Checking in from the ‘Land of Smiles’

Editor’s note: Jon B. participated in Global Service Corps Integrated program in the summer of 2008. Thanks for the post Jon.

 

To start off with a typical phrase such as, “if there were one word to sum up Thailand…” would be a lazy attempt to capture the true nature of this unique country. With a total of about two months spent here and having accomplished more than I thought myself capable of, I still can’t help but feel like a stranger. Sounding like a hired promoter for this blog entry, I can honestly say that GSC has guided me through an amazing experience; one that will forever stay in my memories. Eric played a big role in making sure I had the time of my life. This guy deserves an award for all he has been through whether it came to planning trips, planning homestays, organizing the HIV camps, meeting up with volunteers to get them to where they have to be, or even simply having him check up on you from time to time. He is an extremely dedicated individual who will be more than willing to help you with any situation. Greenway also plays a big part in homestay situations and is actually the first place you will be staying for Orientation.

Reflections from an International Health Participant

 

Editor’s note: Alison D. is a current participant in GSC’s International Health Program. Thanks for the post Alison!

 

Overall things are going really well here!! All of last week was spent in an eco house outside Singburi (a small town north of Bangkok). It was a wonderful place with bunk bed style living, a beautiful garden, a small shack like house that doubled as a bar across the street (yes- bar! Christmas lights, mystery “bucket” drinks, and Top Hits from 1996 included!) The eco house also served delicious vegetarian meals three times a day (biscuits and tea ALWAYS available). Most of our time here was spent on the porch learning about Thai culture, learning about how to teach English as a foreign language, learning how to teach HIV/AIDS education, listening to Eric (our trip coordinator) tell stories that may have been relevant at the beginning, and taking Thai language classes (us speaking Thai= humor for all. . . deu-an ga-rak ga-dah-kom, that means July. . .I think the reason things take a while to get done around here has less to do with their relaxed Buddhist lifestyles and more to do with the intricacies of there language).

Unfortunately, our idyllic stay at the eco house came to a close yesterday and we were all shipped of to our various home stays around the province. I am living with one other person, Katrina. Our family is AWESOME.