My Thailand Homestay Experience
My family is like the white clouds that never darken, always bright and welcoming. They radiate kindness and liveliness, making me feel truly at home. I couldn’t ask for a better family; they enrich every moment I spend with them. My host mom, for instance, constantly checks on me, ensures I eat meals on time, and is incredibly patient when teaching me how to write Thai syllables. My room is spacious, cozy, and beautifully decorated, with maroon tones shining throughout.
From the very first day of my arrival, my family has shown immense kindness, teaching me about Thai culture and preparing a variety of traditional meals like fried pork, fried rice, pad see ew, pad Thai, and more. These dishes have become some of my favorites. My host brother Stang and I have been close friends since day one. He’s cheerful, full of humor, and speaks a little English, which helps us communicate effortlessly. Being around the same age, we find it easy to share our thoughts and experiences.
Each morning, I feel closer to my host family as they continuously treat me like one of their own, showering me with love and care. Soon, they are planning a family excursion just for me, so I can explore the area and feel even more at home. My host dad is a talented chef, preparing delicious meals for me before heading off to work. He, too, always checks on me to ensure I’m comfortable and well.
While there aren’t many household activities I can participate in, I try to help by washing dishes occasionally. Regardless of where I’m heading each day, my host mom always wishes me luck and reminds me to stay safe, especially when I’m cycling. We share many laughs and create wonderful memories, particularly after dinner when my host mom tells stories. Her priority is my safety, well-being, and comfort, and I deeply appreciate that.
Although there is a slight language barrier, my family always finds ways to communicate with me, whether by using translation apps or gestures. I’m proud to say I can now confidently speak about 50% of the Thai language, thanks to our ongoing Thai classes.
One memorable day was when we visited a temple. My host mom and I prepared alms and food to offer to the monks. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the Buddhist aspects of Thai culture. During the temple visit, the monks chanted beautifully, and although I couldn’t understand a word, I was deeply moved. My host mom later explained that the chants were in Pali, not Thai. It’s impressive how strong connections and meaningful relationships can be built on trust, openness, and clear communication, even across language barriers.