Archive for the ‘TEFL Training in Thailand’ Category
Why is Thailand Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destination?
First, visitors are wowed by the “Land of 1000 Smiles.” The Thai culture is soaked in a mai bpen rai attitude – what's that? Like the Australian “No Worries,” the Thai have a laid back sensibility that allows them to let go of little problems and to face greater challenges with ease.
Then there is the history, terrain and culture. Thailand is sprinkled with architectural wonders, amazing shopping malls, sun-drenched beaches and secluded islands, delectable food and drink, quaint hill villages and the magnificence of ancient ruins.
She offers white, sandy beaches and gentle, clear seas of the island speckled south and gorgeous, mountain scenery and timeless way of life found among hill tribes in the north. Given this contrast with the energy and activity of the capital, Bangkok, with it's renowned nightlife and modernity, a traveler is certain to discover a place offering what they seek.
Catering to the outdoorsy and active types, a cornucopia of activities including premier scuba diving among pristine coral reefs, trekking in the north hills, climbing among natural limestone sculpture, or quiet paddling on rivers and seas.
Standing alongside the superb natural beauty is the beauty of an ancient Buddhist culture with its wats (temples), palaces and archaeological treasures. The powerful juxtaposition of this ancient culture with a fully modern society makes Thailand a must-see destination for world travelers. Thailand is “the land of the free” - true in that Thailand has never been conquered or colonized by other countries in its 800 year history.
To see a native Thai in traditional dress puttering along on a motorbike, likely on the way to the temple is a perfect example of the adaptability of Thailand's people. They have a gift for taking the best of foreign culture and advances while maintaining a sense of their own unique identities. Their arts are admired by people across the world. The cuisine is also a world favorite with its blend of freshness and spices.
There seems to be an almost total lack of ill-will or expression of bad feelings and this singular feature of the Thai people is their unique qualification as hospitality ambassadors to the world. This is perhaps due to their long tradition of belief in Buddhism and its tenets of peacefulness, forgiveness and compassion.
As a cultural mecca and an antidote for a harried western lifestyle, Thailand's culture, people and places stand without peer for their sheer ability to delight. What better place could you find to enjoy yourself as you train to be an English teacher in Asia through a certified TEFL program?
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People ask me what it is like to teach English in Asia. I am a teacher in Phuket, Thailand, the "pearl of the Andaman." So, to start with, my location is fabulous. The sunsets are incredible. Yesterday, I was by the beach for sunset with colors shifting and melding - and as the blazing sun dipped below the horizon I remembered to breathe again. The beauty stopped people in their tracks. No one spoke. We all simply stood, absorbing the beauty, speechless.....
My students are delightful. There are not enough superlative adjectives (yes, I teach English) to describe the warmth, playfulness and hospitality of the Thai people. We always laugh in class. Their whole approach is to have fun while learning and this is nice to encounter as a teacher. Happy people who are having fun make great students.
Teachers are highly respected in Asia and Thailand is not an exception. The "ajaan" is seen as one who is trying to help the student, to train their most precious asset - their mind. To give the gift of learning is so overwhelmingly valued, that the teacher is seen only a bit below the monks, the King, and even their most beloved teacher, the Buddha. As a foreigner, I must constantly remind myself that their approach to what I do is perhaps different that my approach to my own teachers. My students have an entirely different way of relating to my position than I do or ever did. I have to become comfortable accepting their respect and have to take the role seriously - in a light-hearted way.
I was well-prepared for my job by TEFL Phuket So teaching is at once rewarding, challenging, interesting and fun. The work never seems hard - maybe because I try to emind myself of my good fortune in being here. At any rate, I'll blog some more specifics as time permits. For now, rest well and sweet dreams of fresh mangoes, banana pancakes and glorious sunsets....
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