Teacher Sarah

So over the past couple of days I've had my first teaching experience in Thailand. So far, it's going a lot better than previously thought so hopefully I am really going to enjoy my time here!

My college's version of the hollywood sign

Yesterday was the first day teaching in Thailand (and pretty much my first time teaching anyone ever). it came to 7.45am, a time which I rarely see, and we were stood in assembly which in Thai schools happen outside. The majority of this I didn't understand as it was all in Thai but I believe involved praying and raising a flag before some guy who I'm not sure of his name came out with a giant SLR camera taking many pictures of us. Then, we were made to introduce ourselves in front of the entire school. I thought this would be horrific but didn't end up being too bad as 1) I'm 80% certain the kids didn't understand anything I was saying although they all appeared very excited and 2) even if they were laughing at me I couldn't understand them anyway so it's fine. Also, I'm getting very used to being in photos now. Thai people absolutely LOVE a selfie!




After a tour of the school, I had the entire morning off and most of it was spent talking to an American teacher, and fellow Farrang, named Glen. It's nice to be able to talk fluently in English with another teacher and get told whats going on clearly although even he seems sometimes out of the loop. I've learnt very quickly to expect the unexpected when it comes to Thai people!

Better at football than england

Having the morning off was quite nice. The sun was shining for once- a novelty in the rainy season it seems so Glen took me on the back of his motor bike (sorry Mum!) to the local town. I caught a brief glimpse of the beach which looks so, so stunning and I can't wait to get down there. It also made me very aware that there is literally no public transport on this island. The school is situated on a main, busy road and there are no paths at all. We are physically unable to walk anywhere which kinda sucks as I really like walking when I'm bored. There are no buses and very, very few taxis which apparently are an absolute rip off. We are stuck relying on teachers giving us lifts to even the shop. This isn't a problem so far and they are very willing to take us to the shops and back but it's a bit stressful having to rely on other people all the time. Also, most of the teachers are going away early this weekend so we will literally be stuck in the apartment all weekend if we can't sort out transport soon. As nice as this apartment is, it's a bit disheartening to have to spend all evening inside the 4 walls avoiding mosquitoes even though there is wifi which is a god send! The teachers seem to leave us to fend for ourselves a bit in the evening and it would be nice for them to show us around Phuket a bit more...

One of our many animals in our apartment

My first day teaching proper classes went a lot better than expected. I was sort of thrown into the deep end teaching maths and science with kids who weren't great or completely illiterate in English. But the Thai teachers were very helpful with the translating and I ended up quite enjoying being in charge of the whole class. The kids help. They're 16,17,18 and so sweet and funny. I've been asked about 30 times today why I'm white. They seem to have a lot more respect for teachers than in the UK which is nice! I also get told a lot "teacher beautiful" but this is often followed by a LOT of laughing and talking in Thai so I'm not quite sure I believe them...



Hopefully the rest of my placement will be ok too!