After traveling across the world, students had a night or two to recover before delving into orientation and host family life. Students had a brief crash course in Thai cultural skills and basic Thai greetings before meeting the Thai families that they will be a part of for the next five weeks. Anxious and excited smiles and greetings were exchanged as students and families met for the first time and headed home for a weekend of fun, rest, and cultural exchange.

Ajaan Wilasanee teaches students Thai greetings.

Nicki meets her new host mom.

Elaine practices her "wai" and greets the host families.

Hish greets his new host mom and sister.

With a couple of intensive Thai classes under their belts, students were off to orient themselves with Chiang Mai via a city-wide scavenger hunt. Not only did the scavenger hunt give students a chance to practice their Thai skills and learn about the city they will be living in for the next few months, but by going out and practicing on their own, they were engaging in the experiential, student-centered approach central to ISDSI’s educational philosophy (not to mention a few memorable photo opportunities).

Caroline gets a tasty Thai treat from a friendly songtaew passenger.

Abby, Erin, Hannah, and Andrew pose for a group photo at one of the stops.

Elaine, Katherine, Mark, and Roz take a look at Tha Phae Gate from a different angle.

Emily, Peter, Rebecca, and Alice pose with a hospital attendant to prove they found the hospital.

Zane, Alicia, Melanie, and Marguax try re-creating their own version of Abbey Road with a slightly different background.