be a great! My buddy has taught my a lot about Thailand, including some of the language.”
Thank you to the Medina students who were buddies with our Thai students. They have all been fantastic ambassadors for Medina College and taken great care of their buddies.
