Teaching English in a Primary School, Chiang Mai, Thailand

“Teaching English in a Primary School, Chiang Mai, Thailand”

Written on: 04/08/2012 by choco2008

Spending six weeks teaching English in Thailand was a great way to spend the summer before doing a post grad teaching course at university. I gained confidence, learned some Thai, made some lifelong friends and fell in love with Thailand. Six weeks went by so fast and I would do it all again.

I taught five grade three classes, twice per week. In my schedule I also had a grade 1 class and a free choice class, where I taught the class Little Red Riding Hood with them entering a competition. I was paired with a teacher who I worked alongside. This was good in some elements as she could help translate when they were having difficulty. For me however I enjoyed it most when I was left to take classes on my own because I liked the challenge. I already had teaching experience and wanted the responsibility of my own class in preparation for me starting my PGDE.One thing I would have liked was more time left on my own.

The children were lovely and so were all the teachers. Don’t be afraid to be a little bit strict when teaching as the lesson can go off target easily because the classes are so big. Speak to the children at lunchtime and when you pass them in the corridors. They will be very excited to have you there. Enjoy your time and try to get involved with the Thai culture. I was given some new food to try all the time by the teacher I was working with. The Thai schooling system is very different from the Scottish one, but one that has some really nice traditions.

Thailand is a great place with really friendly people and some great traditions. Thai way of life is very relaxed with a great night atmosphere, with the markets. In your free time you can go to Doi Suthep, do white water rafting, a cooking course, visit the zoo, and a weekend in Pai. These are just some of the great things I did. Make sure you make an effort with everyone in the house and you will have a fantastic time.Enjoy while it lasts.Im already thinking what my next adventure will be.