Posted September 2009

The first thing to say about teaching in northeast Thailand is that it will probably be the most eye opening experience you could imagine.  I have been teaching there for 3 weeks and have seen unbelievable things like the Buddhist ceremonies, food gathering from the villagers with the monks as part of their tradition.  Seeing the spectacular temples with their stunning architecture and history, feeding wild monkeys nuts out of your hand.  As long as you immerse yourself in the culture, you will discover a great place.

My accommodation was at the temple itself.  Accommodation was okay.  You get used to not having western luxuries.  The villagers are very welcoming and they will try to keep giving you food after food.  They are extremely helpful with your needs.

Teaching the novice monks was an experience.  Novice monks enjoy games and songs to learn English.  I suggest to anyone going there to volunteer that you learn some Michael Jackson songs, as they just love that guy.  Also football is a great subject for them to focus on while learning English.

J.D., 27

Posted June 2009:

I came to Thailand in June with a good friend of mine.  We were both new to the country and it was actually the first time I had been so far from home without my parents.  I arrived feeling very nervous and afraid both about teaching itself and about Thailand.  Due to recent exams at university I had done little preparation before arriving in Thailand making matters worse.

However, we were greeted at the airport by a representative of the agency and driven to the volunteer house in Bangkok to meet the principals.  As soon as we met with these kind and friendly people I felt my fears start to disappear.  However, I was teased to death about the size (big) of my suitcase!  (Tip:  don't bring any summer clothes.  They are so cheap to buy here).  

We then got an orientation/introduction to the program including rules and regulations; traditions, etc.  We also learned about the kind of experience we were likely to have and how to ensure we made the most of it.  In addition we were told about some of the placement locations and it was suggested that we work in a school in the north of Thailand.    We both agreed readily attracted by the sights we would see and what we would gain from the plac we were to visit as well as the people we would meet. 

We were taught a few basic Thai phrases but unfortunately I don't think I was very good but was very grateful for the effort.  We felt at home at the volunteer house and were able to shower and freshen up.  We made a trip to a nearby mall so we could buy a few things and get a feel for the country.  That was very useful.  We left that evening for Chiang Rai.

We arrived Monday morning at 7 a.m. and were greeted by the school Director and the principal of the school.  My first impression of the Director was that he was a warm and friendly gentleman who we could depend on.  Time proved that these initial impressions were right and we were readily welcomed into the teaching community.  Teachers often brought us gifts of fruit and desserts. 

What struck us as we met the children was how well behaved and eager they were to learn.  This made us feel happy to teach them and I began to look forward to each class.   The younger classes required a lot of patience and repetition to ensure the lessons were effective.

Out and about

On the weekends were visited Buddhist temples, the city of Chiang Rai and a nearby elephant camp where we rode on elephants.  The border area between Burma and Thailand is very beautiful and just in one weekend I saw things that were impossibly impressive to describe.  

These two weeks, although difficult, were the best two weeks I have ever had, an experience I thoroughly recommend.  Thanks to everyone and I wish future volunteers the best of luck.

Kate, 22

Posted April 2009

When I first arrived in Bangkok, I was very apprehensive, as it was my first trip to Thailand.  The questions I had at the back of my mind were:  where would I stay?  with whom?  how would the children behave? would I fit in with other volunteers?  would delivering lessons to students be difficult?

All these questions would be answered by the VTT staff in Bangkok.  Arriving in the placement school in southern Thailand in the early hours of Monday, I was received by a very caring and kind lady who reallly made me feel at home.  She is the owner of the private school.  I felt very comfortable and relaxed straight away.  The place was very neat and tidy.  It wasn't unlivable but was surelly very different from home!

As it was summer school camp at the time, there were only a few number of pupils attending, as they were taught three hours a day and split into three lessons, English, Math and Thai. I had the kindergarten children (five in a class.)  The pupils were a great pleasure as they were very smartly dressed, well behaved, very keen to learn and respected back, the only issue was they were very shy to speak. 

I had to introduce activity lessons, eg, using balls, flash cards, color cards etc.  These games built their confidence in speaking loudly in order to be heard.  As I only had one week of teaching due to the bank holidays and the new year.  the other game that would be useful are Pass the Parcel, this would be a good way to introduce classroom objects to the kids.  Drawing a room, eg, table, telephone, lamp and chair and TV with 5 prepositions should be enough. 

My experience has been of a life time. I enjoyed every moment of it.  It was a shame I couldn't stay longer due to job commitments.  I wish every volunteer all the best of luck and to make the most of it. 

A special thanks to all the staff in Bangkok for their hospitality and help.

Gurdep, 24

Posted February 2009

This was my first time doing volunteer work and it was also my first time teaching.  So you can imagine how nervous I felt when I arrived in Thailand.  Very!

When I was told that my placement was in a very poor area, I expected my stay to be difficult and uncomfortable.  However, I was surprised to find that the living arrangements were actually quite comfortable and pleasant.  Two girl volunteers were actually teaching at the school when I arrived.  So three of us girls stayed with the same family.  I was really lucky to be doing the volunteer placement with 2 such lovely girls.  The family we stayed with were extremely kind to us, making sure we were well fed--they gave us loads to eat!  They always made sure we were comfortable and wanted us to be happy.  I am very grateful to have met such happy, kind and thoughtful people.  The teaching was quite an experience.  I had good and bad days, depending on which class I got but generally I enjoyed it.  Class 1 (the younger) were difficult, as there were a few really naughty boys who wouldn't pay attention and just run around the class hitting each other.  The majority of students however were willing and keen to learn.  They were very sweet! 

We also met the monks.  There was one monk in particular who took the time to speak to us in English and to talk about Buddhism which was very interesting.  It was so nice to see the importance that these village people attach to family life.  They are all very close-knit and their families are huge!

I would definitely love to go back to Thailand one day and to see these warm, kind hearted people again.

Sarah, 23