Let's Wrap This Up

So this is going to sound like one big cliché but here we go...

 

On reflection, this trip has got to be the hardest, most amazing thing I have ever experienced. It really was no easy ride, and I had my fair share of highs and lows, but definitely more highs.

 

It was difficult, challenging in every way and emotionally testing at times but I will be able to take so much from this. Again, it may sound like this is cliché but I have learnt so much from living in rural Thailand for 2 months!

• Firstly, now that I have done this, I can do anything. I have been chased by wild dogs, I have been lost in the suburbs of Bangkok in the middle of the night in monsoon rain, I have kept a class of fifty twelve year olds under control, I have eaten chicken blood soup, I have killed more spiders than I count (and I am the biggest spider wuss), I have stayed in a house with mice and tarantulas, I have taught in 40c heat and the list goes on... The idea of going back to Norwich seems slightly to tame after this summer.
• Go for it. You really need to take every opportunity you can - if I hadn't have been offered this placement, I probably would have spent my summer with a mundane job, bored out of my nut - what is the point. I'm definitely going to try and do something like this again next summer. If you are lucky enough to have a successful application to the TET scheme, don't hesitate - you will make amazing friends in your colleagues and also in the other ETA's.

 

I am grateful to the University of East Anglia, Property Care Services PCS and DLA Piper for supporting this English Teaching Assistants programme.