ASSIGNMENT 1: INTRODUCTION

[Michael Ghavalas]

Hi, my name is Michael.
I was born in Sydney but have grown up in Perth, Australia. After graduating high school, I picked up a trade in Asphalt and have spent the last five years laying roads all around Western Australia. I have been lucky enough to do some travel in the past but have recently found myself eager to give working abroad a try.
I have decided to step outside of my comfort-zone this year by moving to Thailand with hopes to gain valuable life experiences and hopefully learn a new set of skills. I used to teach Martial Arts but am yet to teach in a classroom environment. I value self-development and feel teaching abroad will be a great steppingstone towards helping others learn and progression for myself.
I think the main challenges I will face will be the initial worry of not performing well enough as this is a new experience for me.
But I believe this course will give me the confidence and tools needed to make positive impact from start to finish.
Very excited to meet everyone and for my time in Thailand!

[Gemma Parsons]

Hi! My name’s Gemma Parsons, I’m 19, and I’m from Horsham in West Sussex, England. I finished my A-levels last year in Economics and Business, and since then, I’ve spent a lot of time pursuing my passion for solo travel—I’ve been to 19 countries on my own so far!

I decided to take part in this program because I’ve always wanted the experience of teaching English abroad, and Thailand has been high on my list of places to visit. The amazing food, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes make it such an exciting destination.

I think the biggest challenges for me will be adapting to a completely new way of life and learning to navigate a language I know very little of (but I’m eager to learn!). I plan to overcome this by keeping an open mind, stepping outside my comfort zone, and fully immersing myself in the experience.

I’m looking forward to meeting incredible people, traveling around the country, and developing valuable teaching skills—all while having an unforgettable time!

[Gemma Parsons]

Hi! My name’s Gemma Parsons, I’m 19, and I’m from Horsham in West Sussex, England. I finished my A-levels last year in Economics and Business, and since then, I’ve spent a lot of time pursuing my passion for solo travel—I’ve been to 19 countries on my own so far!
I decided to take part in this program because I’ve always wanted the experience of teaching English abroad, and Thailand has been high on my list of places to visit. The amazing food, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes make it such an exciting destination.
I think the biggest challenges for me will be adapting to a completely new way of life and learning to navigate a language I know very little of (but I’m eager to learn!). I plan to overcome this by keeping an open mind, stepping outside my comfort zone, and fully immersing myself in the experience.
I’m looking forward to meeting incredible people, traveling around the country, and developing valuable teaching skills—all while having an unforgettable time!

[Louis Bennett]

Hello, my name is Louis. I am 22 years old, and I am from Cheltenham England. I currently work at decorating shop where I have worked for the last two years. I have always been interested in teaching, and during my A levels I undertook work experience at a local school, alongside providing mentoring sessions to younger students during free periods. I have also had a great interest in travelling and exploring new cultures. I had planned to travel once I left school, however Covid restrictions got in the way. I have now finally decided to take the leap to not only travel but to live and teach in Thailand. Thailand is a country that has always fascinated me due to its unique and vibrant culture that I have heard so many amazing stories about.
Of course there will be many challenges along the way, and it will take time to adjust to a completely alien culture. I think the best way to combat this is to just immerse yourself in your surroundings and try to learn and understand the culture as best you can. For example, I plan to learn as much of the language as I can both before and during my time in Thailand.
I believe the experience will take me outside my comfort zone, and help me grow as a person. I have lived in Cheltenham all my life, and it will be my first time leaving Europe. Meeting people from different walks of life, will expose me to different perspectives, helping me better understand the world and myself.

[Tebogo Mokwena]

My name is Tebogo Fortune Mokwena. I am from the Republic Of South Africa. I have decided to join this programme for Personal Growth, moving and working abroad is a chance to step out of my comfort zone and experience a new culture. I wanted to challenge myself personally and develop greater self-awareness. I was attracted to the idea of living in a new country, learning a new language, and immersing myself in a different way of life.
I expect to face cultural adaptation challenges when moving abroad. To overcome this, I plan to research the local customs, traditions, and way of life before arriving. I’ll also make an effort to connect with locals, join expat groups, and attend cultural events to immerse myself in the new culture.
I hope to gain valuable international work experience and advance my career by developing new skills, networking with professionals in my field, and taking on new challenges. I’m excited to work with a diverse team and contribute to a global organization.

[Dylan van Vuuren]

Hello, My name is Dylan van Vuuren I am 20 years old and from Cape Town South Africa. I am currently an insurance broker, and have been in the insurance industry for almost a year now. I decided to take part in this program because it is a life changing experience. Traveling and exploring an entire new country and culture is a dream come true. A major challenge would definitely be having no safety nets around you. It is just you against the world, which is a scary but exciting thing. It brings new challenges and hardships but resilience will prevail and experiences will be made. I expect to make many new friends, experience a different way of living and gain knowledge and experience that will never be forgotten.

[Diana Evans]

Hi! My name is Diana and I am 39 years old and I am from Cleveland Ohio. My dad was in the army so I grew up around the world because of the constant traveling. I was born in Germany and spent six years there before moving around a lot in the U.S. I have a B.S. in History and I love history. I love learning about the past and what life was like back then. I have been doing various jobs throughout the years including working for a telecommunications company, the US federal government, and teaching in the U.S., China, and South Korea. I have decided to move to Thailand because I have been in South Korea for almost five years and I am ready for something different. To gain new teaching experiences, challenges, and ideas but also to experience a different culture. Currently the challenge that I am facing is actually moving to Thailand and packing up five years of my life into two suitcases. But also, once I am in Thailand, to learn the language and not being familiar with it. As far as moving goes, I plan to pack the essentials and get rid of the rest. Which might be easier said than done. As for the language and the culture, I plan on learning as much as I can and experience as much as I can. As far as what I want to get out of it, is to learn and appreciate a difference culture and to explore new and interesting ideas when it comes to teaching. I look forward to moving there!

[Miche Kearns]

Hi, my name is Miche (pronounced “Me Shay”) Kearns. I’m 28 years old and I’m from Pretoria in South Africa. I currently work as a teaching assistant to a class of 5/6 year olds. I’ve never left the country before so taking the leap of faith to move to a new country is a bit daunting for me. I got my degree in psychology and sociology and like a lot of psychology majors, I found myself being drawn to teaching. I do believe working with children is what I’m destined to do, although it took some time for me to be comfortable with that idea. I decided to dive headfirst into teaching in Thailand for so many reasons but mainly because I needed a change of scenery, a safer country where I could find myself whilst doing what I love which is teaching. I wanted to be able earn a decent income and be able to travel. I’ve also always been intrigued with Asian culture and way of life for as long as I can remember. I am such a homebody and I’m very close to my family, so I foresee being so far away from them as well as having to adjust to a different way of life i.e.: having to leave my home to explore more about this amazing country, will be some of the more difficult hurdles for me to overcome. I hope to look back on my time in Thailand and be able to say that I truly grew, becoming more independent and connected to myself, becoming more of a risktaker and finally I want to be able to know that I can do anything I put my mind to.

[Miche Kearns]

Hi Louis! Reading the part of your post regarding your desire to travel after school but COVID restricted you resonated with me. I wanted to au pair in the Netherlands after receiving my degree, but COVID also got in the way. I admire your willingness to immerse fully into the Thai culture and look forward to meeting you!

[Miche Kearns]

Hi Gemma, its so impressive that you’re so well-travelled! That’s the level of exploring and bravery I aspire to be. Can’t wait to meet you and hear all about your travels!

[Selebogo Nompozolo]

Hi! My name is Selebogo, short for Lebo.
I am presently living in Pretoria, South Africa. I have bachelor degree in Arts with majors Georaph, Psychology and English then later studied PGCE( Post graduate Certificate in Education) I have been teaching English and Mathematics to teenagers for 15 years. Traveling and learning languages is my passion. I even have certificate for South African sign language level 4. I worked as customer service agent at a pharmaceutical company and receptionist at Johannesburg stock exchange. Now that my kids are independent and the last one in university, I can pursue my passion for traveling, especially Asia. Thailand is my first love. I know that there will be challenges along the way, the same way they have been in life.
I really have nothing to lose but a lot to gain during this experience. I’m just excited to meet different people and experience different cultures. This experience is going to bring self-fulfillment for doing things I could not do when I was growing up.

[Tia Askem]

Hi! My name is Tia, I am 22 years old and I am from Nottingham, England. I have been working in sales for an energy company for the past 18 months. I first travelled to Thailand back in 2022 when I was on summer break for university and I fell in love with the country. So much so that I returned in 2023, along with Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. During this time, I was so confused about what I wanted to do with my life and I felt so lost. I have since backpacked Central America and parts of Europe but couldn’t forget about the amazing experiences I had in Thailand.

I decided to take part in this program so I can experience living and working in Thailand, gain new skills, and face all new challenges. The thought of leaving my family, friends, and my entire life behind to start over is very daunting but I am so excited to try something new. The main challenge I’ve found so far is packing my entire life into 25kg worth of luggage. Whilst I know adjusting to life as a teacher will be difficult, I know it will be so fulfilling.

I hope to make new friends, make connections with my kids and hopefully learn a bit of Thai along the way.

[Benjamin Moxon]

Hi! My name is Ben, I am 23 years old and am from Canberra, Australia. I have been working in disability support for the past 2 years. I spent roughly a year living and working in the UK which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was working as at outdoor education activity centre as an activity instructor. During that year I traveled throughout Europe going to Switzerland, Paris, Rome, Scotland and Greece as well as some travel around the UK.
I decided to participate in the program so I could see another region of the world, experience a different way of life, meet new people. I’m keen to learn how I will face the challenges this experience will give me. I will miss my friends and family quite a lot. The biggest challenges I have found has been preparing to leave my friends and family as well as becoming a teacher.
I am very excite to meet and make friends on this journey as well as have some fun teaching!

[Ralph Pollard]

Hello. My name is Tad. I am 57 years old and from the United States. I have travelled many times to Thailand since 1997. I have just retired, but spent most of my career living and working in many different countries. I have always enjoyed SE Asia, but especially Thailand. I look forward to teaching English in the near future and spending more time in Thailand – more than just a tourist.

[Charis Parker]

Hello, my name is Charis. I’m 33 years old and, I currently reside in Waco North Carolina. I am currently self employed. I create and make my own natural hair and skin care products.
I’ve never traveled to Thailand before but I have always been fascinated with Asian culture and language. I’ve also always wanted to become a teacher so I felt it was time to go where I love and do what I’ve always wanted to do at the same time. Moving to Thailand is a very huge leap out of my comfort zone but I imagine that this expirence is a once in a life time.
I feel like I can gain some new skills, while facing some new challenges, while also learning some valuable life lessons.

I am a bit nervous as I am moving to a whole new country where I know hardly anyone. I look forward to meeting and making new friends on this beautiful journey and, I look forward to meeting and teaching some of the sweet kids of Thailand.

[Author]

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