Robert from Thailand teach that I talked about in a earlier post send me some fabulous links. You can also see what I wrote if you look at the posts on volunteering by pressing a link on the right. Robert's facebook page which is invaluable is:
https://www.facebook.com/Thailand-Teach-289975994428274/
He also send me this fabulous line which has hundreds of volunteer opportunities with a description of what they do and volunteer details. Thanks so much Robert. Have a look at this site.
http://volunteerworkthailand.org/
In addition, as if this was not enough, Robert was kind enough to send his information for volunteers which I am sure you will find helpful.
This is what Robert sends his volunteers and I think it is worth reading and considering.
First of all let me say how grateful we and other CBO's are that people like yourself are interested in
taking an active approach during their time away.
Thank you for considering Thailand Teach for your volunteering experience in Thailand. We will break
down what is expected of you at school, basic Thai etiquette, simple vocabulary and phrases etc.
Our Schools -
We mainly cater to the Temple / monastery schools. These schools are usually run and managed by the Buddhist
temples with little or no funding from the government. This restricts the school from hiring foreigners to teach English
like the other well funded schools all over Thailand. We work closely with couple of schools not only with providing
volunteers to teach at them but also try our best to help these schools with any infrastructural needs
( painting, new computers, science lab equipment etc) from the donations we receive.
English Education in Thailand -
The level of English is very basic in most schools. May it be primary or high school they are all at a very basic level.
We usually advice our volunteers to start with talking of their country. There by making students learn and write new
vocabulary in their books for eg - If you are French you can talk of the big cities in France and compare it with the big
cities in Thailand, this will help the students to relate to them better ( Paris is like Bangkok etc ). Once you are done with
talking of your country, language spoken, national bird, national animal, favourite food etc you could review all the data
the students have written down.
Always try to use simple words. You could further move on to any topic - opposites, food, animals, birds, my classroom
weather , adjectives, simple commands ( close the window etc) and so on. Once you select a topic start with the basic
vocabulary and move to simple sentences for eg - what is this? This is a rubber. We also suggest looking up some
simple nursery rhymes in English or simple songs in your native language in case it is not English eg If you are French
then "Alou Ete" is an example of a simple song to make kids sing.
These songs or rhymes could be used to break ice and also to liven up the kids if you feel they look bored or tired with
the intake of all that you are teaching. Once they are all bubbly with the singing and may be a bit of hand actions or
dancing with the songs ( do the hookie pokie ) you could get back to teaching.
Lastly do not fear or get nervous. Just be confident and teach. The students and school teachers will be most delighted
even if they learn just a few new words from you.
When you have fun and enjoy the students will enjoy too.
Basic Thai Etiquette, simple vocabulary and phrases -
Thai people are very polite and courteous. It is common practice to remove ones footwear outside before entering a
room or house.
Thai people love to joke and are fun loving however one must maintain a bit of formality when you are not very personal
or good friends with any particular person
Thai -
Khrab is used by men and Kha is used by women.
These words are always added at the end of every sentence, it shows politeness
Sawadee Khrab / kha - this is a general greeting, it can be used at any time of the day,
when you meet a person and also used when you part.
Sabaii dee mai khrab / kha ? - How are you ?
Sabaii dee khrab / kha - I am great/ fine.
Phet kin mai dai khrab / kha - I can not eat spicy food.
Phet kin dai khrab / kha - I can eat spicy food.
Phet mai aao khrab / kha - I dont want it spicy.
Hong nam yoo nai khrab / kha - where is the washroom?
Pasa Thai mai khao jai khrab / kha - I dont understand Thai.
Khob khun mak khrab /kha - Thank you very much.
Chai khrab / kha - yes
mai chai khrab / kha - no
Khrab phom - usually used when someone calls you or when you agree with what someone said.
Khor thod na khrab / kha - sorry or also used for excuse me or when you want someone to give way
so you can pass by.
We are sure you will enjoy your experience volunteering in Amazing Thailand - The land of smiles.
Always here to guide you. Looking forward to make your volunteering experience a memorable and cherished one.
Attached is our information.
All the best,
Robert and Pooh Newton
Volunteer Inn - Thailand Teach
Tel# 66 084 996 8617 - Thailand
Tel# 416 410 2345 - CANADA
robert@volunteerinn.net
facebook.com/pages/Thailand-Teach/289975994428274
gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad/thailand/thailand-teach/64848
volunteerinn.blogspot.ca/
volunteeralliance.org/cbo/thailand-teach
Skype - volunteerresort
GPS coordinates 14.93976, 100.26341
Wat Wang Khon - Chom Poo Homestay Soi Sukhaphiban Sing Buri 14
68 Moo 10, Tambon Pho Chon Kai, Amphoe Bang Rachan, Sing Buri, Thailand 16130
ลงที่บ้าน วังขรณ์ บ้านชมพู่แฟนฝรั่ง บ้านเลขที่ 68 หมู่ 10 ต โพชนไก่ อ บางระจัน จ สิงห์บุรี
Intercultural travel and voluntouring programs overseas are an interesting adventure.
The more involved you are the more incredible the experience is for everyone.
*** Note: Tropical countries such as ours have heavy rains, violent storms and floods.
Be ready for alterations to activities and schedules during these times. ***