Simone Ashby

London, U.K.

13 December 2001 - 1 March 2002

Programme : Teaching and Projects Abroad

Impression : Both students and teachers were very friendly and helpful and generous at all times and I felt welcomed from the first day. I have had a wonderful experience here. I did find that some students were too shy to approach us and in lessons they were afraid to ask questions or tell me if they did not understand me.

Suggestions : Ensure that all volunteers are made aware of the smart & formal dress that teachers wear in Thailand, so they can bring clothes from home.
Make sure volunteers know in advance what they are expected to teach. For example, it was unclear for me whether I should teach on my own and therefore plan each lesson, or whether I was just helping a teacher in her lessons, therefore teaching from a text book.
Make sure volunteers have at least 2 lessons a day and that they are made aware of public holidays and lesson cancellations in advance.

Georgina Bonner

London, U.K.

13 December 2001 - 1 March 2002

Programme : Teaching and Projects Abroad

Impression : My impressions are all good. The students were really nice to us, the teachers even more so and everyone made us feel so welcome. Schools in Thailand are so different to those in England so it was exciting to experience something new. Everyone has made our trip extra special and memorable. I've loved it here.

Suggestion : One thing I would suggest, if it is possible, is to have some lessons available for Thai cooking, fruits carving, dancing and basic language. We only thought about it too late so if they were advertised early on, I think they would be much appreciated by the next volunteers.
Also I had some lessons (classes) more than once a week, it might be better next time to spread the volunteer's conversation lessons around to more classes instead of teaching the same ones twice a week.
Make sure the volunteers have at least 2 lessons everyday, otherwise they can get bored.

The teachers lessons were a good idea !