Travel to Teach: Thailand Volunteer Story

Leng lesson planning with Judith and Evelyn.

Li Ling Song, 18, UK

My first impressions of the organisation were that it was nothing like the big profit making American companies who charge ridiculous amounts of money but a relaxed friendly atmosphere with a strong incentive to teach the English language to the local people. I immediately felt at home with the staff and the other volunteers that I met.

For me, I stayed during the period where it was the school holidays the summer camps that were organised which were so much fun - for the kids and the volunteers! I'll always remember the songs sang in Namsom: 'Aaaaa side a side a side a side a front and back!' (more like I can't forget it because it's stuck in my head!!) teaching difficult grammar to adults in Sangklaburi and making the children sing maroon 5 in Nongkhai. (Never again!!)

Another great thing is the flexibility of Travel to Teach. You could teach one week and choose to travel one week or two and come back to carry on teaching, although staying for several weeks at one site creates stability for the students.

You meet a lot of the local people and you soon realise just how friendly Thai people are, asking you to join then for dinner, teaching you some Thai or even sharing a bottle of Sang Som or two!

My 6 weeks flew by and before I knew it, it was my time to leave. It was hard to leave behind a place where you've made so many memories and many friends. I've definitely gained new experiences. Volunteer English teaching in a foreign country is definitely the best way to experience a new culture.

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