You Can’t Predict the Weather
By Adriana Klopfer, Work and Travel Employer Services Coordinator
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CCI hosted 4 Job Fairs in Bangkok with 2 employers earlier this month to show our support for the spring 2011 program amidst extensive flooding in and north of Bangkok this year.
Many Thai universities were forced to close their doors and delay classes for 1-3 months and shorten student summer breaks.
The US embassy held an important meeting on November 18 where the US Consular Official announced that 4th year students were granted the flexibility to participate on the spring or summer program, depending on class schedules. The official is a great proponent of the J1 Work and Travel program in Thailand and wants to see that students pursue their dreams of working and traveling in the US. First, second and third year students at flooded institutions have the option to delay their studies by one semester (which many are not electing to do) or participate on shorter programs, starting in April and May.
While I interviewed a young lady for a housekeeping position, I asked her to tell me about her cleaning experience. “I have a lot of experience cleaning everything in my house because of the floods and water everywhere!” She replied, somewhat laughing, which is a very pure reflection of the optimism that is so apparent in Thai culture.
A few of our sending partners were even forced to vacate their homes because of rising floodwaters. They continue to work around the clock preparing their enrolled students for their work programs in the US, while also tackling a 40% student cancellation due to financial and scheduling limitations.
CCI extends its gratitude and appreciation to all of our employers who are flexible in the hiring dates for Thai students this season, as they are extremely excited to travel to the United States for this once in a lifetime experience.
