Travel to Teach: Thailand Volunteer Story

Bart, Holland

Volunteering in Thailand - enthusiastic is the best word to describe the feeling I had when I found T2T on the internet. Now I’m back in Europe and I can only say enthusiastic is still the best description!

I arrived in Pai at the beginning of September in 2007. I couldn’t believe my eyes on the trip from Chiang Mai to Pai by bus, such beautiful nature! That feeling didn’t changed when I arrived in Pai. While I was waiting (hihi Mam!) for Mam (our Thai ‘coordinator’ but above all our friend in Pai) I enjoyed the sun and the amazing view on Pai life. The best first impression I could ever imagine.

The introduction to the dorm was very nice. It’s not luxurious but you absolutely don’t need that in Thailand. It’s a very nice house to live in and it will become your home for sure, like the whole of Pai will become your new hometown. Everyone in the village is enjoying life to the fullest and everyone welcomes you into their happiness! Pai is small but not too small. It has all the things you need like a good internet connection and a lot of good restaurants.

The first days Mam took me and all the other volunteers on a trip around Pai and I was stunned by the amazing views and the beautiful waterfalls. Also Mam took us to the best bars in town at night where we got to know each other better and had a very good time! I really enjoyed my first days because they showed me that Pai was a really good choice.

I started teaching at the primary school in Pai. Together with the unforgettable teacher Pat Burns we taught the children (age 6 till 9) simple English words and sentences. It was an experience that I will never forget. I thought the children would be very disciplined and quiet but they where very enthusiastic and very busy in a good way. I went to school every day with a big smile on my face! It’s such a good feeling that you can make these children enthusiastic about the English language. Put on a big smile, don’t be shy and enjoy your time in class and you will never forget the children.

After the holiday period I started to teach at Paiwittayakarn High School where I was assisting the very funny teacher Kik. The students where more serious than at the primary school so I could teach them more special things. Also they understood more English so I could make some jokes. It was very nice to experience both schools and I had a very good time at both!

The best thing however about the Travel to Teach program in Pai is absolutely Mam Phaknoi. She started as my ‘coordinator’ but became a very good friend. She’s doing everything to make your time in Pai supurb. She will take you to bars and will show you the beauty of the environment. She will introduce you to her family and all the good things about Thai culture such as the great food and the friendliness of the people. When there’s a festival in Pai she will take you there, But above all she will be a good friend. Thank you Mam (Sung tung na!) for the good time! I will come back very soon because Pai has become a part of me!

Bart Sprangers, Holland, September - December 2007

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