Assignment 1: Introduction

Hi everyone,

My name is Carly Hodgins, I am 23 years old. Born and raised in a small town in Southern Ontario, Canada. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics with a specialization in movement science at the University of Windsor Ontario. I’ve done a couple of short term teaching volunteer trips (3-5 weeks) in South America and South Africa since graduating last year which has really inspired me to do a longer trip where I don’t have to say goodbye so quickly. Although I have done a couple volunteer teaching trips, this will be my first long term teaching placement. I am very excited to learn more and experience Thai culture first hand.

All my volunteer trips have shown me how to immerse myself in different cultures and appreciate all that each culture and experience has to offer. Being in an unfamiliar environment really shows the power of support and making each experience its own while you navigate the uncertain challenges that follow. That being said, the most challenging part would be the language and culture barrier while being so far away from home. I know there are great people signed up for this teaching experience and I plan on getting through these challenges with my fellow peers as most of us will be experiencing this for our first time.

I am hoping to meet some amazing people, explore a new part of the world for myself and teach children.

Hi, My name is George and I’m from England. I have just finished an undergraduate in Business Management at University of Leicester. I decided to take part in this programme as i love the idea of traveling and seeing the world, i have visited Thailand a few times before however never for an extended period like now.
The main barrier for me will be adapting to the language and making an attempt to learn and speak during my time here. I hope to overcome this by being open and driven towards my goal. I hope to meet lots of amazing people and travel, whilst having a stable job and apartment to call my own.

Assignment 1: Introduction

My name is Thirza Kovacs, I am 29 years old, I was born and raised in Switzerland, and I live currently in Zurich with two friends. I graduated Teachers University six years ago with a bachelor’s degree and started teaching right away.
Traveling abroad and combining it with teaching has always been a dream of mine, ever since one of my brothers did the TEFL Course and taught young learners English.
Although I have never been to Thailand, a lot of my friends told me about it. The first time I was in an Asian country was last year, when I have been to the Philippines, and I have been told about the similarities between Thai and Philippian people. When it became clear that I would teach there, I started gathering useful information and I am curious to get to know the culture better.
Being a teacher in a totally different country is an interesting experience for sure, therefore I expect challenges along the way. One thing would be surely the adjustment period to the country itself, not understanding the language at first and the frustration which might arise from that. I also could imagine, that coming from a, in comparison more liberal, country with a liberal teaching style could present me with the challenge to adapt to the way they teach their children, which is embedded within the culture.
Nevertheless, challenges are there to be dealt and conquered with. Adjusting to a new country and language comes easier if I plan to mingle with the locals and spend as much time as I can with them. As for the teaching style, I am eager to see how much different it will be in the classroom from what I was used to how to teach.
In the end I always hope to have gained some valuable lessons for life, having my horizon and my perspective widened and to have made some new friends along the way. I am very much looking forward to this experience.

BEHOLD! I am called Vuyo. I am the son of Vusamadoda, the son of Zizwe, the son of Mlotshwa, the son of Rhadoyi, the son of Sidinile, the founder of my family’s lineage.

First an foremost, I am a Christian; this forms the core of my values and identity. I am also a pianist and a gamer. I studied finance and accounting at the University of Cape Town, but decided that the corporate path is not for me and the ladder is not worth climbing.

Speaking, reading and writing English is largely taken for granted in South Africa, so we’re not really aware that certain doors of opportunity only open for English-speaking people. I’d like the kids there to have those doors open to them too.

I think it will be challenging to learn to read Thai people’s indirect method of communication and to ensure that I don’t unintentionally step on any toes due to cultural differences.

I’m hoping that this experience will further widen my perspective and help me grow as a person. It’s interesting to see the different ways that people live life, and something can be learned from each of them. I’m also hoping to meet somebody to love and to hold for better or worse, in sickness and in health till death do us part 🙂

born >
lived >>
TEFL Certificate Candidate >>> TEFL/TESOL Teacher
>>>> The challenges inherent in the unfolding of the Universe— Keep on keepin’ on…
The Grand Canyon At Sundown <—B. Dylan

P.S. If you see me, say hello! I won’t be in Tangiers!! (—>B. Dylan allusion)

Hello, my name is Ravit Anderson and I am from Israel. I am 41 years old, married, mother of two children and have been working for several years as an English teacher in an elementary school.
I visited Thailand several times alone, with my husband and with the whole family and from visit to visit I fell in love with the place. On my last trip I saw a number of universities teaching English here and I started thinking how amazing it would be if I could study here. After a short search I found TESOL’s program and immediately realized that it could be perfect for me. I suppose it will not be easy to say goodbye to my husband and children for a month and there is also a fear of being completely alone in a foreign place. Another concern is the language gap, although I know English but I am still afraid of staying among native English speakers when I am in a foreign country whose language I do not speak.
I really hope that the course will improve my abilities as an English teacher, will help to improve my speaking due to being in the program and also discover new things about myself.
Above all I hope to continue to fall in love with Thailand.

Hi my name is Jon i am 41 from the usa

Reason for Moving to Thailand:
The allure of a slower pace of life, lower cost of living, and the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in Thai culture are the primary reasons for my decision to move to Thailand. They believe that Thailand offers a balance of modern amenities and traditional lifestyle that aligns perfectly with their desire for a fulfilling and adventurous experience.

Expected Challenges and Solutions:

Language Barrier: While many Thais speak English, especially in tourist areas, I anticipates communication challenges. They plan to enroll in Thai language classes and use language learning apps to improve their proficiency.
Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture can be challenging. I intends to be open-minded and respectful of Thai customs and traditions. They also plan to connect with other expats to share experiences and advice.
Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while living in a new country can be difficult. I will set clear boundaries between work and leisure time and explore opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Goals and Expectations:
I hopes to gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture and build lasting relationships with locals. They also aim to improve their work-life balance and explore new business opportunities in the region. Additionally, learning Thai and becoming fluent in the language is a personal goal. By living in Thailand

• This reply was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by Jonathan Nader.

Hi, Everyone! My name is Olivia Santos and I am 24 years old. I recently graduated from college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with my Bachelor’s in Journalism & Media Studies and a Minor in International Business. I have experience working in events, marketing, nightclubs, restaurants, retail, and production. I was born and raised in Las Vegas and worked on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas throughout college. I’m really looking forward to this experience and meeting you all! I’m Filipina-American and have never lived away from home but think Thailand will be an incredible place to connect more with nature (which we don’t get much of in Vegas) and a more tranquil and collective way of life as the Thai are friendly and welcoming people much like Filipinos and those from Vegas as we are a big hospitality and tourist destination. I’m sure I’ll miss my family, friends, and dogs very much but am more than hopeful I’ll make some fruitful friendships during my time abroad as well. From this experience I’m hoping to take away more of the Thai belief of slowing down, keeping serene, and embracing all the Earth has given us, as well as an experience with likeminded people that helps me continue to give back when I return home, as other educators have played a big role in my life and given me a lot of inspiration.

I’m really looking forward to meeting you all!