Travel to Teach: Thailand Volunteer Story

Karina, US

I volunteered in Pai and Namsom so got to see two very different areas of Thailand. Pai was just what everyone says: it has such a relaxing atmosphere and is surrounded by green hills and mountains. Teaching English added a lot as I got to meet the children and be introduced to the Thai school system. The children were young and teaching was difficult at times but I had a great experience interacting with them every day. One month is a short time but I definitely made some connections with the children and many names and faces stay in my mind for many different reasons.

Namsom was a very different place than Pai. We were really the only farang there and having people stare at you takes a bit of getting used to-especially if you are a tall girl! I assisted a teacher with about 6 different classes. Learning names was impossible but again a few students stood out to me. They were embarrassed for me to check their work by having them repeat me for pronunciation but I could tell that they really enjoyed it as well. A few of the students also tried speaking English to me, which was awesome to see. If they can feel confident and comfortable trying to speak then I’ve done my job. We even had kids over after school for some English lessons. We also got to interact and I even went on bicycle rides with them and learn more Thai as well.

The teachers were wonderful in Namsom and included us in many cultural experiences as well. I saw a local aerobics competition, a massive school competition, a temple festival, a wedding, a historical park and the school camp where I even got all dressed up. These were people and places that I would never have got to see any other way. Lots of great memories are coming with me, as well as a lot of great connections with the Thai people and other volunteers as well.

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