I wanted to go to the States because it was a unique opportunity to be able to improve my English skills, learn more about Western culture and also for the experience I would gain. Indirectly, I was also able to prove to my parents that I can be independent.

It was through an organization called ‘Study Abroad’ that I was able to do this and before I go any further, I’d like to give them a big thank you. Anyway, after going through and being successful with the application process, I soon found that the day of departure was quickly drawing down on me. Initially, I was really excited but as my day of departure came closer I started to feel sad. I was going to miss my family, my friends and my country. Anyway, everyone was supporting me, insisted that a year is not a long time and that I should go. It was a once in a lifetime chance.

Anyway, before I knew it, I was boarding the plane. It was the very first plane I’d been on and it was huge. How could so many people fit into it … and more importantly, how was it going to get off the ground?! We were soon airborne and the feeling was awesome. It was a very long flight and it made me really tired. I had to change planes in the States to a very small plane with only three people on! It was small, and I was really scared and I prayed and prayed. We soon arrived safely in Pendleton, Oregon. Pendleton was where I’d be spending the next year, and there to meet me was my new ‘family’ and seven other Foreign Exchange students from other parts of the world. They were so nice to me and seemed and I just knew I was going to enjoy being there.

It was August when I arrived and the weather was warm and comfortable, but still nowhere as hot as it gets in Thailand. We did so many things it is impossible to write about everything. We went ten-pin bowling, horse riding, visited a farm and fed the animals. I also tried fishing and of course I loved going shopping!

Soon the winter came and for the very first time in my life I was able to see real snow falling. It was dropping from the sky, a brilliant white and I was fascinated by it all. We all went outside to play! We built snowmen, went sledging, skiing and threw snowballs at each other. Great fun was had by all but it was very cold.

Christmas Day is a big religious celebration in America and we joined in. We counted down to when the day started and then had fun until 2am when we had some hot tea and then went to bed, very tired.

Before I knew it, it was soon time for me to travel back to Thailand. I didn’t want to go, as it meant leaving my host family and all the friends I had made during my time in Pendleton. I knew I had to go, but after such a fantastic year it was hard thinking about living in Thailand again. Anyway I was soon on my way and that wonderful year will be etched in my heart forever. I have such great memories.

Back ‘home’ in Thailand, it was great to be with my real family and friends again. I’m now back at school with my old friends and continuing with my studies. Who knows? Maybe one day in the future, I’ll be able to meet up with some of the wonderful people who made my trip to Oregon so enjoyable.

Thank you so much to my parents, my host family, my Foreign Exchange ‘sisters’, Kanlayaneesithammarat School English Program and most of all Study Abroad for making everything possible.