Olga Volna

Olga was born in Russia. She has a family, son and husband. They like to travel and have visited some countries. One year ago she has moved to Thailand to stay in country with a soft and warm climate.

Why did you choose this program?

Our family likes to travel and it's much more easier to travel when you can speak English. That's why I choose General English Course, as this program helps to improve speaking skills. I choose Short Course because my son was staying with me and with this Short Course I have got possibility to enjoy the beach after classes.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

First English school assisted me with all necessary questions. Classes and accommodation and regular food issues. Also they provide transportation for my regular beach visits. The school's shuttle brought me and my son to the beach and back to school. There is no visas for Russians for 3 weeks, so, I haven't got any troubles with it. I have bought air tickets by myself only. It must be round trip tickets on your hands to enter to the Philippines.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

To study in the Philippines is a pleasure if you are not putting a lot of attention on small things. You can think this country is not so clean. And you can really see garbage on some streets, but Filipino people are very clean, they are showering everyday and brushing teeth a few times a day. All rooms and common areas in resorts are clean. I and my son ate in small cafe and restaurants and have never got any sickness. Just follow regular hygiene rules, and all will be good.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Every day after breakfast you have a word bucket test for 10 minutes, then classes starts. Man to man classes are provided in the big hall with cubical. First two classes I was not able to concentrate on my lesson, as there is a lot of teachers and students are speaking around, but later I used to get it. After 4 hours of classes me and my son go for the lunch and after lunch usually we enjoyed the sea and beach. Some times we went to a cafe for the desserts.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was worried about my son, how he can join the classes.. But after his first day of classes I've got peace in my mind. He was so excited to tell me about his classes. About some animals he know to name in English and ABC songs. Once I asked to observe him through the glass in class door and he looks very happy to be in his lessons. Just only once he complained to me that he was tired to stay a long time in the classroom and I had informed the teacher. The teacher said she would give more activities to him.

How as it interacting with your classmates?

I have met many interesting people in school. Students from Japan that are a different age. Some of them were communicative enough and we shared our experience of life to each other and trough those conversations I've got some new understanding of things. Now I change my life direction and trying a lot of new things.