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. Although a bit crammed (6 people in each room with one fan) you will surely enjoy the food and company of new people from all over the world. There will most likely be many Europeans on a culture tour at the same time and although you will separate from them shortly after, it was, in my opinion, still fun to get to know each and every one of them. Before leaving Chicago, it was hard to forecast…just about anything. Without ever travelling to a “developing country” before, questions raced through my mind. What is the water like there? Is there even fresh water? What are the living conditions like? What are my odds of survival? In retrospect, those questions were pretty crazy.  Thailand, in general, is an easy place to make a living.  The Baht, currently about 33 to one US dollar, is a blessing considering the current situation of the US economy. Not only that, the food is great and the people are wonderful. One of the best tips for dealing with people in Thailand, however, is patience. They have a highly laid back culture and take their time with everything. Since they avoid confrontation to the utmost, it is very important to not lose composure or you won’t get any answers any quicker and will lose a lot of respect.  Other than that, they will take you in as one of their own and feed you until you can’t even pick up your spoon.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, I was astonished to see tall buildings and a skyline similar to that of a typical city’s in America.  Thailand’s capital is flourishing with business and tourist attractions.  Coincidentally, it was actually just rated one of the world’s top cities to travel to. At first it was difficult only because of the language barrier, but if you really try to learn a few words here and there, the people will love you for it.  Thai people become easily attached to others, especially farangs (foreigners) and will make you feel very sad to leave them, but of course it is worth the experience (This is a tip for the men who try to or accidentally meet Thai women – coming from a personal experience, Thai women take any sort of flirting very seriously and will fall in love almost instantly.  If you think you can get away with flirting, think again.  You are basically dating at that point). Teaching, on the other hand, in Bangkok is a whole different story.  The kids are great and will make you feel right at home.  In my situation, I was placed at a homestay where one of the sons of the family attended the same public high school I taught at.  He treated me as a brother, as I have done as well.  He continues to call me every day here in Thailand which makes me feel like I’ve made a big impact in his life somehow.  However, you must understand something prior to going about your typical habits. Gift giving is not seen the same way as it is in the States. My host family usually saw it almost as a sign of disrespect.  I am not exactly sure of the reasoning as of yet, but just know that before you give something to someone, make sure they know your reasoning. Also, if you live with a son or daughter who constantly wants to be with you at all times, be sure to tell them when you are working or doing something important that takes you away from time spent with them otherwise they will think you are ditching them. Of course, this was just my experience and it could obviously vary according to the personality of each homestay sibling or parent. Overall, the time spent with them was amazing and I will never forget them.

Then there was the HIV/AIDS training and prevention camp during my stay in Bangkok.  Preparing for it was a bit difficult since it is hard to predict how it will turn out, but in the end it was pretty good.  All the kids were able to conceive and acknowledge HIV as a life-threatening virus that can be transmitted through various modes.  Although possibly of little significance, for once I felt as if I had changed lives for the better.  It was a great feeling and can only hope to continue to do the same for the rest of my life.  The goal to help them absorb the information is through games, hands-on activities, and of course having fun.  Kids here don’t really enjoy the typical monotone lectures just as anyone else, so be sure to keep their attention.

Afterwards, I took a week to travel in between programs to Chiangmai and Phuket.  Both places were like a paradise I never knew about.  The beautiful nature in Chiangmai and the jaw-dropping beaches in Phuket are both definitely worth seeing if you have the time.  I stayed in Bangtao Lagoon Village Bungalows (about 800 Baht a night for a room that can accomodate 2 with air-conditioning which is only like 25 dollars!) and it’s right on the beach with a great swimming pool and a French-Thai restaurant located on the resort. However, Phuket in general is a very very expensive place considering it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Thailand, but the place where I was located was secluded enough to the point where I didn’t feel the affects of annoying tourist vendors or attractors.  Chiangmai is a totally different story.  There I saw elephants, went bamboo rafting, and went mountain biking.  If you are a big adrenaline junkie, I definitely recommend the mountain biking.  I had no idea what it would exactly be like, but it turned out to be crazy with jagged rocks, steep hills, and a great workout. What I highly don’t recommend is the elephant riding. Although fun and entertaining, the elephant trainers are some of the cruelest people I’ve seen when it comes to animal treatment.  There is an alternative elephant farm that you can visit instead to just hang out with the rescued, maltreated elephants from tourist places such as the one I went to.  Although a bit more expensive, you will feel much better about yourself when leaving.

My next stop was the Buddhist Immersion program and teaching at the Wat (temple) in Inburi – a province next to Singburi. Here I stayed with a woman named P. Tuk who was very very very generous and took care of me so well.  Her food was excellent and she was always making sure I was occupied with something since she worries otherwise.  She knows many people in the village and is happy to help you with anything you need in the town since it is a very small village with a minimal amount of English. The school, Wat Bod, was such a unique experience that it is hard to put into words.  Not only were the Monks some of the nicest people I have ever met, but the Novice Monks were some of the most diverse kids with various backgrounds and at the same time defined the word unity. Being a free school, they were still able to receive a good amount of education from the Monks and really inspired me to help them learn English.  However, they weren’t the only ones who learned something for I also learned a good amount from each and every person at that school and will definitely take my time to go back and visit if I am ever in Thailand again.

If you have any questions about Buddhism, they are more than happy to answer along with occasionally inviting you to meditation sessions on the weekends.  The Monks speak a good amount of English and will help you convey your points to the Novice Monks during class if they have trouble understanding you from time to time. Do not be shy and talk to these Monks as much as possible since it may be your only chance to do so.

All in all, every penny that went into this experience was well worth it. Thinking I was going to only be getting some semi-exciting experience to put on my resume was surely a misconception.  I never had so much fun working with others and it is a great feeling to call yourself an actual “teacher” when it never seemed possible. Maybe I wasn’t the greatest teacher or got every point across that I wanted, but they sure learned a lot and I can confidently say that I learned more from them in return.  While GSC may be a young Non-Governmental Organization, they have the staff, educational background, and a plan to help these people.  As mentioned previously, I will never forget this experience and recommend it to all who are interested!