Travel to Teach: Volunteer Stories

Volunteer Story: Anne, 37, Switzerland

On my arrival in Nongkhai, I was informed that I would teach in a high school situated between Udon Thani and Loei. I was eager to get there and to integrate into my new environment. A homestay for me was the best way of discovering Thai culture, learning and above all contributing to a project involving an Isan school.

I was warmly welcomed by the Director of the school as well as the staff of English teachers. Priority was on English communication with every group being given the chance of having at least one lesson with me. I then started teaching, working with classes with up to 45 students on small dialogues (“introduce yourself”, “how do you feel today”, “countries in the world”, “what do you like doing after school” …). I tried to communicate with each of the students to give them the opportunity of testing their own knowledge and going beyond the shyness they usually show when talking to a “farang”. Activities included drawing, singing and lots of working in small groups and pairs.

Three weeks was a very short time, but we all tried to make the most of it. The students of Khamsaenwittayasan were very enthusiastic, eager to communicate and learn, and I was impressed by the effort they made to understand, talk and then use what they learned with me when seeing me on the market, in the street or in the internet cafe.

I taught 4 hours a day and took the opportunity of discovering the area by bike, bus or plane mainly during weekends. My colleague, Jawan, gave me a lot of very interesting and useful information about Thai culture, schools and every day life in Isan. I am very grateful to have had the chance of spending these weeks with her, her family and her colleagues. I will never forget the special Isan dinner as well as the farewell party they organized for me and am very thankful for their generosity and kindness.

“Nit noy, mai pen lai, reo reo” ... on the day I left, my Thai level was far to low the be of any use in saying goodbye and how happy my days Na Klang had been. I hoped that the students of Khamsaenwittayasan School could make one more step in improving their English skills and learn as much as I did during these 3 weeks. I wish them all the very best.

Email: Anne

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