ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — A group of foreign exchange students from Thailand have been living, going to school and working in Orange Beach over the past three months.

Last week, Sgt. Jay Dempsey of the Orange Beach Police Department introduced the students at the Orange Beach Committee of the Whole meeting.

“These students saved a lot of money in order to be able to come here and experience life,” Dempsey said. “They all had to purchase a bicycle.  This was not an inexpensive trip for any of them.”

According to Dempsey, as well as representatives from McDonalds and Publix Supermarket where the students have been working, they have been an asset to the community.

“These students are not just here for fun. This is part of their schooling,” Dempsey explained. “But they are great kids. They have stayed here, they have spent their money here, and they love to shop.”

Upon the completion of their three-month stay, most of the students will be returning home. Six of them are headed to Orlando, Fla.

The students posed for a photo with Mayor Tony Kennon and the Orange Beach City Council, and a flag was presented to them that had been flying over Orange Beach City Hall during their stay.