Assignment 1: Introduction

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Introduction. Write and upload a brief introduction. Please answer the following points in your introduction:

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  • Background information about yourself
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  • Why are you deciding to travel/move to Thailand?
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  • What challenges do you expect to face along the way and how do you expect to overcome them?
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  • What do you hope to get out of your experience?
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Make sure you post in two places u2013 The Forum below (1) and, at the bottom of the page, upload the assignment (2).

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Culture Route Home Forums ASSIGNMENT 1: INTRODUCTION

Viewing 15 posts - 211 through 225 (of 1,348 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #23420
    Jamiel Contractor
    Participant

    Hello everyone! My name is Jamiel and I am a first year undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge currently devling into the degree of Education, Psychology and Learning. I am travelling to Thailand with Gotoco, a programme which funds people like me who are eager to explore and learn about different cultures, whilst gaining teaching experience. I am not expecting much of a culture shock as I come from an Asian/Oriental household sharing much of the norms and values that are present in Thailand. However, I am worried about being in a completely new environment with new dangers that I need to worry about, such as shady scammers or pickpockets that I may cross during my weekends out. I hope to learn loads of new people, and make lifelong memories whilst gaining a valuable insight into the teaching profession.

    #23427
    Olivia Bedford
    Participant

    Hi!
    My name is Liv (or Olivia, if you want to be formal!), and I’m from Buckinghamshire, England. I currently study Sociology at the University of Durham, which has given me an insight into different cultures around the world, but I have always had a strong desire to visit the places I’m learning about. I developed an interest in teaching from a young age, I volunteered at a children’s summer camp when I was 14 and loved it, then went on to do work experience in a primary school, and I currently tutor GCSE students in Maths.
    Having said that, I’m nervous here about the language barrier (hopefully I can learn some Thai while I’m here!) and adapting to the new culture, and way of life, as well as how the schools work and the differences to English schools. I hope to overcome this through a willingness to face new challenges, and a commitment to fully immersing myself in Thai culture.

    #23439
    Lily Wiley
    Participant

    Hi! My name is Lily, I’m 19 and I’m from Wales. I have just finished my first year studying Medicine at Cardiff University. I made the decision to go straight from studying A levels at sixth form to studying at University so I haven’t had much opportunity to travel yet. I have always enjoyed teaching. I started tutoring at the age of 16 and it is still something I continue to do today. I know that teaching in this programme will be unlike anything I am used to but I am ready to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and take on this new challenge. I have never been to Asia before, I am a little nervous but mainly excited to immerse myself in Thai culture, meet new people and gain new life experiences.

    #23440
    Lily Wiley
    Participant

    Hey Connor. I also haven’t been outside Europe and only ever needed to speak publicly to small groups. It’s nice to know that someone on this programme is in the same boat as me. I’m sure we’ll both be fine and feel a lot more confident at the end of the programme. Hope you have the best time.

    #23447
    Rachel Fraser
    Participant

    Hello! I’m Rachel and I’ve just finished my chemistry degree at university. I’m currently in my first week of 2 months here in Thailand and I’m loving it so far. I am doing a teaching placement here with Gotoco to achieve my TEFL qualification. I have decided to take part in the programme because I have experience of teaching English as a private tutor but wanted to have the experience of teaching abroad as a foreign language. I’ve also always wanted to visit Thailand and I think having the chance to teach while equally discovering more about Thai culture is such a unique opportunity!

    I am finding that the most significant barrier for me is navigating the Thai language because I have very limited knowledge. However, I am learning some more everyday which has helped, and I hope to overcome this by remaining open and willing to challenge myself.

    I hope to meet lots of great people and make some life-long friendships, all whilst travelling around the country and immersing myself in every step of the experience!

    #23449
    Emily Matthews
    Participant

    My name is Emily and I study psychology at University of Leeds. I decided to travel in Thailand because I wanted to learn more about the culture and language while also seeing all the beauty Thailand has to offer. I’m expecting to experience some culture shock because I’ll be there for almost 2 months. I expect to overcome this by embracing the things that are different here and going into the experience with an open mind. I hope that I will gain confidence travelling abroad on my own and in making friends with people who come from different backgrounds to me. I also hope to understand more of what it means to be Thai and how that is the same and different to being Welsh.

    #23457
    Amy Louise
    Participant

    Hi, my name is Amy and I am from the Uk. I studied Primary Education at the University of Hertfordshire. I have been teaching for 5 years. I’m really looking forward to spending six weeks teaching in Thailand and
    I have decided to take part in the programme because I believe it is an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in Thai culture as well as learn new skills and get acquainted with what it’s like to teach English abroad. I know that working with new people from a completely different culture to mine will be a fun and rewarding experience.
    I expect the main challenges at first to be related to cultural and language differences/barriers. I think I will also find it difficult at first getting used to teaching large groups, having only ever been in the classroom by myself.

    I am most looking forward to becoming familiar with Thai culture and taking part in every opportunity that is presented to me.

    I look forward to meeting you all soon. x

    #23459
    Minal Dayaram
    Participant

    Hi all! My name is Minal and I’m 21. I was born in South Africa, but have grown up in the Midlands since a young age so a very basic British accent here! I recently graduated from the University of Kent in Biochemistry.
    My plan has always been to go travelling at some point to and when better than now? Being from a third-world background, but growing up in a first-world country, I want to help children develop and integrate themselves into the current modernised world so to open themselves to more opportunities. If I can help support this, then it would be irresponsible not to try at least! A lot of my previous roles have been in education and more recently with international students as an activity leader, so this perfectly combines my passion for teaching and travelling. Despite being Asian myself, I am very excited to immerse myself in the Thai culture and appreciate the similiarities, by learning the differences. I know that it will be hard to be away from my family and friends but I also know this is a brilliant, and rare, opportunity and it is worth overcoming the homesickness (if that is even possible being from the UK).

    I hope to meet many other people who share the same interests but from all over the world and make amazing memories!

    Kop kun ka everyone!
    Minal

    #23464
    MatthewHarrington
    Participant

    Hi all,
    My name is Matt, I’m 31 and from NW England. My old proffession was a Petroluem Chemist for a quality control company. I worked with this company for 13 years however, I eventually became tired of the long shift patterns/hours.
    I’m moving to Thailand to expand my horizons! My life in England was mundane & the food sucks. I think Muay Thai is awesome.
    What challenges do you expect to face along the way and how do you expect to overcome them?
    I expect my confidence to be tested while teaching & I’m hoping I can improve on it. I believe I must improve my graditute in day to day life to help with this.
    I hope to gain joy from helping people via the process of teaching.
    Thanks,
    Matt.

    #23487
    Aditi Kashyap
    Participant

    Hello everyone, my name is Aditi and I study law at Durham. As someone who went to school in Brunei I am very thrilled to have the opportunity to teach in South East Asia. I hope to finish my qualification and make the most of what Thailand has to offer!

    #23493
    Emma Griffiths
    Participant

    Hi my name’s Emma and I am 20 and I’m from the UK. I’m currently studying medicine at Glasgow university and I’m in my second year.

    I’ve always wanted to travel and explore different cultures however during COVID I haven’t had as many opportunities to explore as I would have wanted. I think travelling Thailand is a great opportunity as the country has amazing food and culture. I think some challenges that I will encounter will often be because of the language barrier as it is easy to misunderstand or communicate and feel isolated without knowing the language. A way to overcome this is to try learn some Thai language and also to make connections with people despite the language barrier

    I hope to get a better understanding of Thai culture and their way of life as well as improving my own confidence and teaching skills as I live and work in the school in Thailand

    #23525
    Mahfuzur Quraishi
    Participant

    Hi my name is Mahfuzur most people call me Saeed. I have recently graduated in law at Cardiff University. Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities like Bangkok to stunning beaches, lush jungles, and ancient temples. Many people are drawn to Thailand for its natural beauty and opportunities for adventure and exploration. Thailand has a rich cultural heritage with a history that dates back centuries. Living in Thailand can provide an opportunity to learn about and appreciate its traditions, festivals, and customs There will be a few challenges when living abroad in Thailand such as language barriers hence it is significant to learn the basics before I arrive. I hope to gain from this experience a qualification and real experience teaching English to children from a different background to my upbringing.

    #23528
    Muaad Eghlileb
    Participant

    Hi, I’m Muaad. I am currently studying medicine at Cardiff university. I was born and bred in cardiff but I am originally from Libya. I decided to travel to Thailand as I have always wanted to see South-East Asia and get a taste of their culture. I love to travel and I enjoy teaching so the Gotoco programme seems to be a great fit for me. I think I will struggle with home sickness as I have never been away from my family for a long period of time, as well as the long distance too. I have bought many of my favourite snacks and beverages which will help me overcome my home sickness. From this experience, I hope to learn more about myself and improve my interpersonal skills. This is a great chance to put myself out of my comfort zone.

    #23539

    Hi! My name is Josita. I am 19 years old and I have just finished my first year studying English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford. I live in Sunderland in the north east of England. I was born in Tamil Nadu in the south of India. I try and go back as much as I can to visit my Ammachi/grandma there.
    I decided to do the Gotoco/TESOL programme in Thailand because I knew that it would get me out of my comfort zone. I have never travelled “solo” before so I thought that this would be an unforgettable chance to spend my summer doing some travelling alongside building up my portfolio for the future. I have considered teaching as a career prospect for a while and I wanted to see what it would be like to teach it in a foreign country. Even if I feel like this experience ultimately ends up teaching me that this field isn’t for me, it will be a very rewarding summer in which I will hopefully get to make a genuine impact on the students I get to teach. I hope to break out of being just a “tourist” in Thailand and feel like I have somewhat immersed myself into the community that I am placed within. Even if I feel like an outsider, I hope that I have the confidence and the ability to persevere to ingratiate myself into the “puak”.

    #23543
    Valentina Linnecar
    Participant

    Hello, my name is Valentina, I am 20 and just finished my second year studies at Manchester Metropolitan University, studying Sports Coaching and Development.

    I have decided to take part in this programme because I have always been interested in the development of English teaching abroad. I have also always wanted to visit Thailand therefore this made the perfect trip for me to develop as an individual.

    I expect to come upon challenges such as navigating their language alongside teaching my own. I hope I overcome these challenges by being open and trying my hardest.

    I hope to develop personally in my confidence but also my technique of teaching and managing time and children.

Viewing 15 posts - 211 through 225 (of 1,348 total)
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