Let me start off by introducing myself: My name is Jordan and I am a twenty-year- old woman from South Africa. I wouldn’t call myself a ‘well-travelled’ person but I’ve been on my fair share of excursions over thepast few years.

My latest journey has been teaching in Thailand. For someone like me –who ended up tagging along with my boyfriend rather than having the idea to travel to Thailand myself – I certainly am surprised that I havegrown to love this country.

Once I arrived and settled in I realised that never have I seen a countryso absolutely raw and authentic. It draws you in with the pictures and stories of beautiful islands and beaches, but holds you with the love and acceptance of a warm people and a diverse culture. Add some little kids with a hunger to learn English on top of that and you are in for the experience of a lifetime.

So far I have had the privilege of teaching toddlers aged two and also a small group of six year olds. Teaching requires more than just a lesson plan and a course book. If you want to be a successful teacher – especially the younger kids – you need to get them to enjoy coming to your class. Keeping them entertained and excited about English is the key to getting them to ultimately improve and to see amazing results! Both age groups I’ve taught have had their challenges and rewards but ultimately the core of Thai children stays the same – they are intelligent, warm, loving and you will not find better students. They have taught me more than I could ever teach them and make me grateful to wake up every morning and go to a job that is wholly fulfilling.

 

Jordan leah Day – rayong