FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June  8, 2005
CONTACT: Sarah Lingenfelter, Media Relations (585) 567-9559

HOUGHTON STUDENTS TEACH ENGLISH IN THAILAND

HOUGHTON, N.Y. — Seven Houghton College students and Houghton’s Dean of the Chapel John Brittain traveled to Thailand for a 21-day mission experience during the college’s Mayterm.

“This trip gave the group an opportunity to see three of the four regions of Thailand, to experience both urban and rural settings, to minister from their strength as native English speakers and to have a taste of relief work,” commented Brittain.

Arriving in Bangkok, the group went through short-term missionary training at the Muang Thai Church and headed to Uttaradit, where they staffed a three-day English camp for all ages. Heading to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat for short) they visited public schools teaching English as a second language. Here they taught classes in six schools ranging from a seven story urban school of 2,800 students to a rural school with a total enrollment of 52.

After leaving Korat the group traveled to Phangna, one of the areas most devastated by the Tsunami. They spent several days helping a family build a new home to replace theirs which the storm destroyed. “While this labor was merely symbolic compared to the amounts being donated to the region, we do feel it was helpful to this particular family,” said Brittain.

The trip concluded with the group teaching English as a second language in public schools in a region in Bangkok. Trina Mast, a junior at Houghton and a resident of Fillmore, noted that “More than just practicing vocabulary it was the conversations, singing, and games that really helped me learn to open up and love these girls. Our witness was providing a service that is in highest demand in Thailand and trying to show each child they are special.

To read more about the trip or view more pictures visit http://www.houghton.edu/spirit/Thailand.htm.