Amazing time in Northern Thailand

My internship was in a school located in the Upper Northeast of Thailand. They enroll around 200 students in kindergarten to secondary grades and wish to provide them with a positive and effective learning environment where they can discover the fun of learning new things. A wonderful message, I believe. I worked there as an active teaching assistant and promoted valuable learning experiences through project-based activities, outdoor games, cross-cultural exchanges and field trips. It was my first time in Thailand (and Asia!) and it was amazing. Immediately when I arrived, I was welcomed by a couple of parents. It felt right instantly. They were incredibly kind and caring. Since I came in on a long weekend, I met up with my Meiji coordinator and colleagues before visiting the school. They took me sightseeing and for the most delicious meals. I was asked whether I wanted to work in kindergarten or primary school. I wanted to do both and luckily I could because there was no other intern. The principal then made a schedule for me. I assisted with PE, Art and English as well as giving a couple of classes on my culture. Everyone was always so kind in interested in getting to know me. My colleagues seemed a bit shy at first, but later when I got to know them better, we became friends.

Communication, in general, was what I struggled with the most. Sometimes, I could not understand the children in the kindergarten because they did not know English all too well. But I suppose that is part of the experience of being a foreigner. Gestures and basic Thai words which I had picked up worked just fine! I just wish I had taken some actual Thai classes before as it would have helped immensely.

Most of the days after school or on the weekend, parents, teachers or Meiji staff would invite me to come eat with them or to travel. They want you to have the best experience. I stayed for 2 months and wish it had been longer. I would love to come back and visit everyone! Thank you!