On the first day of the New Year 2019, I made up my mind to go to Thailand to teach English as a volunteer. At the beginning, all I cared about was travelling and seeing the country. I didn't know how fantastic my life would be in the coming months!
My journey began with attending TESOL certification course in my home state of New York last February. After 3 weekends of study and another 40 hours' study online, I received my TESOL certificate.
I was asked to contact Philip, who is Program Director of the Teach in Thailand. After discussing with Philip, I chose my school and after many months of excitement, I finally flew to Thailand in early April and I couldn't wait to explore the country!
After a few weeks of single travel, I met up with Philip and the other new teachers in my program in Bangkok. It was great to meet other people who were on the same journey as me, see some cool sights and walk in Thailand's cities! After that, I attended the weeklong training. At the end of the training, I was sent to my school—Anuban Buriram Primary School.
I truly love my job—I teach Grades 5 and 6 and I have the cleverest and most active kids in the world. It's a truly fantastic thing that you can see the difference you make in someone else's life, right in front of you!
Buriram is a small city with green rice fields. People here are more friendly than anyone I've ever met—I've never been anywhere where a smile is so easily received, where everyone you pass is so friendly to say "Hello" and "Good morning". I've been taken out to countless dinners, and been lent a guitar, a camera, and I am given Thai treats and the most delicious fresh fruits many times a week. I only hope to repay them in the future.
