Young star remembers life in small town USA.
Student exchange programmes have become very popular among Thai high school students. They give young Thais the chance to stay in a foreign country where they can learn a different culture and language as they study with international classmates.
The singer and actress Jidapa Siribunchawan (Jida) is best known for her roles on the TV shows Duck Series, Underwear and Geb Rak (Saving Love). She took part in a student exchange programme to the US when she was 15 years old. Jida spent a year in the small town of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, where she went to Faith Christian Academy. The young star’s experiences had a big impact, helping her to become more mature.
S Weekly sat down with the 18-year-old at the MBO office where she told us about her American adventure.
Why were you interested in the exchange programme?
Jida: When I was 11 years old, I spent a month in New Zealand for a summer course. I really enjoyed it. So when I learned about the exchange programme at my school, I applied immediately. I imagined that it would be like the high schools you see in American movies. I thought it would be fun.
What was it like in Pennsylvania?
Jida: I expected to see skyscrapers because the US is a developed country. But I stayed in Sellersville, which is a small town that looks a bit like Khao Yai.
Can you tell us about Faith Christian Academy?
Jida: Like Thai schools, they had strict rules about clothes. I once wore leggings to class and they sent me home to change.
How good was your English before you went?
Jida: During primary school, my English was terrible. Fortunately, I then had a tutor I really liked. She made lessons fun and I became the top student in my English classes. So when I was in the US, I was able to communicate with people quite well. I tried to imitate their accents as much as I could.
Was it difficult living with a host family?
Jida: Not at all. They took good care of me. The host mother was a chef, so the food she made was fantastic. She told me that I was her favourite student. I got along with the host daughter very well. She cried a lot when I had to go home to Thailand.
What are the main differences between classes in the US and in Thailand?
Jida: Thai students are too shy to answer questions in a class, but American students like to speak up. At first, I was worried about getting the answer wrong. But nobody laughed at me if I gave an incorrect answer. I liked the way students participated in class. It was good that everybody took an active part in learning.
Did you experience any difficulties?
Jida: I was very shy to begin with. On the first day, I didn’t know who to sit with in the cafeteria at lunch. I decided to eat by myself. The next day, I met other exchange students, so I hung out with them. We were a mix of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, American and Thai students.
Were there any problems with bullies?
Jida: Yes. I once saw a gang of boys in my neighbourhood staring at me. I tried to avoid eye contact, but they chased me on motorbikes. I ran into a nearby Dairy Queen. They came in looking for me, so I covered my head with a hood. Eventually they left and I could go home. It was like a scene in a movie.
What was the best thing about the programme?
Jida: I became a different person. In the beginning, I was very shy, but the experience helped me to become confident.
What impressed you most about life in the US?
Jida: I was impressed by the way that Americans have the confidence to express themselves. And I liked the attitude that you don’t have to be perfect. Asian people are too obsessed with being skinny.
