Thank You is Not Enough

Having just come back from Thailand, after volunteering for two weeks through Friends for Asia I can honestly say that this experience has renewed my faith in international volunteer programs.  In the past I have volunteered through other organizations in India, Haiti and Peru; all valuable experiences however short of the now high precedent that Friends for Asia has ranked in my heart.
                To begin the volunteer experience Friends for Asia provides a two-day orientation process that includes teaching basic Thai language, cultural norms and acceptable behavior, what to expect in your program and even in-city transportation. The volunteer houses are spacious and clean, laundry is available (yes each house has a washer), the kitchen and living rooms are modern, the bedrooms are comfortable. In addition, a program coordinator is on-site everyday, to assist with directions, suggestions for site-seeing and travel and to support you throughout your time with Friends for Asia.
For my volunteer project, I taught English to Buddhist monks at the Demonstration Pali School. I felt very welcomed by the monks and school staff and found that the monks were very eager to learn English and about myself and my culture. The lesson plans may not have always been followed exactly but I have never smiled more. Being in the monks company was a truly joyful time in my life.
I highly recommend this organization to anyone interested in visiting Thailand and is looking for an amazing life-enriching experience. I cannot express my gratitude enough to Todd, the program director and Aom, May, and Manong, the program coordinators, thank you from the bottom of heart!