Hi! I'm Declan, a recent graduate from Morse High School in Bath, Maine. I'm currently living in Nakhonsawan, Thailand as a Rotary Youth Exchange student—and it's been the adventure of a lifetime.
I've dreamed of being an exchange student for a very long time. The idea of complete cultural immersion has always fascinated me. I spent nearly a year applying with Rotary while simultaneously working on college applications (12 of them, actually!). It was a busy year, but both journeys led to exciting outcomes.
I grew up in midcoast Maine with my parents Monica and Amos, and my sister Frida, in a home along the Kennebec River. After my exchange year, I'll be heading to Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. The hospitality industry relies quite a lot on global perspectives, so I feel my time in Thailand is even more perfect as a bridge between high school and my future studies.
This blog is my way of sharing life in Thailand with everyone back home who wonders what I'm up to, and with anyone else curious about life as an exchange student. Blogging feels so retro these days, but after first finding out I'd be heading to Thailand, reading blogs from other exchange students was a surprisingly helpful source of information. If you haven't yet, read other people's blogs! Chloe Mayes and Sadie Rose have some good ones. Here are a few of my favorites →
If you're a future exchange student considering Thailand, feel free to reach out! My email is declanmarkwright@gmail.com. I'm happy to answer questions and share my honest experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions I get asked most often about my exchange year in Thailand:
What is a Rotary Youth Exchange?
Rotary Youth Exchange is a program run by Rotary International that allows high school students to live abroad for a year with host families while attending a local school. It's one of the oldest and most respected exchange programs in the world.
Why did you choose Thailand for your exchange year?
Thailand appealed to me because of its unique culture, friendly people, and safe environment. I was also drawn to the challenge of learning a completely different language and alphabet, and the opportunity to experience a culture very different from my own in Maine.
Is Thailand safe for exchange students?
Yes! Thailand is very safe for exchange students. My host families, school, and Rotary club all look out for me. Thai people are incredibly welcoming and helpful to foreigners. The country has excellent healthcare (and it's very affordable), and the community environment makes it easy to feel secure.
How hard is it to learn Thai?
Thai is challenging but rewarding. The tonal system and new alphabet take time to learn, but daily immersion helps tremendously. I started with basic phrases before arriving and now, halfway through my exchange, I can have conversations and understand most of what people say. Watching Thai TV shows and listening to Thai music really helps!
What's Thai school like compared to American schools?
Thai schools are much more relaxed academically, but have stronger expectations around uniforms, respect for teachers, and daily rituals like the national anthem. Class sizes are larger, and there's a bigger focus on community and social activities. I'm in the Multilingual Program which focuses on English, Chinese, and Japanese.
How much does a year in Thailand cost?
Rotary Youth Exchange is relatively affordable compared to other programs. The main costs are program fees (around $5,000-7,000 depending on your district), flights, insurance, and spending money. Host families provide food and housing. Thailand itself is very affordable—a meal costs $1-2, and transportation is cheap.
What's the food like in Thailand?
Amazing! Thai food is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly varied. I eat rice with almost every meal, along with curries, stir-fries, soups, and lots of fresh vegetables. Street food is everywhere and very affordable. Fair warning though: Western food in Thailand is pretty bad, so embrace the local cuisine!
What advice would you give to future Thailand exchange students?
Start learning Thai before you arrive—even basic phrases help immensely. Be open to trying new foods and experiences. Prepare for the heat (though it's manageable with AC). Most importantly, say yes to everything and put yourself out there. The Thai people are so welcoming if you show genuine interest in their culture.