Teaching english, making friends and having amazing experiences in Bangkok!
I signed up to the childcare/teaching program in Bangkok on a whim. I wanted to do something over the summer that would give me some unique and long lasting experiences and memories before I go to uni, and I came across The Mighty Roar when I was looking for volunteering opportunities. I was extremely nervous to travel on my own to a different continent, and to immerse myself in a culture so different from what I’m used to, but the support offered pre departure was amazing. I was directed very clearly where I was supposed to go, and there were plenty of detailed resources available to ease any worries I had.
"I loved the whole trip, and am considering doing it again at my first convenient opportunity!!"
When I first arrived, I was tired, a little jet lagged, and nervous, but I found my driver and we left the airport without issue. The hostel I was staying at was lovely, extremely clean and the staff were so kind and patient, and I found it very easy to make friends. It was like on the day I landed I was already settled in, there were absolutely no transitional difficulties.
There was a range of volunteering opportunities to choose from, and the one thing that stayed consistent was the enthusiastic and excited reception of whoever I volunteered with. Everyone, from the tiny nursery kids, to the university students, were engaged and friendly. I enjoyed the most, volunteering with the additional needs class aged 6-12. I thought they and the teacher were lovely, and I really enjoyed teaching vocabulary and sign language. They made me feel very welcome, and I was sad to say goodbye.
There were lots of other volunteers. I found it easy to make friends with the girls in my room, they were all lovely and came from lots of different backgrounds. In fact, it was interesting to talk to all of the other volunteers about their lives at home, why they volunteered, what they liked to do. It was indescribably cool to have this experience of making friends I never would have met if I hadn’t done this.
My favourite memory from the trip was visiting a temple for the first time. It was so beautiful it’s genuinely hard to describe. Every sense was involved looking around, and the feeling of respect and admiration that circulates in those places is atmospheric.
I loved the whole trip, and am considering doing it again at my first convenient opportunity!! Special thanks to Winyoo, whose friendly and happy attitude made even the harder parts of the trip easy!!
