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Teaching in Thailand. Annelies Gheysen October 9, 2009. Agenda. Fund Isaan My Motivation My Expectations My Impressions My Self My Mailbox. Fund Isaan A future for every child. A non profit organization Aim: providing children in the North East of Thailand a better education by:
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Teaching in Thailand • Annelies Gheysen • October 9, 2009
Agenda • Fund Isaan • My Motivation • My Expectations • My Impressions • My Self • My Mailbox
Fund IsaanA future for every child • A non profit organization • Aim: providing children in the North East of Thailand a better education by: • providing non-repayable scholarships to kids with high intellectual potential but limited financial means • sending carefully selected and well prepared volunteers to the region to help local teachers and schools raising the level of the English language courses • setting up and maintaining computer classes in different schools in the region • http://www.fund-isaan.org/
My MotivationChanging the life of others and of myself • Giving opportunities to children • Transferring of knowledge • Looking at daily matters from another perspective – not taking everything for granted • Searching for adventure and challenge • Taking a one-time opportunity • My affinity with Asia
My ExpectationsQuestion mark? • Very vague expectations … • Low level of English knowledge of students • Poor school infrastructure • Uncertainty about the reactions of the Thai teachers • Getting to know myself • Changing my priorities and attitude
My ImpressionsAt first… • Shocked by the terrible English knowledge • Amazed by the school’s infrastructure • Overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and positive attitude • Encouraged by the warm and friendly people
My ImpressionsLater on… • Even more shocked by the terrible knowledge of English • Where do you live? “I lives in Sangkha illage” • How old are you? “I have eighty year ole” • Do you have any pets? “I have 3 brothers” • What are your hobbies? “I lie washing tv” • Impressed by the eagerness to learn • Intrigued by the Thai culture • Way of living • Way of thinking • Way of dealing with diversity • Frustrated by the lack of organization and structure • Shocked by the poverty
My SelfBack home • As an ‘idol’ to the children • As a ‘volunteer’ to my environment • As a ‘mother’ to my adoption children • As a ‘new personality’ with new priorities, trying to keep up the relativism and realizing how lucky we are • But … it is tempting to fall back in old habits!
My MailboxHilarious but touching emails “ hillo anneliesi want to your picture in Belgium,Thanks for the reply. I hope to meet again multiplied in Thailand.” “ I think of you very much. Does it rain?I will have final test on 29-30 Sebtomber.Did you enjoy travelling in thailand?I hope you are very happy.I love you very much.” “ Hello Annelies.I am Kevalee.Thank you very much for the delicious box guitar Cook more help.” “Hello.....Teacher AnneliesI am LanHow arn you?I tink of teacher Annelies.Good luck. Good buy”