tmvolunteers.org

Fri 13th Nov
Took my first load of laundry to the lady in Thai Muang, travelling with a laundry basket shoved between your legs, very ladylike! Anders collected it for me and brought it to the house which was great as it was much heavier wet, I hadn’t thought about that!! One large load cost 30 baht – 50 pence! Had a young Thai girl, Andoo come to stay with her cat, called Beak. Beak decided to go outside and disappeared for a while!! I went to a birthday meal with ‘Doon’ a student of Anders. She was 25 and her present from her parents was their blessing for her happiness. Can you imagine what a 25 yr old in UK would say to that? Beak came back and Andoo and I sat outside for a while chatting. Very pleasant evening.

Sat 14th Nov
Up at 6.00 to get an early bus to Phuket with Andoo. The bus took an hour and a half and cost 60 Baht – just over £1.00! Wow was Phuket busy and hot? We wandered round and Andoo was looking for a flat to rent, she found one, amazing she just walked up to sales people in shops and asked around. It may well not be what she wants for the duration but certainly will suffice for the present. We went shopping, had lunch and went to Central shopping plaza. There were so many white people! I then went to Tescos. A little disappointed, couldn’t find any cereal although I’ve been told its there! Better luck next time. Back to Thai Muang on a very smart bus and then early night.

Sun 15th Nov
Up at 7.00 as Andoo was leaving for Phuket at 8.00, Anders had arranged a lift for her. I was sorry to say goodbye to Andoo and Beakie! It was nice to have some company. Lazy day, a little cleaning, washing and reading. Went to a funeral in the evening with Net. Anyone that knows the deceased goes along to, I guess what we’d call a wake, makes a donation for the food and listens to 8 Buddist monks chanting. Not a bad experience, just a word of advice, do not sit in front of the speakers!

Mon 16th Nov
Am with Fon’s students this week, mechanics and computer students first up. Not too bad. Had lunch with Fon in the canteen, tasty but I was concerned by what Fon was eating but didn’t say anything, however I was to find out what it was the next day!! We arranged to have a meeting with Sunisa and Anders later to discuss how we are going to do these English lessons. They are not getting the best from me and I’m incredibly frustrated with the student’s lack of English. They can read and repeat, parrot fashion but the minute you ask them the same question but in a different order, they’re lost, completely. They write beautifully, probably because they’ve been doing it for 6 years, copying down what has been written on the board. They have little to no understanding of what they have written. It’s so sad.
Did I forget to mention the rain? Seriously when I say rain I mean the heaviest and wettest rain that you could imagine. One minute blazing sunshine, then the wind starts and low and behold the heavens open! The thunder is to say the least thunderous! And the lightening, a sight to be seen. Having said that, it doesn’t stop anyone from getting out and about and when in Rome etc….. and so there I was in flip flops, ¾ length trousers, shirt, very thin jacket all covered by a very fetching purple plastic rain mac with the hood held in to place by my baseball cap! Anders had threatened to take a photo and so you guys may get the last laugh yet! However, travelling in the wind and rain on a motor cycle has two drawbacks – firstly the mac wouldn’t stay over my knees and so was soaked and secondly, my glasses steamed up! Great fun but once inside I was dry within ¼ of an hour! The track outside the house is a challenge though as the puddles just grow and grow until its totally covered in water and you just hope for the best that you don’t hit a pot hole on your way through!

Tues 17th Nov.
Great class with Fon, computer and accounting students, we managed to get beyond the introductions, my name is and where I live to what they do during the day and at what time! Satisfaction. Short lived as I then had 6 mechanics and it was back to square one with my asking the question “What is your name”? answer “I live in…….”! Trying to get them to understand ‘to have’ was almost an impossibility but I think in the end we made it with the help of lots of Thai translation! I went to the canteen again with Fon and this time she ordered me a special treat – yes, you’ve guessed -what she had been eating the previous day. When I looked at it, I thought “they look just like chicken’s feet”! Guess what they were! I had to say something to Fon and explained that we English didn’t really go in for chicken’s feet but thanks all the same. Fortunately she saw the funny side and took them back to the kitchen! The whole school could have heard my sigh of relief!! Meal with Anders and Doon in the evening as Net had gone to another funeral. Again, I witnessed another culinary delight (apparently) this time Ander’s ate it……. a duck’s beak! Have you ever heard the like? Good lord whatever next…….(Actually, I don’t even want to think about it, I find not thinking too much about things is by far the very best way!!) Rode my bike in the pouring rain, covered head to toe in plastic and carrying my laundry basket – what an experience!

Tues 17th Nov
Accounting and computer students were first for today. Very good class, their English was more advanced than any other group that I’ve been with. I was able to go a little further with them, their names, where they live, where they go to college and the times of the day and what they did at those times. It felt really good to actually get somewhere! Wham, into the next class, mechanics and it took me right back to day one. When I asked “where do you live”? the answer I got was “My name is……” It took me ages to help them understand the word where and its meaning. I then moved on to the alphabet and its sounds. Went back to ‘where is something’ and they had no reply! It’s totally demoralising. The basics need to be taught to these students but there isn’t any time. Can you imagine, they have big exams in February, which includes English, and what their chances might be of getting good results!

Wed 18th Nov
Only one lesson today and so I had a late start, actually I had an even later start as my bike wouldn’t start. Rang Anders who came and collected me and took me to school, wasn’t too late. Good lesson with accounting and marketing students, it makes such a difference when it goes well. Got a lift from the Asst Director in his brand new very smart 4 wheel drive thingy and he dropped me at George’s Pizza. I have become addicted to Veronica’s cold coffee, absolutely delicious! Anders picked me up and I went back to the house to wait for Tin (owner of bike) and his mechanic. Apparently, I had a flat battery – (the bike has….) easily remedied and I’m out and about again. Dinner in town with Anders and Net, it’s so nice to know that I have company every evening and I’m always home by 8.30pm!

Thurs 19th Nov
Two classes today, first Mechanics. They were really quite good and we managed to talk about the family and who lives where so all in all a good lesson and they seemed to enjoy it especially when we did the alphabet and I asked for a word for each letter, amazing how many makes of car and bike they know! Then I had a tourism class, these students were excellent (in comparison to some of the others!) and they really got involved in the lesson. It feels so great when you know they have learnt something new, mind you, am not sure how long they will remember it for. My weeks are split between two teachers and their students and so I don’t see this week’s students until the week after next and that’s way too long. Did I mention that each lesson is two hours long but the time doesn’t seem to drag!
Just figured that I haven’t really described the house. It’s out of town going towards Ban Kownoi and you get to it via dirt track. It has its own front garden with a huge pair of sliding gates (left open though) and a covered front porch. You enter straight into the living area, lounge, open plan area (call it what you will) its L shaped. Off this are two bedrooms. At the end are the kitchen and the bathroom. The kitchen is large with a tiled work top, sink and fridge. There are no cupboards and now I understand why (well for food really) because you must keep nearly everything in the fridge. The heat destroys things at an amazing speed. Speaking of the heat you must regularly air your clothes otherwise they start to smell! Odd but true. There is a covered back porch and back garden, have to add, not a single flower in sight! Every window has a built in metal window guard so windows can be left open but no-one can get in. Both front and back doors have the same metal gate. Each morning I leave both doors open and several windows, happy in the knowledge that it’s safe. Must confess it took me at least a week to feel comfortable about doing it! The house is relatively cool because of the air and it may mean that someone can’t get in but it doesn’t mean that something can’t get in! Every time I come home I call “Anyone home”? Just in the hope that if I have an unwanted visitor, mouse, very large spider, rat or snake, they hear me and think “That’s it I’m off she’s back”! I can forever live in hope. Actually it’s not been too bad but I still jump 6ft if something moves and I haven’t seen it beforehand! I may well still be doing that at the end of my time here. There are three electric fans in the house, an absolute necessity. Your fresh water comes in 20 litre containers which Anders kindly brings up. No way could I handle that and the motor cycle. There is water from the well (in the kitchen) apparently there is an abundance of water and every house (and new ones being built) have their own wells, a machine just comes along and drills into the natural water supply. Good water pressure too. There is a small house immediately next door but it’s empty at the moment. On the other side is a larger house, with flowers in their garden, and loads of dogs. Can’t figure whether all the dogs belong to people around here or whether they are mostly strays, I think after having talked to Anders, it’s the latter. Noisy lot is all I can say but you do get used to them. Just don’t plan on having a lay-in! No chance. I have now been here two weeks and have settled really well despite the total difference to our way of life. That was partly what this was all about, seeing a different culture, experiencing, learning and living it.

…to be continued.

Thurs 05.11.09

I arrived at Phuket airport following an eleven hour flight from Heathrow to Hong Kong, half an hour there and then a three hour flight to Phuket. All in all a good trip. Anders was at the airport to meet me which was wonderful and we drove to Thai Muang. We stopped on the way to buy a coke and never before have I drunk a coke from a small plastic bag, filled with ice and served with a straw!! Very interesting concept and understandable as there is money back on the bottles of drink.

Settled into the house for a couple of hours before Anders collected me, on the back of his motorbike, to make a tour of Thai Muang. He decided it would be a good idea for us to call into the Vocational College where I’ll be starting to teach on Monday, I was looking like a wreck but that didn’t stop him!! Took my first paddle in the Andaman Sea and chased a crab. Wow what an amazing view, 13 km of pure sandy beach. However there’s a very strong current and so swimming not advised but I’m sure I’ll get away with the occasional paddle.

First night in the house alone. Was very tired, having been up for 33 hours so was hoping for a good night’s sleep. Not as bad as I thought but must confess it’s taking a bit of getting used to having lizards skittering around the walls at a rapid rate and clucking to each other. There’s dogs running around the rubber plantation and once one starts barking they all have a go, very harmonious!! NOT. Will get used to it though. Had to get up several times during the night but have my trusty torch just to double check. Will take some time before I’m comfortable with seeing so many spiders, slugs, very large ants and insects but it’s all part and parcel of being in Thailand.

Fri 06.11.09

Up and about at 08.30, sorted a few things and then went for another tour with Anders. I had no idea that the food was so spicy, took a couple of hours for me to get my feeling back in my lips after one particular meal. Anders says that the spicier the food the less I’ll feel the heat!! Do I believe him, not yet. It’s around 32 degrees heat and 90 degrees humidity, wow and do I feel it. Have never enjoyed a cold shower so much! The traffic in Thai Muang is far greater than I imagined and precarious. No rules as such, just who-ever is the largest wins! Went to watch Anders teach at his school, very informative! My first experience of a Thai toilet, seat covering a hole at a very low level and a container of water to use to flush, fun!! But when in Rome etc etc!!
Evening meal with Anders and Net, very good company. Shopping, of course. Loads of shops but not as I’m used to but basically sell almost everything. Have found milk, bread, butter and jam. Small packets of cereal and so I can still have a taste of England! Apparently there is a Tescos in Phuket so will look forward to a visit there.

Sat 07.11.09

Up at 07.30 ready for the day ahead. Went and collected my moped – it’s been a long time but managed well. Have to say the traffic is a little daunting at first but I just close my eyes and hope for the best, kidding!! Am trying to get used to everyone staring at the ‘furung’ (foreigner), most smile but not all! I do stand out like a sore thumb although there are a few other white people around, but not many. Just Net and I had dinner tonight, Anders busy working…..the Thai customs are so very different to our own and its very interesting listening to their culture. Have to bite my tongue on the odd occasion as some things just sound like the dark ages, arranged marriages, strict time keeping if the parents say so and we’re not talking about teenages either! However, it’s their life and their way of doing things and as I said to Net, I don’t wholly agree with the Westener’s ways of doing things either.
Always get back to the house around 8.30 – 9.00 pm so have time to potter but have to confess to feeling very tired, I think the heat is draining me or it could be my age of course!!

Sun 08.11.09

Had a typical Sunday, cleaning, washing, reading and generally lazing around. This is the first time I’ve been in a hot climate and not rushed out to sunbathe! Reason : it’s so very very hot. Mind you I will but I’m taking things slowly. Thank god for my music as there is no TV, which, I must confess, was a huge part of my life before!! There was a funeral in town, which I opted to miss so just popped in to see Anders, use the internet and so some more shopping, then back home. Feeling a little nervous about my first day at college tomorrow but fingers crossed all will go well.

Mon 09.11.09

Arrived at Anders at 07.15 and followed him to college. Met with Fon and Sunisa, who I’ll be working with and went to hear the morning speech by the Director and some teachers. Little did I know that I was going to be called forward to address the whole school!! Anders had said that it wouldn’t happen but he was telling a fib!! It wasn’t as bad as I thought except they gave me a microphone which of course I didn’t really need but they didn’t know that. Went with Fon to meet the Director and Asst Director, had coffee and then to my first class with Sunisa! Had to be on the fourth floor!! Phew, that takes it out of you I can tell you. The building is nothing like I’ve ever seen before, it reminded me of a 5 story airport hanger. However, there’s whiteboards in the classrooms and chairs with a ledge for the students to lean on as way of a desk. They very kindly brought a large fan over as I think they soon realized I was struggling with the heat!!
The students are wonderful and I love to see them giggle, especially the boys. They are fairly shy but pretty soon overcome that. The girls smile more than the boys but the boys, when they think you’re not looking, call out and say hello and laugh behind their hands. Their level of English is fairly basic considering they are 15 years and upwards, however their written English is pretty good and they have beautiful handwriting.
I went to lunch with the Director, Asst Director, Fon, Sunisa and a couple of other teachers. Very tasty food, at a restaurant opposite the beach. I think it all went well. Sunisa and I went back to class to teach another lesson. Basically it’s all been about introductions and very basic conversations covering, my name is, where I live, about the family and pets. All good.
Got home and collapsed in a heap, as I said it must be the heat!! My excuse anyway. Chilled out and then off to meet Anders and Net. Anders has put some movies on a memory stick which is great. At least I can still get a taste of watching films.

Tues 10.11.09

A reasonable good night and off to college on my own, managed to take the wrong road but got there in the end. Different students today and similar to yesterday. Some students are better than others but all seem willing. Finished at lunch time so drove around for a little and then back home pottering around. There was the most amazing thunderstorm and lightening with masses of rain, didn’t last long but cooled the air a little. Drove to Anders and my glasses kept steaming up and was wearing a very colourful rain mac complete with hood! Very fetching. My legs were soaking but within 10 minutes inside dry as a bone. Went for a meal with Anders and Net, different place and equally as tasty. I’m getting more used to the spicy food too. Met another English teacher who has been here for four months, she’s with a friend and so we’ll meet up sometime and exchange notes.
Back home, finished watching a movie and then bed.

Wed 11.11.09

Up and off to college again only to find that I have one lesson only. Am finding it a little frustrating how the Thais teach English, basically so long as the students can repeat the words and write them down, that’s enough. When I asked the students what they were saying, they had absolutely no idea. I’d love to start at the basics and work from there but the Ministry of Education has set down for the schools and colleges what has to be done and how so I guess their hands are fairly tied. I feel guilty not being there more and want the college to utilize me as much as possible so keep trying to drop subtle hints, however, subtlety has never been my strong point!!
Met Anders for lunch and had pizza and chips, absolutely fantastic. Mind you can’t eat there too often, far too many calories!!
Home to do my chores. Have got to mention just how great a wet shower room is, so easy and its great if you’re rinsing stuff out just stand in there and use the high powered water hose and rinse away. I love it. Was going to pop back to the beach but got waylaid with stuff at home so will go another day.

to be continued…

Some volunteers have been disappointed in their failure of being able to send across the English language to the students. It is a tough job as when we come here as foreigners thinking we have the knowledge and the tools required to be good teachers. We think we know, but we don’t.

First Impression
Turning up the first day at Ban Huaisai Primary School to be introduced to teachers, parents, all the students are lined up, standing in the sun. The principal is talking to the students through a microphone, connected to a loudspeaker system; with speakers strategically placed all over the school to make sure that everyone at school and the surrounding neighborhood can hear what the principal has to say to the kids. Parents have arrived to take a look at the “volunteer English teacher” “Nong told me that she is a farang from England…” “dunno where she’s from, I just came to see her complexion…” All 62 students, acting routinely to what the principal is saying, are all staring at you… with a kind smile the principal turns to you… and hands you the microphone, time for you to say something to everyone.

Yes, the first couple of minutes as a volunteer English teacher can to some be an overwhelming new experience, thinking of the thought process here; from the first time you saw our website, to now actually be standing here in a small village in Southeast Asia! Some volunteers: “What am I gonna say!?” and other volunteers, if not all: “Wow, it is hot here!” It’s time to realize that all the “order” and systems that we are used to in the western hemisphere… well, this is the eastern hemisphere, and what might seem logical at home has a totally different meaning here. Thailand and the Thai people are so very inviting for everyone to have a great experience and for that to happen one just need to try to understand just a bit of the unique Thai culture and how things are done in a polite Thai manner. Being kind hearted and open minded are also two qualities a volunteer English teacher should have. Shortly after arrival we have a talk about do’s and don’ts, teaching at a Thai school, Thai manners, lesson planning, and getting on with it.

Ideas
Creative ideas must come from the volunteer, your imagination is your limit, let it be your frontier to explore and come up with ways to convey the English language to the children. Many years of textbook teaching has produced very limited results in the student’s reading and writing skills, and even less in their conversational abilities. Aim for lessons getting the students out of their chairs and using the English language, literally. If the first week goes by with always having a positive attitude where students seemingly hardly make any mistakes and you are not the “correcting” teacher, you can go into the second week of teaching knowing some of the strengths and weaknesses of the classes and some students, prepared with lessons made by you, knowing it’s going to be fun. You will quickly find out who the eager students are and use them to your advantage in your teaching as they are not shy to speak. By advantage I mean that you could ask these students questions and even if they gave you a wrong answer you could feed them the correct and they will show their peers that speaking English is “eeeasy”.

Getting close to the students and try to understand their level of understanding is essential for an English teacher in Thailand. Some students will come to you even before you have taught your first lesson, they might just want to touch your skin and they won’t say a word, others after a couple of days, and few will never be anywhere near you throughout your entire volunteer teaching period. Use your skills and talents, you know which ones you have, and I know that you have various.

Ban Huaisai Primary School
About 250 people live in Ban Huaisai Village and that has been sufficient for the government to open a primary school. The people are mainly rubber-tree and palm-oil farmers, just are most other villages in District of Thai Mueang. With 62 students the school is entitled to 3 teachers and a principal, provided by the Thai Ministry of Education. The Thai teachers must be able to teach at least three subjects and are often teaching grades 1-3 in one classroom and grades 4-6 in another. “Teeacha… Teeacha!” adapt, learn and have a wonderful time.

Smiles
Anders