ASSIGNMENT 1: INTRODUCTION

[Parker McAllen]

Hi, I’m Parker! I’ve always loved combining adventure with my passions. I played Division I beach volleyball while earning a degree in Marketing and Sales, then got to play professionally in Italy while studying to get my MBA at Rome City Institute. I’ve taught English in South Africa to some amazing kids and am currently teaching 7th-grade science as a substitute. I love learning new things, traveling, and inspiring others along the way!

Thailand feels like the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and purpose. I’m so excited to explore its beautiful landscapes, dive into its culture, and make a difference as a teacher. Plus, I’ve always dreamed of living somewhere so colorful and full of life!

I know adjusting to a new language and culture might be tricky, but I’m ready to tackle it with curiosity. I’ve adapted before—playing volleyball overseas and teaching in South Africa—and I know I’ll figure it out by making friends and jumping into the experience headfirst.

I want to create meaningful connections, both with my students and the community, and learn as much as I can about Thai culture. It’s all about growing, trying new things, and making memories I’ll treasure forever.

[Joao Peet]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Joao Pedro Melo Peet and I was born and raised in Essex, Untited Kingdom. I’ve been in and out of personal training working odd jobs here and there. I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and helping others achieve their goals.

I’ve been to Thailand before on a MMA trip and loved the culture. Through this course I really hope to expand my knowledge of Thai culture and skills in educating others, particularly children. I’m looking forward to going through this journey and continuing to give it my best shot.

Thanks for reading and meet you in the flesh soon!

[Joao Peet]

My name is Joao Pedro Melo Peet, and I’ve always had a deep passion for exploring new cultures, meeting new people, and experiencing life from different perspectives. I come from Essex, England, where I have spent most of my life working in various lines of work e.g. construction, sales, hospitality and Personal training within sport. While I’ve always enjoyed my time in England, I’ve felt a growing desire to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in something completely new.
Thailand has always fascinated me with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From its bustling cities to its serene beaches, there’s something about the country that feels like the perfect place for my next adventure. Beyond the beautiful scenery, I’m also drawn to the warm hospitality of Thai people, the delicious cuisine, and the opportunity to experience a completely different way of life. Whether it’s for work, study, or personal growth, I see Thailand as a place where I can truly challenge myself and grow in ways I never imagined.
Moving to a new country comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles will be the language barrier, as I can’t speak any Thai. To overcome this, I plan to get stuck in with Thai culture and practice speaking with locals as much as possible. Additionally, adjusting to cultural differences and social norms may take time, but I am committed to learning and being respectful of Thai customs. Another challenge could be homesickness, but I plan to stay connected with friends and family while also embracing new friendships and experiences in Thailand.
My ultimate goal is personal growth. I want to broaden my perspective, become more adaptable, and develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures. I also hope to gain new skills, whether it’s learning Thai, understanding international business, or even picking up a new hobby unique to Thailand. Most importantly, I want to create unforgettable memories and build meaningful connections with people along the way.
This journey to Thailand is not just about relocating—it’s about transformation, exploration, and embracing the unknown. I’m excited to see where this adventure takes me!

[Rebecca Campbell]

Hi,
My name is Becca and I live in the UK. I studied Law with American Legal Studies and went on to further studies in International Business Law at Birmingham City University. I was born in the UK to two immigrant parents from Jamaica. I have family in America, Canada and Jamaica so, I was fortunate to be immersed in different cultural backgrounds from an early age. After completing my studies, I spent many years working in the Finance sector for Banks and a Charity. When the pandemic came, it impacted mine and everyone else’s’ lives. This caused me to revaluate and contemplate whether I was simply working to live and whether I was living a life I was happy with or one that was for what I believed lived up to societal expectations i.e. A good job, a house etc.

I decided to join the program for a number of reasons. Throughout my career history, I always enjoyed the elements that involved training or coaching. I realised teaching was an overshadowed passion and I am ready to pursue this with this opportunity and redefine my career path. Having visited Thailand before, it opened my eyes to a completely different culture, experiences, history and a true sense of community. I gained a new perspective on life which I will forever be thankful for and I wish to give back to the place that helped to shape who I am. I have been a lover of languages from a young age and have looked to utilise these when visiting their native homes or learn the language when visiting a new place. Being a native speaker of English and a keen traveller, I think I have taken such a skill for granted. Pursuing teaching in Thailand will be a mutual exchange for exploring my new career and teaching children a crucial skill to enable them to navigate an ever-changing world.

Many challenges could arise during my time there but, for me personally the biggest one to overcome will be pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Having come from a big family, I have always been surrounded by people. This program will place me into an unknown environment which will force me to rely on my skills and embrace the unknown. I have been fortunate to have some teaching experience in a school but, it was not full-time and I did not have the full intensity that teachers experience everyday such as, class preparation. This experience may appear initially overwhelming but, from previous training experience, being driven and empathetic; I am more than sure that I can overcome this. Maintaining mental wellbeing is a priority and I have ensured to prepare myself with tools to support myself and the children. For myself and others, I would say that ‘This opportunity may be unpredictable but, look to embrace and adapt to any obstacles. They would not be placed in front of you if it was not something that could not be overcome. Believe in yourself, breathe and take it day by day, one step at a time’.

From this experience, I hope to establish a new connection with Thailand outside the holiday experience and utilise my transferable skills to improve the lives of others. I wish to fully immerse myself into the culture and way of life, explore new life-changing perspectives and gain skills that will enhance my career path into teaching.

Thank you for this opportunity and I wish everyone the best on this new journey we are on! 🙂

[Rebecca Campbell]

Hi Kiauna,
It was lovely to read your post. From the experience you have shared and the steps you have taken, I am sure you will be prepared for any challenges that come your way. You raised a good point on seeking support from other teachers. I think with moving to a new country, it can feel isolating but, there are many ways to seek support during our experiences. This is a point I will take on board for myself.

Best wishes on your volunteering experience 🙂

[Janette Frey]

Hello! My name is Janette Frey, I am from North Carolina USA. I am 26 and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Elementary Education, minor in American Sign Language and Sociology. After college, I did not go into teaching right away. Instead, I followed my passion for health and wellness, continued my education towards becoming a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutritionist. This lead me to pursuing competitive powerlifting and ultimately meeting at a happy median as a Middle School Health teacher! It was in this teaching position where I found myself exploring the idea of teaching abroad, Thailand just happened to be a perfect match. The unique culture caught my eye with the nickname “Land of Smiles” and mediation as a daily practice.
The biggest challenge I anticipate is socializing! The language barrier is already a challenge in itself and I tend to keep to myself back home from how much focus powerlifting requires, so putting myself out there to meet new people both in the program and locals! I plan to overcome this by shifting my attention to building quality connections with those around me and making memories in the process!
I hope to gain a new perspective, overcome challenges, learn, grow, have fun, and everything and anything in between. I look forward to meeting you all and taking on a live changing adventure together! Cheers.

[Symone Hawkins]

Hello there everyone!
My name is Symone Johnson Hawkins. I am a poet/writer originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. I have lived in Atlanta, Georgia for half my life. I am 32 years old, I’m really into astrology, and choosing Thailand was based on my mid-haven line in Astrocartography. I believe Thailand is a blessed and peaceful land. I believe I’ll find myself deeper in spiritual practice, a new direction in life, and my soul tribe! I have traveled abroad many times, mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean. I love being in nature, indulging in international food, and music while visiting. I am a theater kid at heart. When I moved to Atlanta, there weren’t any readily available arts programs. I started to write one person plays/monologues and eventually shortened them to poems. I have been writing ever since. I am a proud graduate of Albany State University! I have a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. I believed that from my HBCU I could go anywhere. I worked as a Field Director for the Democratic Party of Georgia. When the season was over, I went back home and joined Americorp. I was a supplemental teacher/counselor for at risk youth. It was a challenge, I met them where they were, made lessons culturally relevant, and indulged them in future building outside of school learning. I also learned Hip Hop pedagogy at a nonprofit organization called TruArtSpeaks as a Youth Advisory Board Member. I learned what role language played in the world and my culture, specifically. It emboldened me to teach my own poetry class at my local arts center called Creators’ Space. The pandemic hit and made it challenging to keep enrollment up. I’ve been wanting to get back to teaching ever since. The challenges I think I’ll face is language barriers, teens being afraid to engage/disengaged, and the shock of who I am, (a black, masculine, lesbian) from the southern USA. I plan to use my southern charm, my adaptive abilities, and my confidence in the tactics I’ve used before to overcome these barriers. I hope to gain a universal understanding in teaching, a mastery of my art, and a new perspective of the global community.

[Symone Hawkins]

Hello Ayoka!
I am so proud that you’re going to law school! That was my plan coming out of undergrad as well. Unfortunately, I fell into politics and wasn’t aware how short lived it would be. I don’t think I understand the laws in America anymore at this point! lol but you go and let me know what you find out. It is my hope that you and I may cross paths during our training. I’m excited to have people who have had a similar American experience to bond with. I hope to meet you soon.

[Tobias Bessette]

Hello, I’m from the United States, New York, and I’m a certified public accountant. I’ve decided to pause my career path to experience being a teacher. I’ve always enjoyed teaching. When I was in college, I often tutored fellow students in various subjects, and throughout my career I’ve coached, trained and developed junior staff. I would often patiently explain procedures and complex files to new hires who often felt overwhelmed when they first stepped into a high-pressure, fast-paced environment (a context in which patient explanations were in short supply). I never pursued education as a career because there is little to no room for personalized style / lesson approach etc…for high school or college teachers in the United States. Plus, I tended to gravitate towards accounting because I like the structured nature of it.

I first came to Thailand on a whim in 2022 which is part of a story that’s too long for this introduction and I visited Thailand again in 2023. I have committed to teaching in Thailand for six months this year. I would probably like to live in Thailand all year but at this point in time my obligations to my family and career will not allow for it. I’m hoping that I’ll have a positive teaching experience and come back again in 2026 to teach again.

Some of the challenges I anticipate include being an effective teacher when language is a barrier. It’s my understanding that the students have some English education but I cannot reasonably expect all kids to have the same level of understanding/ability. I also anticipate circumstances, inside and outside of the classroom, where I may need to improvise. Improvisational skills can really save the day sometimes.

I hope to have a positive teaching and living experience while I’m in Thailand. I also hope to improve my Thai language skill and experience personal growth. Above all else, I hope I can find a way to make learning fun for the kids and instill a positive attitude towards learning, especially because that attitude towards learning will translate well into other areas of their lives.

[Tobias Bessette]

Hello Joao Pedro, I noticed you had been on an MMA trip previously. One of the things that I find captivating about Thai culture is the level of respect that most Thai people display. When I first attended live Muay Thai bouts I was taken aback by how respectful the fighters were to each other, even after severly thrashing each other. It was such a contrast to western combat sports where trash talking before (and sometimes after) a match is common place. Muay Thai is just different, no matter how heated the matches get the fighters always bow and or hug after the fights, and many times they do so in between rounds. This really punctuated just how pervasive the theme of respect is throughout all facets of Thai culture. I really admire Thai people for this.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by Tobias Bessette.

[Matthew Surma]

Hello!
My name is Matthew, and I am from Detroit, Michigan. There have been many changes in my life over the last year, but I will do my best to summarize why I am leaving the States and teaching English in Thailand. Roughly a month ago, I was in an accelerated second-degree nursing program and realized I was not honest and authentic about the life I wanted to lead. In late February 2024, I solo traveled outside the States for the first time to Thailand to learn Muay Thai originally for 8 weeks before my nursing program started. The program had a pushback to a later date, and 8 weeks turned into about four and a half months. During that time I fell in love with the country and its people and did a short Thai language school. Learning even a small amount of the language opened an entirely different world that made every day feel like an adventure. Once I came back to the States, it was almost more of a culture shock than when I arrived in Thailand for the first time. I felt as though the story was not complete in Thailand, and I had been longing every day to return. After reflecting daily on my experiences and my life in Thailand, I decided to leave nursing school (after being in it for five months) and my life here to pursue where I feel I should be. There is much to learn from the Thai people, and I feel nothing but joy in having a cultural exchange with the students we will be teaching. Some challenges I expect to face along the way are creating the initial environment for students to have an exchange of conversation rather than just learning words. I want my students to feel confident in themselves to speak freely and attempt what may seem intimidating initially but have the courage to overcome the fear of publicly speaking in English. When I first began learning Thai, I was always nervous about speaking in public to the Thai people, but most of the Thai people I spoke to encouraged me and helped me out when I was not pronouncing words correctly. I will do my best to build confidence in my students, as I had to overcome the same hurdles when speaking Thai. Through my experience, I hope to integrate myself within the Thai community wherever I am teaching to learn more about their ways of life.
I wish everyone the best in their journey!

[Sarah Stone]

Hello Everyone! My name is Sarah Stone and I’m from Arkansas, USA. I have a bachelors and masters in education and have taught music in Arkansas for 19 years. My wife, Ashley, and I are moving Thailand to broaden our experiences, learn about another culture, be closer to other places we want to travel, and shake things up a bit! I taught in an English camp in Hanoi when I was in college and I fell in love with SE Asia. I’m really excited about experiencing a new environment and a new culture, and I think teaching English in Thailand will make me a stronger educator.

[Ronette Silver]

Hi everyone, my name is Ronette. I live in Paarl, South Africa. I have travelled extensively since I was 18 years old in Europe and worked most of my life in Hospitality, Sales & Marketing. A few years ago, I got involved in youth upliftment and even started my own company to work hand in hand with the Educational Department to implement my ideas, but I needed an investor. I then decided I want to combine travel and teaching and invest in my own company and by joining the program I will not only gain valuable experience, but I will have the opportunity to expand my ideas to assist youth all over the world. I have never been to Asia and want to learn the culture and experience a new place. The thought of learning new traditions, taste different foods and learn various religions and cultures will be very spiritual and healing for me as a person as well. I know the experience will give me a new purpose to look forward too, but at the same time the challenges might be overwhelming in the beginning, I look forward to sharing my knowledge, while learning a new language and a new way of living. It’s an opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives and to show that with kindness and love in your heart you can achieve anything and to believe in my own abilities again.

[Kiera Napier]

Hi! My name is Kiera and I’m from the UK and I currently live in Spain. Moving to Spain at a young age definitely ignited my curiosity with different cultures, travelling and stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve always been very academic and had my sights set on becoming a lawyer. But during college I went on a trip to Tanzania, teaching English. That experience sparked a deep love for teaching. Although law is still something I feel connected to and may return to one day, right now my heart is set on education.
Thailand has always been my number one dream destination, I’ve always been fascinated by the culture, in love with the food and genuinely amazed by how beautiful the country is. I was so lucky to experience this dream that I had longed for for years when I visited Thailand in January 2024. I had an opportunity to teach at schools about climate action and that experience truly confirmed my love for the country. I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the warmth I felt there. The connections I made with the kids were something special. And what I felt was missing with these trips was that it was too short, I wanted to build lasting bonds and truly help them grow. That’s when I knew I had to take the opportunity to teach in Thailand, where I could follow my passion in the country I love. I have been longing to go back ever since I visited Thailand. I’ve realized there’s so much to learn from the Thai people and the way they live. I love that Thailand is so focused on community, helping each other, and being present. I have often felt so trapped in the individualistic mindset of the West, where a lot of things is about being the best. When I was in Thailand, I felt more present than I ever have in my life and I feel like my time there wasn’t finished, so I’m excited to return for a longer, more meaningful experience.
I do expect to face challenges one being the culture. Even though I love Thai culture, it’s quite different from what I’ve experienced, and I know that it will take time to adjust. I want to make sure I fully understand and respect it. I plan to fully embrace every opportunity to try new things like the food, customs, or local traditions so I can immerse myself as deeply as possible. As for the language, I’m nervous about speaking Thai, especially when I’m unsure if it sounds right as it’s completely different and I get really confused with the tones. But I’m determined to overcome this by practicing every chance I get, like ordering food in Thai. I hope to become more comfortable with the language and culture through everyday experiences.
One of my main goals are to help my students feel confident in speaking English, even if they’re unsure of what’s right. I hope to encourage them to be brave, just as I’m working to be brave in learning Thai. I’ve seen how language can connect people, even when there are barriers, and I want to foster that in my own classroom. I don’t want to be someone who expects others to adjust to me. I want to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and really integrate into the culture—whether it’s learning Thai or embracing the lifestyle. I’m really looking forward to this journey, meeting everyone, and sharing this experience!

[Anton Blair]

Hi All, My name is Anton From Birmingham UK , and I have a background in computing. While this will be my first direct teaching role, teaching and mentoring have always been a key part of my career. I have often led the way in training colleagues in all my roles , engaged in teaching/mentoring based volunteer work, and worked at assessment centers marking work and carrying out coaching calls for apprenticeship schemes of college/university graduates . These experiences have reinforced my passion for guiding others, but I have always felt I could make a more direct impact on students lives. I have also previously worked as a social worker’s assistant, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but again, I longed for a more fulfilling role where I could influence individuals more personally !

Moving to Thailand to teach English is an exciting challenge that aligns with these goals. Fortunately I am very well-travelled so am used to adapting to different cultures and ways of life the longest time period being 1 month , and whilst I haven’t been to SE Asia before, Thailand, in particular, stands out to me as the perfect place to begin this teaching career as well as a journey of personal growth . The rich culture, hospitality, and vibrant way of life have always fascinated me. Thai food is something I enjoy immensely , and I look forward to experiencing it authentically. Another major draw for me is Muay Thai which I had trained for three years but stopped during the pandemic and never fully got back into. , As the birthplace of the sport Thailand offers an amazing opportunity to reconnect with this. I am generally a very sporty person From table Tennis to athletics to Football(or soccer for any Americans reading this 🙂 ) and I hope that I can get involved in any/all of my local communities sports clubs and school sports days and P.E lessons as well as teaching English! . Beyond that, I have a deep appreciation for Buddhist teachings. While I don’t identify as outright Buddhist, I do practice many of its techniques/teachings . Living in Thailand will allow me to immerse myself further in these teachings and gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy in a culture where it is deeply rooted.

I understand there will be an adjustment period as I adapt to a new way of life. One of the biggest challenges will be managing a classroom for the first time. As it stands the most direct teaching experience I have gained is the volunteer work teaching a small computing group 6-7 children on how to use music production software… with assistance, so a full classroom will be a step up from this! I want to ensure that I truly make an impact in the classroom. Will the kids take to me? Will they be interested in my lessons? Will I be able to get through to them and help them grow? These are challenges I expect to face, , but I am confident that with good preparation, an open mindset, and with support from fellow teachers , I will be able to quickly find my footing. Beyond the classroom, I know I will also need to push myself and put myself out there to build connections , and socialize with both fellow teachers and locals. Some people may describe me as an introvert I feel I am quite sociable as far as introverts go ! but i do acknowledge that I can grow in this area and this experience will test this of me ! There’s also the question of how quickly I will settle into the town I’m placed in and how well I will integrate into the community .I have begun learning the language but as others have said I am unsure/lack confidence at times with it being a tonal language far different from English however by throwing myself in the deep and learning it bit by bit I am positive I can pick it up and engage with my community in Thailand and also help bridge the barrier within the classroom as being able to speak some Thai could go a long way I’m sure ! Finally there is the challenge of being away from my family and loved ones for an extended period of time as we are an extremely close family. At first this could be tough however it is the quite low on my list of my concerns due to the fact they will be only a video call away , and a few members may decided to visit Thailand , once i am settled in.

I look forward to this adventure for the next six months. I can defiantly see myself wanting to stay longer however I will be returning home for the Christmas period, but all going well I will be back in the new year to continue to make an impact and develop my career in teaching around the world!

I look forward to seeing some of you on our course for the first month in Hua Hin Let the adventure begin!!!! 🙂

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by Anton Blair.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by Anton Blair.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by Anton Blair.

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