If you`re from Williston, chances are you`ve seen a few new faces in town. They`re working at grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, and even the Dairy Queen. It`s thanks to a special program that brings young workers from Thailand to America.
Two months ago these girls boarded a plane in Thailand, and flew to America for the very first time. And for most of these college students, working at Dairy Queen is their first job ever, and they love it.
"In Thailand we cannot talk to each other if we don`t know each other. Not talk, not say hi. But in here, when we walk past someone you hear, `hi, how are you doing?` says Anondad Tatip. "Everybody is so cute. The manager is good, everybody is good. It’s nice. I like it here very much" says May, another one of the new Dairy Queen workers.
The owner says it would be really hard to operate without a program like this. The girls here have become best friends over the last few months, and the ice cream they make isn`t so bad either.""They have been lifesavers to us. They help tremendously. I don`t know what we would be able to do without them" says Dairy Queen store owner Essie Wright.
Essie says it`s been hard to find employees because so many people are turning to oil jobs. When World Work and Travel approached her with this opportunity, it was one she could not let go. "These programs have been great for the community because all of us employers in Williston have been up against the same problem. Not enough employees, but surging businesses. It`s a win, win situation for the kids and the community" says Wright.
The girls will stay in Williston for three months then go back to Thailand. They were provided housing, and say aside from seeing family, they`re not quite sure if they want to go home. "I want to go home, but I want to stay here too. I`ll go back home, and then come back here. I just miss them” says Tatip.
“I don`t want to go back to Thailand! I don`t want to. I love it here, I like the cold weather. I don`t like the hot weather, I don`t like it!” says Mint. The girls say they pay World Work and Travel to find them jobs away from home. Their goals are to make new friends, learn how different businesses operate, and lean new languages.