This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Butter from Thailand, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Washington State, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Butter shares what has surprised him about life in America, the biggest differences between his home and here, and why joining sports has been so important to his exchange experience. Living with his host family and exchange brother, he has quickly become part of their everyday life, sharing meals, and special moments together.
What inspired you to become an exchange student?
I wanted to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. I’ve always been curious about how people live in different cultures, especially in the United States. I didn’t just want to learn English from textbooks. I wanted to experience real conversations, real classrooms, and real daily life. I also wanted to become more independent and learn how to adapt to new environments.
What’s life like with your host family and your exchange brother?
Living with my host family, and my exchange brother, David from Kenya, has been one of the best parts of my exchange experience. They treat me like a real member of the family, not just a guest. We eat meals together, talk about our days, and sometimes watch movies or go out together.
What has surprised you about life in America, and what’s the biggest cultural difference from your home country?
One thing that surprised me is how friendly and open people are, even to strangers. Teachers encourage students to speak up and share opinions, which is different from Thailand, where students are sometimes more reserved in class.
The biggest cultural difference is independence. In America, teenagers often work part-time jobs, drive themselves to school, and make many of their own decisions. In Thailand, families are often more protective and closely involved in daily life. Both systems have strengths, but living here has helped me become more confident and responsible.
Have you joined any clubs or sports at your school?
I joined the school swimming team. Swimming has been a great way for me to stay active and challenge myself physically and mentally. Practices can be intense, but they’ve helped me improve my discipline and time management.
Being on the team also helped me make friends faster. Even though swimming is an individual sport during races, we support each other as a team. My teammates encouraged me, and that made me feel included and more confident. It’s been an important part of my exchange experience.
Do you have any advice for future exchange students?
Be open-minded and say “yes” to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, especially with English, that’s how you improve. It’s normal to feel homesick sometimes, but try to focus on the opportunities around you. Talk to people, ask questions, and step out of your comfort zone. This year goes by faster than you think, so make the most of every moment.
Are you interested in making a student like Butter a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Check out the profiles of our wonderful students. New student profiles go online every Thursday!
