For several years, Helen Rapp had been asking her parents to host a foreign exchange student. When they agreed last spring, Helen began an online search which led her to the Education First High School Exchange Year program. Her research eventually connected Helen with Phakinee Sirivoravit, a.k.a. Best, of Thailand.

Best, who normally resides outside of Bangkok, decided to join the exchange student program because, in her words, “I really want to be good in English.” Education First allowed her to choose among placements in England, Ireland and the United States. Her decision to accept the Rapp family’s invitation has proven felicitous. As Best explains, “My personality matches here. It’s so cool to be in school here.”

In spite of a less than auspicious start when the normally 23 hour flight from Thailand was delayed an extra 10 hours in Dubai, Best easily acclimated herself to her new environment. Helen and Best, sophomores at Salisbury High School, enjoy each other’s company but pursue different interests.

Helen enjoys art, music and cooking and takes part in Salisbury’s Debate team and Model United Nations.

Best participates in cheerleading, the stage crew for “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and Best Buddies. As a Best Buddy, she tutors special needs students. Best intends to participate in spring track and field events.

In spite of their different tastes, the girls have developed a strong camaraderie.

Helen said she is “...surprised that we have so much in common,” and Best describes her life in the Rapp household as “...feel[ing] like I am home.”

Good hosts, the Rapps are providing Best with a variety of experiences. Together they have viewed Niagara Falls, visited Canada and toured Washington, D.C.

According to Bambi Guptill, the Education First representative who oversees Best’s placement, exchange students often connect their experiences in the United States with American movies they have seen at home. A return trip to Washington, D.C. is planned, and Best, a fan of “Night at the Museum” is very enthused about touring the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History.

Best’s sojourn focuses not only on the benefits she will absorb through exposure to a foreign culture but also on her outreach activities as a Thai ambassador. In this capacity, she has given presentations to students in a variety of schools throughout the Salisbury School District. Images of Thailand introduce children to ceremonial Thai clothing, Best’s school dress code and fried insects, a Thai street snack.

Best also takes advantage of everyday activities as a means to share her culture. For example, Best made traditional Thai cuisine for her food and cultures class. According to Salisbury High School Principal Heather Morningstar, “Other kids learn a lot from her.”

Salisbury’s first full time exchange student in at least 10 years, Best views her stay in the U.S. as an adventure and states, “I want to experience everything as much as possible.” In return, she willingly shares her life experiences.

For Phakinee Sirivoravit, the Rapp family and the Salisbury School District, this exchange is one of the best.