Before I begin to write about my time in Thailand, can I just say one thing? Thailand was one of the best experiences of my life! The people, culture, drink and food are but a few of the splendors that Thailand has to offer. I mean it's so true what people say - Thailand is the Land of Smiles!
I arrived in Thailand as just my ordinary self; by the time I left I had become a student, teacher, friend, family member, that football falang and so much more.
My time in Thailand was split into two halves: the first, as a student (through Dragonfly's assigned TEFL course), and the second, as a teacher (a volunteer placement again organised by Dragonfly). Everything, from start to finish rocked super KOW PAT MOO!
I decided to do the TEFL on-the-beach course first, as I wanted a basic understanding for life out in the heart of Thailand. I mean it didnt take me much to work out how different Thailand was to England from looking at pictures on Google! The course itself was quite intense but because of the people on it and the length of my stay there (on a beautiful beach), it didnt at any point feel too daunting; in fact I found it really enjoyable. I can't remember the last time I properly used my brain.
A month later, irrespective of whether I passed the course of not (everyone passes), off I went traveling out into the heart of Thailand but as a Dragonfly Volunteer Teacher. I was placed in Udon Thani, a province located in I-San, the northeast region of Thailand.
I remember feeling quite nervous at this point, but all nerves soon vanished as when I got off the bus I was greeted with open arms by my very friendly and smiley host family.
The home placement that Dragonfly organised was perfect for me. My host family was very supportive and friendly, and did whatever they could to make me feel at home. My host sister (we got that close as friends) had a high level of English and this made things all the more enjoyable. I was forever occupied with stuff to do at the weekends and after finishing school. My sister took me to places only a handful of Thai people knew about and so I felt extremely lucky to experience what I did. My pictures on Facebook will explain all! Your browser may not support display of this image.
I taught at Katchupprachasan School (that had taken me 3 weeks to pronounce!) for about a month, teaching ages 13-18. It was my first time teaching but because of the course I did prior to my placement, teaching was such an enriching and beneficial experience. Big laughs all round. Oh the Thai people love to laugh! Who doesn't? The students were so willing to learn and despite the younger ones being very hyperactive at the site of a "falang" they too focused and calmed down when needed to. I am so surprised with how well the students respect their teachers. I don't remember it being like that when I was a kid. It was almost like being famous, continuously being brought to the attention of by everyone within school grounds. I was "sa-wat-di"-ed every morning by every student. Oh it's such an amazing place. I want to go back!
As a volunteer it's really opened my eyes to the wonders that lie out there. Thailand is definitely a place Im going back to visit... and Udon Thani will be first on my list.
The friends I made in Thailand are friends that I've made for life. It's really that simple. Here's to going back, laughing n joking whilst drinking some more of that wonderful intoxicating stuff- Sangsom! Too bad it's not sold over here! It really is!
Mr. Teelee
