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Making a Difference: How Trash Hero is Keeping Our World Clean

Making a Difference: How Trash Hero is Keeping Our World Clean

Accumulation of waste across the world is a clear issue, and yet not nearly enough is being done to tackle this problem. Our incredible Program Coordinator Krissy started an amazing project to minimize excess waste. Through her actions, our TESOL course participants have had the chance to actively make a difference in keeping our environment clean. At XploreAsia, we also seek to raise awareness on the issue through selling Trash Hero water bottles and offering free refills of water. Check out Krissy’s story of how she became involved with Trash Hero and the difference that the organization makes in Hua Hin, Thailand! 


What is Trash Hero and what does the organization do?

Trash Hero is an organization dedicated to sustainability and waste management education within local communities. The first Trash Hero chapter started in Koh Lipe and has since grown to multiple locations throughout Thailand and abroad. They are multifaceted in what they do, and it is very easy to get involved. Their first goal is to simply clean local areas and encourage other locals to do so through leading by example. Most, if not all, chapters have a Facebook page that advertises where and when the weekly cleanups will be held.

trash hero beach pile

The second is to encourage local businesses to get involved with the Bottles and Bags program. Local businesses can order stainless steel water bottles for 100 baht a bottle and sell them for 200 baht. The caveat is that they must provide a water refill station for any person who has a Trash Hero water bottle to refill for free.

The bags are another great aspect to the organization because Thailand has an interesting view when it comes to plastics. Plastic is regarded as an endless commodity with little thought to what happens once a person is done with it. Bringing a reusable bag with you to the shop will prompt funny glances, but again, it’s the ‘lead by example’ mentality that is slowly making headway.

How and when did you first become involved with Trash Hero?

 

I can’t remember the exact time when I started working with Trash Hero, but I know the reason. I had recently returned to Thailand after a short trip home, so probably around May 2016.

I lost my stainless steel water bottle somewhere and turned to the internet to see where to buy one in Hua Hin. The thing is, you can’t. Stainless steel water bottles are like the unicorns of Thailand, they just don’t exist. But I persisted, I typed in other locations and search words until I stumbled upon the Trash Hero website, specifically the Bottles and Bags program.

trash hero clean

I read through the information and scoured the website to see if there was a place close by to purchase a water bottle. To my surprise, they had a chapter in Hua Hin. So I looked them up on Facebook and went to their next scheduled cleanup. The rest is history as they say.

How would you describe the impact that Trash Hero has made so far in Thailand?

Trash Hero has made a huge difference all over Thailand. Most of the chapters are in the southern parts of Thailand with one in Bangkok and another in Chiang Mai. But if these volunteers didn’t come out to pick up rubbish every week, who would? Some beachside hotels are responsible for cleaning their section of the beach, but what about the other areas that fall outside the scope of those establishments? That alone can make a huge difference. Trash Hero removes hundreds of kilos of trash from the beaches up and down the coastline and on the islands. Chapters have even started on other parts of the globe.

What differences have you made personally in your daily life and how has XploreAsia helped with your involvement in the Trash Hero cause?

I personally volunteer many Sunday afternoons to Trash Hero and help to clean the beaches here in Hua Hin. I’ve also assisted in establishing a relationship between Trash Hero and XploreAsia. Wagging Tales is now one of the businesses taking part in the Bottles and Bags program offering stainless steel water bottles to our teachers and the community.

TrashHeroWater

With this expansion in sustainability mindfulness, Wagging Tales also offers lunch to participants during their course for purchase. Initially, lunch was served in single use plastic containers. I’m proud to say that Wagging Tales has since switched to serving with reusable plates and silverware. We hope to continue this relationship and have our teachers help us to spread the message of sustainability into their placement communities.

How can we get involved with Trash Hero and make a difference in helping to protect our environment?
The best way to get involved with Trash Hero is to look them up online and find a location to volunteer at near you! Then look at that chapter on Facebook to find out the exact location of meet-ups. You can also start trying to reduce your waste by getting a stainless steel water bottle, reusable bag for shopping, containers to bring with you to take-away shops, and just saying ‘no’ to straws! A little goes a long way and leading by example is always a plus too.
TrashHeroKrissy

Thank you so much Krissy for dedicating your time and resources to such an amazing cause! We truly value and appreciate the inspiring difference you are making in our community. You define leading by example, and we know that your efforts and the hard work of many others will bring about great change in keeping our environment clean. 

We are always eager to discover new ways to make a difference in the community:  what inspires you to make an impact in our world? Are there any local causes that you are passionate about sharing with others? How do you make a difference in your own community?  

Ready to start your own adventure teaching abroad? Check out some of our incredible programs here

Teach in Thailand: A Day in the Life of An English Teacher

Teach in Thailand: A Day in the Life of An English Teacher

Signing up to be an English teacher in Thailand requires courage, a sense of adventure, and the dedication to make a difference in the lives of your students. But actually living the experience goes even further than that! You might find that not only will you change the lives of those in your community and school, but the experience will also broaden your horizons and help to shape you as an individual.  

We had the chance to ask one of our participants Bronson Taiapa about his daily life as an English teacher in Thailand. Bronson was one of our TESOL course participants last April, and he started teaching in Isaan, Thailand, last May. Since then, he’s loved it so much that he is now in his second year as an English teacher in Thailand. Here, we chat with Bronson about his daily life in Isaan and how teaching in Thailand continues to inspire him!  


 

How did you decide to teach in Thailand?

I was a screen-printer for several years back in New Zealand, and I needed a change in my work. I wanted to try something that scares me and since I don’t like talking in public, I thought I’d try teaching. Thailand is an amazing place and luckily, it was the place I could go to learn to teach.

Where in Thailand do you teach English?

I teach in Sawang Daen Din, Sakon Nakhon, Isaan. It’s in the western part of a province of Northeast Thailand. 

How many students/grades do you teach?

I teach 2 grades: Mathayom 4 from 4/1 -16, and half of Mathayom 6 (High-school). I have about 960 students, give or take 10 or 20 students.

Teacher Bronson Student
Could you walk us through an average day in your life as a teacher?

An average day would begin with waking up at about 6:45am, getting ready and being at school by 7.40am. School always starts with assembly at 8am, but I’m not expected to be there, so most of the time I just go to my classroom and set up for the first lesson at 8:25am.

Teacher Bronson the Dab

I usually have 2 or 3 classes after lunch, my last class ending about 2:50pm, or I have one that ends at 3:40pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have a few kids that come in and practice their English with me and with one another. It’s usually a pretty relaxed session – no stress, just practice, and on those days, we finish at around 5:30pm.

We usually have 2 classes, then a small 25 minute break, which I’ll usually use to eat some breakfast (usually fruit from the cafeteria). We have another 2 classes after that, and then lunch.

During lunch I occasionally like to walk around and talk to students or play sports (if it’s not too hot, and if I’m not sweating too much by that stage).

On other days, I get lunch and go to my classroom to eat. I’ll usually find some students sitting there for the next class, but mostly they’re there to escape the heat outside, so I generally put on a movie, and we’ll sit and chill while I eat.

Teacher Bronson Students

On the other days, however, I’m usually home, out of my work gear, and relaxing by 4:30pm. Sometimes I’ll play basketball with my students around 5pm when it has cooled down.

What do you enjoy most about teaching English in Thailand?

Having fun with the kids definitely. They’re awesome! 

Conversely, what are some challenges you face as a teacher?

 Holidays. As great as they are, they made the second semester very difficult to test my students and get grades for them. 

Teacher Bronson with his students

Classroom management is also always a challenge for me. If you give them an inch, most times they’ll take a mile; this is a challenge for me because I don’t like raise my voice to my kids or even punish them. It’s a lesson I’m still learning.

How has teaching in Thailand influenced your career path and shaped you as a person?  

I’ve become a more confident person in social situations. I’ve found that if I am 100 percent committed to something, I can do the things I used to doubt I could do. I think I’ve become more inspired to travel and teach and learn about other interesting cultures.

Teacher Bronson Student

Thank you so much, Bronson! We loved learning about your daily life as an English teacher in Isaan, Thailand. You are so clearly passionate about making a difference in the lives of your students and in the community. We are impressed and inspired by the work that you do!

I’m curious to know: what are some of your questions about teaching in Thailand? What would you like to know about life in Thailand as an English teacher? In what ways do you think that teaching in Thailand will challenge and inspire you?

Ready to start your own adventure living and teaching abroad? Check out some of our incredible programs here.

Tips for Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

Tips for Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

Teach in Thailand

So you’ve finished your TESOL course and you’re ready to start your placement teaching English at a school in Thailand! Armed with lesson plans and engaging activities, you feel ready to tackle any challenge in the classroom. But what happens when your lessons don’t go as planned? Or you’re faced with an unexpected number of students? What are some of the ways to quickly adapt and change in a new environment? 

Recently, we had the chance to talk to David and Khensi, who are both teachers at a school here in Hua Hin. Here, we chat with them about the individual challenges and joys they have in the classroom, tips and strategies for classroom management, and advice they have for incoming teachers!

____________________________________________

David:

Could you walk us through what you do in your TESOL teaching placement?

My situation is an interesting one, as I am my school’s EP (English Program)  computer teacher. However, I was trained as an English teacher with XploreAsia, and before that, I had no teaching experience. Some schools will provide a curriculum, textbooks, and lesson plans for their teachers. For my school, there’s nothing for the computer program: no curriculum or a desired end goal. So it was my responsibility to create the curriculum, the topics, and the overall course goals. 

How many classes do you teach?

My school has only one computer teacher, meaning I was responsible for every student enrolled in the EP program. The semester I started, the EP program consisted of M1 to M5, and in the current year (2017), it will include M6. It was a challenge coming up with what to teach each grade, as I had no real insight into what the students learned the previous semester, other than from a few midterms, exams, and tasks that I was able to find from the previous computer teacher.

Students English Camps

Students at our English immersion camps, where our TESOL course participants gain hands-on teaching experience!

How did you tackle the particular challenges of your teaching job in Thailand?

I was able to create a curriculum, consisting of Java programming language, Photoshop, basic networking, html/css, JavaScript, and After Effects. At least that was the initial plan. The biggest challenge was the language barrier. Teaching students about concepts relating to the programming world in a foreign language was difficult. The best way to deal with it is to take it slow. Be willing to slow down even more than you think is necessary. I didn’t at first, but after a while, my lessons became slower. I covered less in each lesson, and they were able to follow along a little easier. So the training [in your TESOL course] to have you speak slower, verbalize through emotion and actions, is incredibly useful and applicable. 

How do you create structure in a rowdier classroom or when students misbehave?

When students misbehave, I call out their name, and sometimes ask them to stop. When they don’t, I’ll close my gap between myself and them. Looking into their eyes for a period of time can win you a victory, simply through awkwardness. In some of your classes, that may not be effective at all, so you may have to find other tactics.

I’ve found that keeping a strong presence in the classroom, such as being ‘everywhere’ in the room and having your voice projected around the room, can be effective. A lot of the tactics for classroom management that you learn in XploreAsia are great: tapping on a student’s desk, calling their names, standing next them, asking the students questions, etc. 

Honestly, have fun. That’s the best thing you can do. 

David's Teaching Tips
What are some of your teaching tips that you can offer prospective and incoming teachers?

Tip #1

Teach slowly. Some individuals will be teaching at private schools, so you’ll have incredibly bright students whose possession of the English language is strong. Teaching slowly would not apply in this case.

Teaching slowly is good as it allows the students to follow along, although you do have to keep track of the stronger students who do not benefit from slow teaching. Have them help the others, possibly through translating (this is more towards teaching non-English classes), or by writing on the board for you. 

Tip #2

Get to know your students. This is personally my favourite part of teaching, as they will appreciate you more if you see them as people and not as simply teenagers (or children).

You’ll also get a good grasp of where each student’s issues may lie and where their strengths can be found. This goes a long way in helping them learn.

Be patient. Take a breath when things irk you. Remember that they are young and you were in their shoes once. It’s not about you, it’s about them. 

What advice do you have for anyone coming to teach English in Thailand? 

Be prepared to potentially be in a position with big responsibilities and with a big say in the students’ education. It’s a big challenge, but a rewarding one. My advice, at least if you’re in a similar situation, is to teach something you know about or have an interest in. You’ll be able to learn on the go, even if you don’t feel confident with your knowledge.

Decide what you ultimately want the students to do (if it’s a big task at the end of the semester, like design their own website). After that, it’ll be a lot easier to figure out the general course path. You’ll be able to envision what your semester will look like, week to week, lesson to lesson, task to task. 

If you’re in a similar situation, take advantage of the fact that you’re teaching in Thailand, as their relaxed nature allows you to make mistakes, and improve at a pace that’s not rushed. 

________________________________________________________________________

Khensi: 

Teaching Tip #1: At the beginning of some of my (difficult) classes, I usually write down the time that I am prepared to end the class – be it 5, 7 or (rarely) 10 minutes early. And if the kids don’t behave or make noise, I add minutes to the time and that way not only do the students behave, but they also police or scold the students who are disrupting the class because ultimately everyone’s behaviour affects the fate of the class.

So if they become noisy 11:05, I’ll shift the time to 11:07, and so forth. If they end up leaving at a normal or later time, they have only each other to blame. The goal for the students then becomes getting through the lesson as best as possible with the reward of an early release. 

Teaching Tip #2: Another classroom management tactic is threatening the kids with point/score deductions. Usually the disruptive kids are the ones who can’t afford any sort of drop in their grades, and so by making this threat, the students are likely to take it seriously.

Sometimes, I’ll even walk around the class with the class list and if a student misbehaves I make eye contact with them and pretend as though I’m deducting points off of their scores.

Unbeknownst to them, I’m simply just making a dot next to their name. Once I do it with the first or second student, the rest of the class sees that I mean business, and I end up with a rather well-behaved class. 

Khensi's Teaching Tips

Teaching Tip #3: As a means of keeping the students on their toes and not letting the structure of the class be predictable, every once in a while I swap the front row students with those in the back row. Usually where a student decides to sit in every class influences how involved they want to be in the lesson.

Once I become familiar with a class in the sense that I can tell who wants to participate and who doesn’t, I start shifting kids around and breaking up familiar patterns and groups.

Khensi and her students

Khensi with a few of her students!

This usually involves instructing the shy and/or disruptive students to sit in the front rows just so that they are more inclined to listen and participate. 

I do this every now and then at the beginning of the lesson. Even if the naughty ones are likely to be late, I make sure I have a few empty seats in the front row waiting for their arrival.


Thank you so much for all your advice, David and Khensi! We are so inspired by the work that you do, and we know that you are changing lives through your commitment to your students. 

I’d love to hear from you! Have you taught before? What are some of your tips for classroom management? What have you always been interested in teaching but haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet? 

Are you ready to take that first step into teaching abroad? Check out our amazing TESOL course options and programs here.

Survival Tips for New English Teachers in Thailand

Survival Tips for New English Teachers in Thailand

Moving to a new country to teach is vastly exciting, but it can also be a little scary, simply because it is hard to know what to expect. Here are a few tips to help make the adjustment to living and working here in Thailand as an English teacher a bit easier!

 

Written by Stella Saintis


1. Keep an open mind

Try and remember that you are living in a different country that may have customs and ways of doing things that are the complete opposite of what you are used to. This can make adjusting to life in Thailand hard at times but ultimately very rewarding. Instead of wishing for the life you had back home, look at everyday as a new adventure. In Thailand, you can really experience wonderful and new things that make this country amazing. Many of the small quirks of Thai people or life in Thailand that may initially really bother you could turn out to be the very things you miss the most once you leave!

 

2. Be Flexible

When you first start out at your school, you may be used to how things operate in your home country. I was previously a teacher in Chicago before moving to Thailand, and therefore, I had some expectations about the way a school works. I had to learn pretty quickly to throw all of my previous experiences out of the window and accept that things would just be different. If you get a job in a Thai school, let go of your expectations for learning about events in a timely manner, having your schedule be the same from day to day, or even the expectation of knowing what you may be doing later that day. I would regularly show up to school only to find out that all my classes were cancelled for the day, or I would go to one of my scheduled classes only to be asked to go and teach a whole different set of students. Now that I work at an International School in Bangkok, things operate in a way more in line with what I would expect in the States, but I still have to be super flexible since I work with a large Thai staff that is just used to doing things a certain way. And that’s ok! If you let go of those expectations, you won’t be stressed when things change suddenly.

children in Thai school

 Lay Krathong is a festival that is celebrated in a month of November and translates “to float a basket”. Kids in school made their own Krathong and floated them down the river for good luck and fortune.

children in Thai school

3. Embrace the Thai language

Knowing a little bit of Thai goes a long way in the Land of Smiles. Even if you are living and working in a part of Thailand that has a larger expat community (and therefore, more people speak your language), the locals might not have the same level of English. Make an effort to at least learn greetings, numbers (this makes shopping and bargaining a lot easier), names of food, and phrases to help you get around (such as directions and how to get home in a taxi). While you can get by on hand gestures, miming or Google Translate for a time, your life will be much, much easier if you take the time to learn a little Thai – you are in Thailand after all! XploreAsia does provide some instruction in Thai when you first arrive, and I encourage you to really pay attention; it really is quite helpful in leading a happier life here.

5. Eat the street food

Some people are quite reluctant when they arrive in Thailand to eat the street food since they fear it will get them sick. I have been living in Thailand for about a year and a half, and I eat street food most days out of the week and have only gotten sick one time. If you do the math on that, the odds of getting sick from street food are very low. Once you get over that fear, you will learn to love the delicious local street food that is not only yummy but also so affordable! Knowing some Thai helps when ordering food as well because you can inquire about certain ingredients that make up dishes (especially good if you have any allergies!).

English Teachers in Thailand

Even if you hear a constant giggle every time you try to speak in Thai to your students, they appreciate it more than you will ever know! 

6. Know what helps you de-stress

Having worked as a teacher in the US and now as a teacher in both a Thai school and an International school in Thailand, I can confidently say that the jobs I have had here are a lot more stress free than the one I had in Chicago. That being said, adjusting to a new country and starting a new job at the same time is something that is bound to be stressful in the beginning. Before coming to Thailand, take some time to think about the things that help you de-stress. Maybe it is talking to a friend, exploring your new surroundings, reading a book, listening to music, or meditating. Whatever it is that helps you when you get stressed out, make sure to turn to that person or thing when your life in Thailand becomes overwhelming.


I hope these tips are helpful for those thinking of moving to teach in Thailand or those who have just made the leap. Thailand is an incredible country that has so much to offer if you just open your mind and your heart to the experience!

To get more advice about travelling and teaching in Thailand, check out Stella`s blog www.stellasout.com.

Are you working as an English Teacher in Thailand? How did your first week go in your new school and what kind of advice you would give? Comment below, as we would love to hear from you!

Making a Difference as An Organization: An Inside Look at the Pala-U Orphanage

Making a Difference as An Organization: An Inside Look at the Pala-U Orphanage

At XploreAsia, we not only provide our participants with incredible teacher training and placements, but we also strive to make a true difference as an organization. We believe in creating change in our local community, and through our actions, we hope to inspire others to make a difference in their own local communities.

One of the wonderful organizations that we support is the Pala-U orphanage in Petchaburi, Thailand. Located roughly two hours away from Hua Hin, the orphanage is home to 24 children and is growing every-day. Here, we talk with one of our XA directors Paang on how XploreAsia has been making a difference at the Pala-U orphanage.


 
Could you tell us a little more about the Pala-U orphanage?

It was founded around 12 years ago and the person who runs the orphanage is a Karen-Thai national. He started fostering [children] when he was only 19 years old. In the beginning, he adopted one child while he was a volunteer teacher.

Then, he met another kid who was a really good student but could not afford to go to school and had no relatives that could take care of him. He adopted the boy and just kept going. Within a year he had 7 kids in his care. Now there are 24 children: 14 boys and 10 girls. The youngest one is 8 years old. 

Pala-U Orphanage
Mealtime Pala-U Orphanage

The orphanage is not funded by any government institutions or private organizations. There are other private groups that have tried to help them but they haven’t been able to provide stable support.  It is located in the west of Thailand, about 1 hour 40 minutes from Hua Hin. It is in the remote area in Pa Deng village in Petchaburi, close to the border of Myanmar. 

How did you become involved with the Pala-U orphanage?

We contacted the orphanage 3 years ago about adopting puppies from our Rescue Paws project. Through our staff at Rescue Paws, we found that they were interested in getting some dogs to protect the properties and also to be pets for the children there. We went there to give supplies of dog food to them and we found that the place needed a lot of help. 

How does XploreAsia support the orphanage now?
Paang Pala-U Orphanage

 

We donate things that will help them sustain the orphanage in the long term. We sponsor the mushroom growing project and donate plants (Durian and other fruits) so they can grow food and could sell them if they have more than they need. We visit the orphanage at least once a month and keep in touch by phone.

We support them in several ways. We try to promote the orphanage by bringing our participants to do activities with the kids. We organize English [lessons] so they can learn English and promote their social skills and gain confidence through interaction in the activities. Mike and I have also been donating money and supplies regularly as well as taking care of the medical expenses for the youngest child that has leukemia.

Supplies Pala-U Orphanage
Can you tell us more about the little boy with leukemia?

Tou Tou is a Karen kid from the border. He doesn’t have a nationality (no citizenship). He came to the orphanage as a 3-year-old, brought by one of the leaders of the local villages there. His mother passed away in childbirth. Tou Tou has never seen his mom. He has Thalassemia, a genetic condition, from his parents and he was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago. He needs to go to the hospital in Hua Hin twice a month for a check-up and a blood transfusion. We pay for his medical bills so he can continue to do so.

What are some of the ways that we can help the Pala-U orphanage?

There are several ways to help this orphanage. As a volunteer, you could teach them English. You could help them by teaching some skills that they could use to sustain themselves: how to make crafts or bake, even how to use a computer or create websites. You could help build the common areas and accommodations.

Meal Pala-U Orphanage
Playing Pala-U Orphanage

 

You can volunteer there on a regular basis. However, just keep in mind that the space to stay there is limited because they don’t have a lot of available rooms. Also, most kids there go to schools during the day except in school break. You can stay in a place nearby. The area is quite small but very beautiful, and they do sustainable farming. They grow vegetables and raise cows, chicken, and ducks. It is a simple life surrounded by nature.


Thank you so much, Paang! The work that you do with the Pala-U orphanage is truly inspirational.

Group Picture Pala-U Orphanage

There are countless ways that you could make a difference at the Pala-U orphanage. The children at the orphanage depend on the help of volunteers and donors like you to receive educational, nutritional, and medical support. Please consider joining XploreAsia in reaching out a helping hand today. For more information on how you can make a difference for the Pala-U orphanage, contact us directly at m.volpe@xploreasia.org. We would love to chat with you! 

Are you ready to make a lasting difference teaching English abroad? Consider signing up for one of our incredible TESOL courses and teaching programs today!   

Experience Thailand’s Songkran Festival

Experience Thailand’s Songkran Festival

A country-wide water-fight & the only holiday where you’ll be drenched 24/7

Songkran occurs during the hottest month of the year and while schools are on holiday. The whole country has the chance to relax and cool off, while people drench one another with water buckets, water guns, and any other water-spraying device. Songkran is a national holiday so banks and most businesses will be closed during the three-day period, so take that into consideration when planning for your trip.

A Look at Songkran Rituals

As a New Year’s tradition, Songkran is celebrated through purification rituals, water offerings to temples, and as a way to wash away the impurities accumulated over the past year. Over time, the yearly ritual has evolved into a country-wide water fight involving ice buckets and super-soakers. 

Traditional rituals include pouring water over Buddha statues for good luck and then sprinkling that water over loved ones as a blessing. Today many people still take this time to wash their personal Buddha statues and make offerings to monks in the form of food, clothing, and flowers.

The second day of the celebration is National Family Day. While most tourists head to the biggest cities for chaotic celebrations, many Thai people retreat back home to visit their families.

Songkran Water Fight

Songkran is the largest celebration in Thailand, and it occurs every spring during the passing of the sun into the Aries zodiac month. Unlike other calendars that are set according to the lunar year, Thailand’s calendar was originally set according to the sun and star alignment.

Before the New Year was moved to January 1st,  the Thai New Year took place on April 13th. Therefore, the Songkran festival now officially begins during the second week of April. Depending on which region you visit, this giant water fight can range from 1-2 days to nearly 10 days of constant water shenanigans.

What makes Songkran unique?

  • Anyone can participate; all ages, religions, and nationalities are welcome!
  • It’s FREE! (Other than the purchase of a water gun)
  • Tens of thousands of people crowd the streets to partake in drenching one another with water
  • Everyone is smiling and enjoying the festival while embracing a piece of Thailand’s unique culture. Who doesn’t love a friendly water fight?

 

Popular Cities Songkran
Songkran Water Fight

 

Where to go for Songkran

Our XploreAsia team will be hosting our own water fight party for previous teachers and students to reconnect at our office in Hua Hin. If you’re in the area, stop by to say hello and soak our team with water! We’d love to see you! 

If you’re interested in completing a TESOL course in Thailand but you aren’t sure about which date to choose, consider coming in April! Not only will you have the chance to complete the TESOL course in preparation for when school starts again in May, you’ll also be able celebrate Songkran with other TESOL course students and the XploreAsia team. It’s a holiday you won’t want to miss out on!

TAKE CAUTION: 

Driving during the Songkran celebration is not encouraged due to the high number of participants crowding the streets and drenching drivers with water.  Also note that there is an endless flow of alcohol during these four days, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and refrain from getting behind the wheel.

Also if you’re celebrating in Chiang Mai, be aware that moat water will most likely be used and it may contain bacteria, so protect your eyes and don’t swallow the water! Lastly, take extra precautions to stay safe while travelling to and from the popular Songkran sites. Public transportation is encouraged as traffic will be mostly at a standstill.

Things to Bring

Whether you are craving a chaotic mob of super soakers or dreaming of tranquil time with loved ones, Songkran offers the time for both. Just remember, when you find yourself inevitably drenched in water, to take a moment to embrace the beauty of Thailand’s unique culture. This holiday is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that won’t want to miss!  

With that said, gather your Rambo gear, collect your water weapon of choice, and get ready to celebrate the New Year as the Thais do!

Songkran Water Fight

Have you celebrated Songkran before? Do you prefer water guns, water balloons, or super-soakers? Do you have plans for the Songkran celebration this year? Come by our XploreAsia office to celebrate with us – we’d love to see you!  

Curious about how you can start your adventure abroad? Check out our amazing programs here

TESOL Course Orientation Week: What to Expect When Living in Thailand

TESOL Course Orientation Week: What to Expect When Living in Thailand

We are so glad to welcome the newest members of the Xplore Asia family and share their stories from their first few weeks living in Thailand. Our new interns just came back from their weekend trip from Koh Pha Ngan and are back in the office, working away and preparing to welcome our next TESOL course intake. They have been in Hua Hin for just over two weeks now and would love to offer some advice on what to expect during orientation week and adjusting to life in Thailand.

Thailand Life: New interns, Xplore Asia

Our new interns: Marti, Julia, Jane, and Isabelle!

What was your first impression of Thailand and how did it compare to your expectations?

Boat Trip in Bangkok

Boat Trip in Bangkok

JaneI was surprised by the Western influence and how much of it there was. Coming from New York City, I am used to the hustle and bustle of a busy city that is not exactly clean.  However, Bangkok was a whole different ball game.  I also thought that Hua Hin would be a quaint little beach town getaway, but it feels much more urban. The city has grown on me quite a lot, and it offers so many wonderful things.

Isabelle: Here in Hua Hin, the busyness of the roads continue to surprise me, but I love the difference between night and day in the city. At night-time, the city is far less hot, which is reflected in the atmosphere: people come out to relax, eat, and drink at the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants.  It’s so lovely.

Is this your first time traveling in Southeast Asia, and did you do any research before you arrived?

Jane: This is my first time in South East Asia.  I did a bit of research but nothing too extensive.  For example, I googled pictures of Thailand and Hua Hin and read a few travel books about Thailand life.  I also talked to my friend a lot about Thailand because she studied in Chang Mai in Spring 2015. I do like to keep things a surprise and I knew that Hua Hin would be different from where my friend was and from what people think of when they think of Thailand.                                                                                                                     

Marti: Yes, I’ve been to both Vietnam and Myanmar. I didn’t do much research because I assumed it would be somewhat similar to those other countries.

What was your biggest concern about living and working in Thailand?

Life in Thailand

Sunrise in Hua Hin

Isabelle: I was mainly concerned about safety as a female traveler, but I have been pleasantly surprised to find that I feel much safer here than I did traveling in other places (sometimes even in the States).

Julia: I wasn’t sure what to expect but I knew it would still be an interesting experience no matter what happened.

What advice would give to someone who has the same concern?

Jane: For someone who is sort of “afraid of the unknown” and unsure about coming to Thailand, I would tell them this: everyone has fears and anxieties of the unknown.  You are excited but nervous. I think if you even have a slight desire to go and see somewhere, just go.  Otherwise, you’re always going to wonder, “What if I’d done that? What if I’d gone?” 

Marti: Embrace it! Everything in this country is amazing, from the people to the food to the scenic landscapes.

Julia: It will all work out and even at times when things get frustrating at work, remember that you are still living in Thailand. Stay optimistic and positive about the experience and embrace it.

Thailand Life: Discover new foods, sights and sounds living abroad!

Local market where we ordered ingredients in Thai to cook Pad Thai and papaya salad!

Isabelle: There are dangers everywhere, of course, but I have found that I feel very safe here in Hua Hin. It’s important to use common sense, but that’s similar to any other place. As my dad always states, “Make good choices,” and I think that goes for a lot of things – not just personal safety, but in looking out for others as well.

What was your favourite part of the TESOL Course Orientation week?

Thailand Life: Elephant Hug

Hugging an elephant at the Hutsadin Elephant Foundation!

Jane: My favorite part was going to Hutsadin Elephant Foundation and learning about the elephants.  They are truly amazing animals. 

Marti: I thought it was interesting to hear the backgrounds of other people involved in the program to see what made them decide to come to Thailand. It was a great way to get to know everyone very fast. Feeding elephants is always a plus! 

Isabelle: The Thai politics and culture class taught by the director Michael Volpe was a highlight for me; I learned so much in just those few lectures, and his enthusiasm and clear love for Thailand made me all the more excited to experience living in the country.

What was the most surprising part about orientation week and life in Thailand? 

Thailand Life: Hua Hin Beach

The beach down the street from where we live!

Isabelle: Thailand is truly a study of contrasts and some aspects of the culture can sometimes contradict one another. The fact that cars and motorbikes will not stop for pedestrians was surprising to me, but as long as you’re vigilant and patient, it’s not too much of a problem.

Julia: I was surprised by how busy Hua Hin is. I expected it to be more of a relaxed beach town.

Marti: I was surprised to learn about the background of the recent King that passed and discover the level of adoration he received from the Thai people.

What was the most challenging part about adjusting to Thailand life?

Isabelle: How hot it is here in Thailand. It really does drain your strength, so drink lots of water, wear good shoes, and don’t forget to put on bug spray. There are so many bugs in Thailand! 

Jane: The most challenging part was being jet lagged.  I was so tired and went to bed at 9:30 pm every night.

What do you love about life in Hua Hin?

Jane: I love being by the beach and the abundance of seafood.  The food here is really tasty and super cheap.

Isabelle: Recently, we went to the Grand Night Market for dinner, and I enjoyed it much more than the regular night market. It was far less touristy, the food was delicious, and in the back of the market, a gathering of bars with bright, colourful lights overhead was so inviting and peaceful.

Hua Hin Beach

Hua Hin Beach

What do you wish you would’ve brought with you to Thailand?

Isabelle: More bug spray! And long, flowy black pants for the office. Comfortable slip-on and slip-off shoes (flats) are awesome to have here because you’re constantly taking your shoes off and on when you go into any businesses or the office.  

Jane: I wish I had more room in my suitcase to bring home some of the amazing things you can find in Thailand.  The clothes here are so bright and pretty. There is a lot of color here, and everything is vibrant and cheery… I would LOVE to bring that home. 

MartiMost of my clothes aren’t fit for office life. I wish I had packed less so I could take advantage of the cheaper, more suitable options here.

Thank you to our new interns! We’re so happy that you had a wonderful TESOL Course Orientation experience and we’re excited that you’re here at Xplore Asia. We can’t wait to hear about the new adventures and experiences you’ll have while living in Thailand! 

Want to experience Thailand life? Ready to start your own adventure living in a different country? Are you interested in teaching or working abroad? Check out our amazing program experiences here.

Discovering the Art Scene in Thailand

Discovering the Art Scene in Thailand

A Guide to Arts and Culture in Thailand

A First Look at the Art in Thailand 

Last Sunday afternoon found me wandering the Chatuchak market in Bangkok, weaving my way through crowded stalls brimming with wares: everything from vintage sneakers to baskets of mangoes, cheap sunglasses and old porcelain dishware. Amid the hubbub, a narrow corridor led deeper into the covered market area, and I soon realized that an entire community of artists and small galleries flourished in the tiny and often hidden corners of the market.

The art scene in Thailand is a mixture of traditional artists, unconventional artists, and crafters who make unique artisan products.

One of the many stalls in the Chatuchak Market 

Golden walkways at the Grand Palace 

There, nestled between large vendors selling purses of all shapes and sizes and bustling restaurants, lay an entire network of small stalls showcasing art pieces and handmade jewelry, portraiture, and modern art.

When one envisions Bangkok, artwork – street art, galleries, and the like – is not generally what first comes to mind. But as I continue to learn more about this multi-faceted culture and country, Thailand offers one of the richest and most diverse art scenes around the world.

In addition to the stunning temples that adorn the cityscape of Bangkok, contemporary galleries and eclectic art spaces open regularly around the city, creating a mosaic-like art scene that honors traditional Buddhist art and handmade craftsmanship.

Rounding the corner of one stall, I caught a glimpse of a vastly intricate painted scroll depicting a battle at sea. It was done in ancient art form, the boats replete with dragon-heads and sailors fighting with spears, and as I looked a little closer, the plaque in the corner read the artist’s name and then the date: February 2017. It had been painted just the week before.

So this is Thailand then too: a blend of contemporary and traditional, a study of contrasts, and always, always surprising.

Street Art and So Much More in Hua Hin

I have found this to be the case in Hua Hin as well, where I am currently living for the next few months. There is a different flavor to the art in this city. A former fishing town that sits right along the beach, Hua Hin offers a significantly more laid-back atmosphere than in Bangkok, and as a popular tourist destination, the art scene is catered perhaps more directly towards this crowd.

The art scene in Thailand is entrenched in culture and many find inspiration in the traditional and sometimes ancient Buddhist sculptures and stunning temples around the country.

Golden Buddha statue at the Khao Takiab Temple, Hua Hin

In Hua Hin, there is the Baan Sillapin Artists Village and 3D museum. The original arts center in Hua Hin, the village holds large galleries of arts and antiques and offers walk-throughs of artist studios. In the winter months, the village hosts an Art & Jazz collective, bringing musicians in from around the world to perform at the center. The village a slight trek away from the city center of Hua Hin, around 5 km on the road to Pala-U, but transportation is easy here – you can rent a taxi or a tuk-tuk for a fairly reasonable price to bring you there and back.

For more art galleries within the city itself, you can also check out the Aourd Art Gallery on Poon Suk road, Art My Home Gallery on Chomsin Road, and Cicada Market for beautiful handmade pieces.

But I have found art in so many unexpected places too: on the corner where I run every morning, there is a little monster painted on the wall of a restaurant with the word “Gallery” colorfully inscribed above. I love it. I look for it every day.

There is art to be found everywhere, and in all cliché form, sometimes you just have to look for it in the unexpected places. I find that through art, you can discover so much about a culture and a country, trace its history and values, its path through conflict and harmony.

As you begin your adventure traveling to Southeast Asia to teach or volunteer, be sure to keep your eye out for the unexpected artwork all around you.

Street art is surprisingly prominent in many parts of Thailand and many stores and cafés support the art scene in Thailand by promoting local artists. (Gallery Drip)

My favorite mural in Hua Hin! 

I’m curious to know: what kind of art are you interested in? Do you love street art, contemporary art, or historical pieces? What amazing artwork have you found in your travels? When you think of art in Thailand, what images came to mind?

Meeting Locals and Making New Friends in Thailand

Meeting Locals and Making New Friends in Thailand

written by Tarah Mason

One of the scariest parts of packing up and moving across the world is the anxiety of meeting new people.  I’d like to consider myself a fairly outgoing person, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about making friends when I chose to move to Thailand alone.  What if my roommate didn’t like me? What if I just didn’t click with anybody? What if all of the locals in my town hated me? What if…the list could go on and on and I’m sure some of you have felt the same way. Here are a few ways to get in with the locals and make the most of your time abroad!

 1. Find a few restaurants you like and go there again and again…and again.

meeting locals in ThailandThe first few weeks of being in my town I tried out a bunch of different restaurants and eventually found myself frequenting just a few. Being one of the few foreigners in town, the restaurant owners started to notice my constant appearance in their restaurant and we began to form a bond.  Now, they help me with my Thai (and think it’s incredibly funny to listen to me attempt to order in Thai) and I think I’ll miss them equally as much as I’ll miss my students when I leave.

2. Be Yourself.
I know, I know, this is so cliché. I really tried to come up with a less cheesy way to say this, but nothing came to mind.  When you arrive in Chiang Mai or Hua Hin for your TESOL course, be yourself and I promise you will make friends.  Everyone else arriving is going through the same thing you are and it’s easy to bond over that.  The relationships I formed during this first month are some of the strongest friendships I have at the moment and I have no doubt they’ll be in my life far past my time in Thailand.

My new friend in Thailand

 

5. Get Involved at Your School
One of the best lessons I’ve learned since being in Thailand is that you don’t have to speak the same language as someone to have a relationship with them. Most of the Thai teachers at my school speak little to no English, yet I consider them friends. I’ve been on trips with them, gone to a funeral with them, and they even share their curry with me at lunch (a true sign of love in Thailand, in my opinion).

3. Make Friends with Your Tour Guides. 
In my personal opinion, a tour guide can really make or break an experience.  I’ve been lucky to have some really great guides, and actually stay in touch with a couple of them. Casey, my tour guide from a hike in Malaysia, sends me emails every once in a while to see how I’m doing and has even offered to help me train for my first half marathon!

4. Be Open.
Be open to making friends with people you think you might not otherwise be friends with.  Don’t close yourself off to making friends with someone because you don’t think you’d click with them.  You never know what someone has to offer until you actually talk to them, and I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the people you meet.

My new friend in Thailand

6. Live in the Moment.
I think this might be one of the most important tips I can give you. We all have friends, family, and people we are leaving behind in order to live in Thailand, but don’t dwell on that.  You made the decision to move to Thailand, so embrace it. Of course, make time to stay in touch with and FaceTime the people that are important to you, but don’t let it consume you.  The people who love you will always be there, but your time in Thailand will end eventually.  Enjoy it while you’re here and you’ll have some great stories to tell them when you get back.

My new friends in Thailand

Don’t let the fear of making friends stop you from moving to Thailand to teach English.  The hardest part will be pulling the trigger and making the move; after that everything will fall into place.  Teaching English in Thailand is an experience that simply cannot be replicated and I promise you won’t regret it!

Are you worried about meeting new friends abroad? Or did you find it really easy and have other good suggestions? Comment below, as we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about Tarah and her adventures in Thailand, check out her blog www.travelwithtarah.com

Giving Back to the Community in Thailand

Giving Back to the Community in Thailand

At XploreAsia we believe that small changes make a big difference, and giving back to the community should be the cornerstone of every successful organization. Giving back always feels good. XploreAsia proudly supports several non-profit organizations. We actively encourage our employees and participants to take part in various volunteer opportunities close to their hearts and make a positive difference wherever they are.

Here, one of staff talks about how they have begun giving back to the community through animal rescue work. If you feel inspired by this story we will be happy to give you more information and suggestions on volunteering in South East Asia.

Making a Difference In The Lives Of Street Dogs

RESCUE PAWS has been the centre of XploreAsia volunteering activity for years, as stray dogs are a huge concern not only in Hua Hin, but in Thailand in general. This is an issue that needs a lot of attention and is close to the hearts of many of our team. Our Senior TESOL Instructor, Jaco, is one of the founders of Rescue Paws. We are grateful for all of his work and dedication towards making a difference in the lives of street dogs in Hua Hin.

By giving back to the community, you can help a soi dog find their smile again!

 

How and why did you get involved with Rescue Paws?

I arrived in Thailand in 2010 on Koh Samui. There I saw the plight of dogs in Thailand, and rescued my first dog. When I moved to the town of Hua Hin, I realized the extent of the problem was much larger. I had many stray dogs in my immediate area that I started to feed. In October 2013, The Global Work and Travel company owners came out and they also saw the huge problem we were faced with. Hundreds of street, and beach dogs. Together, both organizations started a fund to feed these dogs. We went out with XploreAsia students and found even more packs to feed. Almost immediately we noticed the difference that was being made, and they along with XploreAsia donated money to build 12 kennels and equip a very basic clinic. 

What are the main activities/operations of Rescue Paws?

The mission for Rescue Paws is to over time get the beach, temple, and street dog population under control. We hope that in time we will see a decline in the stray dog population. Our motto is sterilization, vaccination, and education. It does not matter how many sterilizations we do, we need to educate the nation before we will see a real decline in numbers. Apart from all the wound care, parasite treatment, vaccinations, cancer treatments, and deworming we do, we also go to schools and into the community to educate the locals on proper animal welfare and the importance thereof.

What difference has Rescue Paws made to the lives of street dogs in Hua Hin?

Even though the decrease in street dog population and improvement in their health is a slow process, Rescue Paws has made a dramatic impact in the last 4 years. Since opening their doors, they have given over 3500 vaccinations to prevent future sickness, provided over 766 sterilizations to prevent future street dogs, and performed over 14,000 other medical treatments that have saved lives of many street dogs. Additionally, Rescue Paws is feeding an average of 750 dogs a week, and have given 129 rescued dogs new homes.

Could you share one of the most memorable moments while working with Rescue P.A.W.S?

There are countless heart warming, and breaking stories I could share, but 2 of my favorite ones involve Milo and Katinka, 2 street dogs that I adopted while living in Hua Hin. Milo was a poisoned and paralysed dog that suffered from major neurological issues. He was with us for 6 months in the kennel and got healthy through continuous massages, assisted walking and aqua training in the ocean. Katinka was found upside down in a drain. She was also poisoned. She was fully paralyzed and blind. Also, through the continued efforts of Rescue Paws she has recovered and is living with me.

You can start giving back to the community by volunteering at animal shelters!
walking the dogs on the beach in Thailand
XploreAsia volunteers

How can others help and make a difference?

There are so many ways people can help and start giving back to the community. It could be anything from liking and sharing our RescuePaws Facebook page, to adopting a dog and donating money. Every little donation helps and makes a big difference in the lives of street dogs in Hua Hin. To get more information and ideas how to help, have a look at Rescue Paws’ home page.

Rescue P.A.W.S. are always giving back to the community by working hard to treat all the animals in their neighbourhood.

Additionally, there are countless volunteer opportunities in all different parts of Asia. If you are interested in giving back to the community, wherever you are based, XploreAsia can help you find just the right one for you. Get in contact with us and we would love to chat with you more.