Class is done!

Our class is finally done! Although it seemed like it went by so fast. I'll miss not having class with my new friends every morning. We had our last excursion Friday and we went to a rural school out in the rice paddy's of north central Thailand. It was a school that didn't have any foreign teachers so they really enjoyed having us come help teach. Their was no AC and I don't think there were any doors or windows. These kids definitely knew how to say "Teacher, Teacher". But, that was about it :) Everything I had planned went out the window, literally! There was so much cross wind and my classes were a mess but we still had fun. The kids knew very little English so many of my activities were not going to happen - so we just jumped around and played games in English. It was somewhat effective and I think they had fun.

After class the Thai teachers cooked us a nice Thai meal and the kids got us refills of water. I was hesitant at first but so hungry and it was actually delicious. I did eat a lot of fruit too and payed for it later :). Here are some pictures of this excursion! Now its time for the job hunt to begin.....

One month into the Bangkok Adventure!

Well, I only have one week left of class and then the real adventure begins – trying to find a job, looking for a good place to live, having my own excursions, etc. This last week we went to a local high school. This was an interesting experience! The school had outdoor hallways since most the classes were not air-conditioned and it’s so hot in Bangkok. It was fun and a neat experience. It was one of the best public schools in the city/area. I am learning through my experience that having some teaching experience has its pro’s and con’s. On the plus side I have been doing some things very well and have confidence in front of the classroom but I’m also having to quit some bad teaching habits that I’ve formed over the years like telling the students what they will be learning. This has actually been quite a challenge! We’re taught to teach with an inductive approach (students figuring out what they will be learning rather than teacher telling students what they’ll be learning). You ask probing questions and give synonyms/antonyms to get the class to think of the answers to what they’ll be learning. This is great for language learning and capturing student interest. Language learning is all about getting the students to talk in English. It’s been fun! Outside the class I finally bought a guitar! I was looking for a cheap guitar since I will not bring it home with me. I found this guitar with a nice backpack soft case for only 3,400 baht (a little over $100)! Not a bad deal – I’ll stuff the case in my suitcase when I come hope since I can fold it up. Anyway – I’ll catch up with you all again next weekend.
Take care,

Finally something from Bangkok!

Sawatdee Krab from Bangkok – that means Hello, Krab for gents, Ka for the ladies. Well, I’ve been here almost 3 weeks now and it’s been exciting so far. My flights were a bit long but surprisingly I did well. The flight to Hong Kong was long and they brought us 2 meals. The Chinese flight attendant asked me what I thought was “Chicken and Fries” or Beef and Potato for the first meal. I said Chicken and Fries (thinking she would bring me some Chik Fil A). It was actually chicken and rice and it was all dark meat. That’s when it hit me that food would be a bit different. I plowed through the first couple of bites and they were a bit rough but by the end – it was edible! Then the next choices came about 4 hours later and I went with Pork and noodles. This time I knew what to prepare for and it was actually quite good. When I arrived in Bangkok late Tuesday night it was surprisingly easy to clear customs. They didn’t check my bags or anything – much different than Belize! I found a young girl in the right location holding a sign for “Tim George” Chichester College and I figured I probably didn’t have a classmate with that name so that must be me. She unfortunately didn’t speak much English so there wasn’t much conversation, just smiling and nodding. She took me up to a cab and gave the guy directions I assume in Thai. They I was off – in a cab, in Bangkok with a guy who knew nothing but numbers in English. He talked me into paying him 500 baht and I didn’t know any better. Luckily he took me to the right place and John, the landlord at the “Discovery Lodge” where I’m staying met me and took me to my room. When John found out I paid for my ride he gave me back 500 baht so I wasn’t out anything. We got to my room and I was quite surprised! I live in a parking garage which is interesting. Luckily I'm on the top floor so it's a decent view. I had low expectations since it was only costing my $100 for the month. It turns out I have A/C in the back room and a real toilet – no hot water though. I’m pretty sure my bedroom was once used for naughtiness since I have a circle bed, mirrors on all walls and ceilings, and fancy red lights at the back of the bed. No problem though – John (landlord) cleans the sheets every week. Anyway – long story short (too late!) here are some pictures to sum up my first couple of weeks. They are of my place, the Disco Lodge BBQ, and The Thai Beattles tribute band - who was actually amazing, spoke in British accents and everything. Sorry about the blogging delay – I’ll try to keep to a regular weekly blog after each weekend from now on. Lah Gorn (or Goodbye)

May place!




My view - almost every afternoon



Disco Lodge BBQ




The Thai Beattles

Visa Approved!

My Visa's been approved so I'm going to Thailand! There was no longer a 15 month option just a 12 month option and I would have to apply for a renewal to stay beyond that. It is effective until June 10th 2011 so most likely I'll just work short contracts and go to a few different places in Thailand instead of try to find a 1 year contract. Either way it's getting exciting. I have scheduled my Airport pick in Bangkok on August 3rd at 9:30pm (which is 9:30am Central Time). My flight leaves St. Louis early in the morning August 2nd. We're getting closer. I still have to make a lot of progress learning Thai but I've branched out and tried several Thai dishes and they're great! I'm looking forward to getting some real Thailand cuisine though. I'll tell you all more about it when I get there. Take care for now.

Getting my Visa

Well its June and that means its time to apply for my Visa. I'm working on my application right now! My Bangkok Prep plan got put on hold for a little while with the business of closing the hall. I was a little concerned about the political violence but no worries - it looks like things have calmed down and from everything I've heard the violence was very isolated anyway and easily avoidable. I'm keeping an open mind about where in Thailand I'd be interested in teaching after I graduate. I think I may try southern Thailand, away from the big city and maybe closer to the beaches! I still have a way to go before I'm able to "speak like a Thai" though. I plan to hit my rosetta stone lessons hard these next 2 months since I'll be in Thailand in 58 days!

Making My Bangkok Prep Plan

Well it's April 17th and I'm starting my Bangkok preparation plan. 15 weeks until my flight leaves on August 2nd. Right now I'm waiting to get my visa because it becomes active as soon as I receive it. I can't get it too early or I may not be able to commit to a 12 month contract when I get a job. I am able to get a 15 month "Non-Immigrant B" visa from the Thai Embassy in Houston and I'll be applying toward the middle/end of June. In the mean time I'm creating a Bangkok Prep Plan. I need to renew my Passport since in expires in July 2012 and I may love this and want to stay for more than just a year! Or I may be interested in traveling the world teaching English so I would need to get this done before I go. That's part of my plan. Also, I'm learning Thai. It's been a little challenging but so far I can say "the boy is under the airplane" I think. I've started the Rosetta Stone Thai course and there's no translation - which is an interesting challenge - but I've also looked up some common sayings as well. Another part of my plan is to get in shape so I need to start my seriously delayed workout plan. I want to look good for the ladies on the beaches of Bangkok! Also, I'm trying to diversify my diet a little so it's not too big of culture shock. That's slow coming since I love the french fries and chicken nuggets. I'll post again soon to update on my progress.
Take care,
George

My First Blog

Hello everyone,
This is my first blog posting ever. It is April 12, 2010 and I'm getting excited about My Bangkok Adventure! I've been accepted into the Chichester College TEFL/TESOL 4 week intensive program in Bangkok, Thailand. My classes begin August 9 and my flight leaves from St. Louis on August 2 at 9:15am. From there I have a little over a 25 hour flight by way of Los Angeles the Hong Kong! It should be an exciting experience. I'll arrive in Bangkok at 9:30pm August 3rd (Time Change - Bangkok is 12 hours ahead of Central Time). A member of the College will be picking me up from the airport and I'll be staying in a guest house accommodation throughout the duration of the program. It will be a big change for me and I'm really excited about it. Right now I'm keeping an eye on the political situation in Bangkok and hoping they can resolve the conflict soon. Regardless it should be a great experience and can't wait!
See you next time,
George