I arrived in Thailand as just my ordinary self; by the time I left I had become a student, teacher, friend, family member, that ‘football falang’ and so much more.

My time in Thailand was split into two halves: the first, as a student (through Dragonfly’s assigned TEFL course), and the second, as a teacher (a volunteer placement again organised by Dragonfly). Everything, from start to finish rocked super KOW PAT MOO!

I decided to do the ‘TEFL on-the-beach’ course first, as I wanted a basic understanding for life out in the heart of Thailand. I mean it didn’t take me much to work out how different Thailand was to England from looking at pictures on Google! The course itself was quite intense but because the people on it and the length of my stay there (on a beautiful beach) it didn’t at any point feel too daunting; in fact I found it really enjoyable. I can’t remember the last time I properly used my brain.

A month later, unimportant to whether I passed the course of not (everyone passes), off I went travelling out into the heart of Thailand but as a Dragonfly Volunteer Teacher. I was placed in Udon Thani, located in the I-San province, northeast of Thailand.

I remember feeling quite nervous at this point, but all nerves soon vanished as when I got off the bus I was greeted, with open arms by my very friendly and smiley host family.

The home placement that Dragonfly organised was perfect for me. My host family were very supportive and friendly, and did whatever they could to make me feel at home. My host sister (we got that close as friends) had a high level of English and this made things all the more enjoyable. I was forever occupied with stuff to do at the weekends and after finishing school. My ‘sister’ took me to places only a hand full of Thai people knew about and so I felt extremely lucky to experience what I did. My pictures of facebook will explain all!

I taught at Katchupprachasan School (that had taken me 3 weeks to pronounce!) for about a month, teaching ages 13-18. It was my first time teaching but because of the course I did prior to my placement, teaching was such an enriching and beneficial experience. Big laughs all round. Oh the Thai people love to laugh! Who doesn’t? The students were so willing to learn and despite the younger ones being very hyperactive at the site of a ‘falang’ they too focussed down when needed to. I am so surprised with how well the students respect their teachers. I don’t remember it being like that when I was a kid. It was almost like being famous, continuously being brought to the attention of by everyone within school grounds. I was ‘sa-wa-di’-ed every morning by every student. Oh it’s such an amazing place. I want to go back!

As a volunteer it’s really opened my eyes to the wonders that lie out there. Thailand is definitely a place I’m going back to visit... and Udon Thani will be first on my list.

The friends I made in Thailand are friends that I’ve made for life. It’s really that simple. Here’s to going back, laughing n joking whilst drinking some more of that wonderful intoxicating stuff- Sangsom! Too bad its not told over here! It really is!

Mr. Teelee