Travel to Teach: Thailand Volunteer Story

Dave at the Meechai sports camp

Dave, 32, UK

After seven years of teaching in England I needed a break. I love to teach but was fed up of the long hours and inflexibility of my job.

I found a lot of organizations on the internet that where making big promises at very high prices so it was refreshing to find Travel to Teach who seemed to be trying to make a difference but at a much more affordable price.

I couldn't get on a plane quick enough. Thailand is just an amazing country. In Nong Khai where I stayed for all of my three months the people are warm, welcoming and live on what they have.

I taught at Meechai School during my stay, a school desperately in need of refurbishing. Travel to Teach Volunteers helped to completely change the entire school giving the children a chance to get a real education.

The students are wonderfully behaved and so warm and friendly. I taught the same class for my whole 3 months and you realize very soon what a difference you can make to their lives.

Travel to teach though is also about finding yourself and meeting some inspiring people. It's about immersing yourself in a culture where respect and family values are at the front of Thai society. To me I felt at home in a place free of crime where the pace of life is comfortable and I could escape from a stressful western life.

The secret of Travel to Teach is in its flexibility. I was able to start some evening teaching in Meechai community and together with volunteers we were teaching 45 students of all ages to speak English. Many of my friends chose to travel around Thailand teaching for 2 or 3 weeks in smaller villages but they always returned to Nong Khai.

Through my community teaching I got offered a job at a school 40km away in Si Chiang Mai as Assistant Principal so I am now back in Thailand taking volunteers to my school.

Some things can be tricky in Thailand when it comes to teaching. Some schools do have large class sizes and in Thailand time keeping is not always accurate but the excitement and happiness on the children's faces when they see you each morning is worth its weight in gold.

Slowly I am learning the language but Thai people are very patient and with perseverance it does get easier. Many of my friends here have stayed on in Thailand. Many more I keep in touch with by Email. I have no plans as yet to ever return and leave this beautiful land and I know the bonds I have made will last a lifetime.

Mini Gallery: