22/10/2007 - AFS-YES 2006 Alumni Conference in Kanchanaburi

On October 22nd, 2007, AFS Thailand organized the first AFS-YES Alumni conference at Blue Sapphire Golf Club and Resort, Kanchanaburi.

Thailand first AFS-YES group recently returned home after 11 months staying in USA. During the past 3 months, they had worked on their projects to introduce and promote AFS-YES to their school and community. They also assisted with community services; being volunteer translators for foreign community service centers, fund-raising projects for the needy children, and organizing fun activities for tsunami orphanage.

On this occasion, Mr. Kenneth L. Foster, First Secretary Public Affairs Section, US Embassy, joined the opening conference ceremony at AFS Thailand Office. He welcomed returnees back home and talked with each young returnee. They expressed their gratitude for this great opportunity which US States Department had given them. Their experience living with US host families was invaluable. They faced slightly culture shock when they first arrived, then they learned to understand, and with the great assistance from their host families they learned to adjust to the new environment.

Mr. Foster was very impressed with AFS Thai-Muslim returnees’ experience and improvements in many aspects during the program.