July

July sees the beginning of rainy season in Thailand and is a fairly quiet month compared to all the festivities normally going on. This slower pace is perfect for new arrivals and gives fall semester students a chance to settle into Thai life with their host family and new friends. It’s not uncommon for schools to schedule annual ceremonies during this quieter time which will give a real taste of Thai school culture. Schools will also prepare for their annual sports event which is a prestigious time of the year. With Thailand’s passion for sport and western style colligate culture, annual sports day is important to both students and the local area. You may be surprised just how similar it feels compared to sports day at high school back home with regional marching bands and colourful parades. At the end of July Thailand celebrates Asalaha Bucha Day. This Buddhist day signifying the first sermon of the Buddha and is an important holiday for Thai people. It’s also another great opportunity to experience authentic Thai life and to learn more about Buddhist beliefs.

 

August

As you make new friends and immerse yourself in daily life you will notice more and more about Thai culture. Probably the most obvious observation will be the impact of Thailand’s prestigious monarchy and the collective love the people of Thailand have for both His Majesty the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen of Thailand, Sirikit. Mid August experience this love firsthand as they celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday. This holiday sees Thailand share in a day of respect to both Her Majesty and mothers nationwide. Join your host family and friends in lighting ceremonial candles of respect and enjoy the local festivities as they celebrate with music, dance and amusements. For families this day is very important with similarities to Mother’s Day in western culture. For younger teens schools often hold a ceremony for mothers to attend, whereby sons and daughters can show their gratitude and respect publicly. Experience the close loyalty Thai people have for family and reflect on how it compares to modern western culture.

 

September

Two month in and you should now be feeling settled and experiencing some great moments with friends as you explore the local area. During September the rains continue frequently. The shear amount deposited on the roads and streets in just a short time will astonish you. Although flooding is an issue in some parts of Thailand, you’ll be presently surprised how Thai people and their daily lives adapt so easily. The rains later in the year are happily embraced by Thai people as they celebrate its importance for the ongoing growth and annual life cycle of crops such as rice. As you near the end of September experience Mahidol Day, a national holiday in remembrance of Prince Mahidol, the father of Thailand’s current King, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. This day once again reflects the importance of Thailand’s Royal Monarchy with Thai people. For fall semester students nearing the half way point of their teen life experience in Thailand it’s a good time to look back and reflect on everything learned as the remaining months fly by. 

 

October

Following some good rain and a sudden spurt in plant life, there’s lots of natural produce available in October. This coincides with traditional celebrations in Chinese culture and it’s not uncommon for there to be different food festivals across regions of Thailand. Most festivals are for vegetarian food and include endless markets of cheep delicious snacks prepared in celebration. Towards the end of October Thailand celebrates Chulalongkorn Day a national holiday in memory of King Chulalongkorn the Great. His Majesty King Rama V led several major reforms in the Kingdom of Thailand, including developments in Thai education and military forces. He was also responsible for establishing Thailand’s earliest railroads. His Majesty’s accomplishment’s mark an important period of the Chakri dynasty and are very much worthy of celebration with the people of Thailand today. Late October also sees the end of Buddhist lent whereby monks complete the three month period of prayer and meditation. For some teens who have pledged commitment as novice monks during this time and stayed within the temple monetary, the end of lent allows them to return home to see family and friends. It’s not uncommon for families to hold small parties to celebrate the end of lent and another great opportunity for you to involve yourself in all the festivities.  

 

November

It might be hard to believe but you’ve been in Thailand for most of the fall and are now nearing to the end of your semester program in Thailand. Most students cannot believe the time has gone so quick and feel like there is so much more to experience before returning home for Christmas with family and friends. Everyone from your local Thai community will be sad to see you go and to celebrate your time together with them, the last week will most certainly involve farewell celebrations and a school party. Your high school will be very proud to have hosted you as a program student and will show there gratitude by presenting you with an award for your cultural achievement. For those students leaving this month, experience one last celebration and spectacular sight, with Thailand’s national Loy Kratong Festival. This is considered by many to be the most enchanting celebration of the Thai year and one not to be missed. Join your host family and friends as they float beautifully decorated reefs across local rivers or lakes for future good luck. During the celebration watch as thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky and float for miles in a spectacular array of colour. The occasion is truly breathtaking.

 

December

For late fall students, December offers one more month of adventure and cultural exploration and an extra special opportunity to experience the most important celebration of the year for Thai people, the birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. Join your host family and visit your local temple to show respect and make merit together. On this special day Thai people join nationwide by wearing yellow shirts that signify the colour of His Majesty the King. Where ever you are in Thailand, local parks and gardens fill with people to celebrate in song and happiness. This special time of year is truly overwhelming. If you’re staying until the end of December you’ll also celebrate Constitution Day which marks the Royal Family’s reign of the Kingdom under Thailand’s constitution. Following this day schools start to wind down for the Christmas period. Its time to say farewell to Thai friends and family and celebrate everything you’ve achieved with an end of program party before returning home.