Greenheart Travel

Tag: thailand

  • Greenheart’s First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners for Spring 2024!

    Greenheart’s First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners for Spring 2024!

    Every year, Greenheart makes scholarships available to First Time Travelers. These scholarships are intended for those who have never traveled out of the country and want to immerse themselves in another culture. Here are just some of the winners of the 2024 First Time Traveler Scholarships and their thoughts on travel!

     

     

    Name: Clara

    Program: High School Abroad in Sweden

    Why is the opportunity to travel for the first time exciting for you?

     It opens a whole new world of experiences and opportunities, immersing myself in different cultures, trying new foods, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and meeting people from all walks of life. I’m getting a chance to break free from familiar everyday life and embrace the unknown. I’m excited to be in the shoes of a Swedish teenager and experience everything that comes with it. I’m hoping to be able to explore and soak up everything around me.

     

    Name: Alana

    Program: Teen Language Camp in Japan

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    “Travel for a Change” to me, means the opportunity of becoming more aware of other places and cultures in the world. It signifies the internal change that one will go through while experiencing all these ways of living life that are unlike our own. With the opportunity of traveling and visiting new places, you will learn new cultures, food, fashion, languages, and more. While you travel and come across all these experiences, you will gain a broader understanding of the world. The places you visited will leave an imprint on who you are and who you will become as a person therefore, changing you from who you used to be into someone with more comprehension of cultures and lifestyles.

     

    Name: Naomi

    Program: High School Abroad in Argentina

    What does Greenheart Travel’s mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    To me, “Travel for a Change” means that travel breaks down barriers and prejudices between the traveler and those being visited. Furthermore, travel also builds bridges in the places of those barriers and prejudices. These changes that occur while traveling ultimately allow our world to be a more loving, accepting, and connected environment. As people begin to be more accepting of other cultures through travel, the world becomes a better place.

     

    Name: Sadie

    Program: High School Abroad in Italy

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    To me, traveling for a change also means you evolve who you are as a person and your perspective on what may be considered ‘normal’ because it provides the opportunity to see how others live! That’s why I want to actually live with a family in Italy. To live and invest in relationships with others around the world is a truly rewarding experience. Travel also forces you to grow as a person by stepping outside of your comfort zone, learning to handle responsibility, navigating different forms of transportation, learning about different currencies, language and relating to others with different backgrounds and traditions. I think travel has the capacity to help teens like me grow and gain so many more tools than what may be possible without the experience of travel.

     

    Name: Madeleine

    Program: High School Abroad in Ireland

    Why is the opportunity to travel for the first time exciting for you?

     Ever since I was young, my main goal has been to see the world. I’ve always recognized that there is much more to explore beyond my backyard. From the gorgeous hills of Ireland to the seaside cities in Greece so many call home, there are countless people to meet and endless astounding views. To not only get to travel outside of America for an extended period of time but to also be fully immersed in the day-to-day experience of the citizens there, is a first-time, life-changing experience. I am excited to connect to new people and to be able to return to the United States with a new outlook on my life!

     

    Name: Kennedi-Grace 

    Program: Teen Language Camp South Korea

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    “Travel for a Change” implies traveling with the intention of being a forever learner. To learn how to make a change in your community by learning the values of the different cultures around the world. To make a difference in the communities we are a part of, we need to be able to see ourselves from a different perspective. To learn what it means to be a community and learning to come together despite our differences.

     

    Name: Zev

    Program: Teen Language Camp Spain

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    For me, travel symbolizes more than just visiting new destinations; it’s a transformative odyssey that promises to shape my worldview, enrich my understanding of diverse cultures, and foster a profound sense of empathy and connection with the world. Stepping beyond the borders of familiarity, I anticipate encountering unfamiliar landscapes, immersing myself in vibrant cultures, and forging meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

     

    Name: Jade 

    Program: Teen Language Camp France – Saint-Malo

    Why is the opportunity to travel for the first time on your own exciting for you?

    I have never gotten on a plane by myself to a foreign country. I’ve never needed to navigate my way to a destination, nor been forced to figure out how to find my way – no less all by myself. The idea of living in a foreign city, with a new family, and leaving my home family and friends behind is something I’ve never done before. While it is all a bit intimidating, it is at the same time exciting, interesting, and adventurous!

     

    Name: Anna 

    Program: Teach Abroad Thailand

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

     “There is a famous quote that says, “The sky is the limit, but there are footprints on the moon.” Like the Greenheart mission, this saying means that we create our own limits. We are not constrained to one location, aspiration, or situation unless we force ourselves to do so. Traveling can be intimidating, but it can also be the most rewarding accomplishment of a lifetime if we allow ourselves to have it. We are the creators of our own destinies, so only we have the power to step outside of the boxes in which we confine ourselves.”

     

    Learn more about Greenheart’s First Time Traveler Scholarships

  • A Journey of Discovery: Teaching in Chiang Mai, Thailand

    A Journey of Discovery: Teaching in Chiang Mai, Thailand

    by: Milena Schembri

    Traveling to Chiang Mai felt like turning the page to a new chapter. Starting with an overnight bus from Hua Hin, the sleep may not have been the best, but as I dozed in and out, a breathtaking sunrise over the mountains was my first sight of the beautiful Chiang Mai. It hit me that this enchanting city would be my home for the next little while. On my first day, I stepped into Tonkla, the school that would soon become my professional home.

    Before being hired, I was drawn to the mission and values of this school. In the heart of Chiang Mai, Tonkla prides itself in taking a different approach to learning and teaching compared to other schools in Thailand. The founder of the school; Boonanake Maneetham, built the foundation of Tonkla with the belief that student happiness is essential. He states, “The brain works best when it’s happy, loved and cared for.” The word “Tonkla” itself means “little tree.” Just like a tree needs water and nutrients to grow; happiness is like water that brings nutrients to the children’s taproot, branch roots, and hair roots. It was exciting to soon be a part of a community that understands the importance of happiness and how it affects the human being as a whole.

    Again, it felt as if the stars were aligning and everything was falling into place. A school with values and a mission like Tonkla is one that I always pictured myself working at. It feels as if the values of happiness and taking care of oneself are the same values I had for myself. I’ve had realizations that my own happiness is what matters most. If I’m taking care of my own well-being, then this radiates to those around me and causes a rippling effect of happiness . After visiting the school for the first time, I was amazed by the design and loved how it was surrounded by nature. I was eager to meet my students and immerse myself in the community.

    One of the more challenging aspects of being away from home was missing Christmas with my family. I remember my instructor- John from Xploreasia explaining the stages of culture shock and living abroad. I definitely experienced different emotional states as time passed. I included a visual below for reference:


    I believe I experienced the “shock” stage around Christmas time. Christmas at home has always been one of my most favourite times of the year. I love seeing family and friends, cozying up on the couch, and enjoying the festivities that come along with the holiday season. This year, I was in a new city, not knowing many people yet, and figuring out my berings. Looking back, the experience of missing home taught me to appreciate what you have in the moment. When you’re constantly doing the “same old things” it feels repetitive at the time, but when you leave “the same old things” you end up realizing how much you love it all. This experience has made my appreciation for home grow and has made me look forward to my return. There were many cultural differences to adapt to such as the struggle to communicate with locals, simple tasks like buying things at a grocery store, running out of hot water, and BUGS.

    I realized that these stages of culture shock aren’t linear. Going in and out of the stages is similar to flowing with the waves of life. Situations, and emotions will arise that are uncomfortable,
    but nothing lasts forever. I’ve learned to find gratitude in my current situation and look at it as a once in a lifetime experience. I left home with a mission to make the most of my time in Asia and immerse myself into a culture that is completely different from what I’m used to. I began to move into the transition and acceptance stages of the culture shock wave. I was now eager to make Chiang Mai my new home away from home.

    As I immersed myself in my teaching role, a profound affection for my students blossomed. I got to know the unique qualities of their personalities. Tonkla hosts many events for their school community on a monthly basis. This is something I wasn’t accustomed to. The active involvement of parents adds another layer of community richness. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my teaching skills throughout my time at Tonkla School.

    I began to explore and enjoy the amazing city. I couldn’t believe how much there was to do. From the beautiful jungle hikes and waterfalls surrounding the city, to the endless amount of coffee shops in the city square, to the breathtaking temples. I fell in love with Chiang Mai. I began to meet more people with similar interests as me! One of these interests being yoga and meditation.

    Something I didn’t realize before coming to Chiang Mai is that it’s often referred to as the “City of Meditation” due to its rich history and strong connection to Buddhism. Yoga and meditation are something that I enjoyed teaching and practicing at home. I was eager to start a healthy routine and take advantage of the spiritual practices Chiang Mai had to offer. Trying different yoga classes, meditation techniques, and speaking with Monks have been tools to help guide me on my own spiritual path. I’ve experienced profound revelations about my true essence, how important it is to observe the mind, and how precious the present moment is.

    After reflecting on my experiences, I can’t believe how much inner growth I’ve experienced. I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the decision I made to embark on an adventure that has led me to call Chiang Mai, my new home for the next little while. Working at Tonkla has not only been a job but a transformative experience that has enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My students and other staff members will forever have a special place in my heart.

    Choosing to come to Thailand was not a decision taken lightly; I knew there would be ups and downs, but what I’ve come to realize is that even when things don’t seem to go as planned, that’s
    the purpose of the journey. Living in Thailand has been a journey of self-discovery. I’ve learned to identify and address bad habits and patterns, manage stress, and not overthink or plan excessively. Allowing life to unfold naturally has become a mantra, trusting that everything is happening as it should. One of my favourite quotes that I’ve repeated to myself throughout my travels is “life happens     not to me, but for me.” Everything in life is a lesson. I’ve learned that I should treat people with kindness and respect- just like Thai locals, enjoy the unfolding of life and appreciate every single moment in the “NOW,” to accept the highs and lows of life because everything shall eventually pass, and to not take life too seriously. We’re meant to enjoy life, have fun, and learn. This land of smiles has left an incredible mark on my heart. I can’t wait to live the rest of my life rooted in gratitude, appreciation, adventure, and love. I want to thank Greenheart for allowing me to use this platform to share my experience, and I hope I encourage others to follow their dream… whatever that may be for you.

     

  • Teaching in Thailand was the adventure of a lifetime. Writing about it was, too!

    Teaching in Thailand was the adventure of a lifetime. Writing about it was, too!

    Greenheart Travel loves to hear from our travelers and to share their inspiring stories. We hope you enjoy this piece from Dian Seidel who went to Thailand with Greenheart Travel to teach English in 2019.

    Teaching in Thailand was the adventure of a lifetime. Writing about it was, too!

    by Dian Seidel (Greenheart Travel and XploreAsia alum, 2019-2020)

    My husband Steve and I were not your typical “farang” (foreigner) ESOL teachers in Thailand. When we first walked into our XploreAsia (Greenheart Travel’s partner in Thailand) orientation in Chiang Mai, it was obvious that the rest of our group were young enough to be our kids – or even our grandkids! Some were taking a gap year between university and work. Some wanted to live abroad while getting paid. Some were looking for love, some for healing, and some for enlightenment. As a retired couple, we were looking for a late-life adventure.

    Since retiring from our government jobs, Steve and I had been volunteer ESOL teachers for adult immigrants in Washington DC.  We had hoped to teach adults in Thailand, too. Instead we ended up in kindergarten in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok. Since Thai kids can start at age 2½, kindergarten seemed more like pre-school to us. Our kids were adorable, fast learners, and rambunctious as all get out. Our days were filled with moments of delight, satisfaction, frustration, and exhaustion. For our kindergarten students, each day was a new adventure. The same was true for Steve and me.

    For Thanksgiving, we read stories about the holiday, roasted a pumpkin, and made miniature pumpkin pies.

    We shared our adventures with family and friends back home via email. Each month we drafted long messages illustrated with our best photos. Folks seemed to like these missives and reported eagerly anticipating the next installment. What I didn’t realize was that our messages were, themselves, the start of another adventure.

    Like schools across Thailand, our school in Pathum Thani province had a flag-raising assembly every morning at 8 o’clock. The first chapter of Kindergarten at 60 is the story of our first flag-raising, where we stood at attention for the Thai national anthem, sat cross-legged for a mediation song, and, to our surprise, sang Baby Shark.

    Our teaching contract ended March 1, 2020, and we returned home on March 3. We had planned to resume teaching English, but ten days after our return, our school, like most other schools and businesses, shut down due to Covid-19. Instead, I went in a room, shut the door, and started using our missives from Thailand as a springboard for writing a book. Eighteen months later, I completed Kindergarten at 60: A Memoir of Teaching in Thailand.

    For me, and I think for the kindergarteners, story time was the best part of the school day.

    The online writing workshops, conferences, and critique groups I found during the pandemic were as much of an adventure as our time in Thailand. So was the publishing process, which took another 18 months. I met new people who supported me in my writing efforts and explored a whole new world.

    Now that the book is out, I’m reliving my Thailand teaching adventure every time I speak about the book. My Greenheart Travel experience was the adventure of a lifetime – an adventure that keeps evolving and for which I’ll always be grateful.

    ****

    Learn more about Kindergarten at 60 at Dian’s website, and find her suggestions for other books about Thailand at Shepherd. 

    Kindergarten at 60 is available in multiple formats, including audiobook, through all major online booksellers and bookstores:

     

     

     

  • “You’re moving to Thailand? By yourself? Why?”

    “You’re moving to Thailand? By yourself? Why?”

    Sometimes it’s a New Year’s resolution that propels us to do something different. Sometimes something in our lives shakes us and moves us out of our comfort zone.  Whatever it is, Greenheart Travel believes in the power of travel as a way to change your perspective and invigorate your life.  Here’s Heather, telling us about her decision to go Teach in Thailand with Greenheart Travel: 

    ****

    It’s something I heard a lot when I told people that my plan was to move here – and I understand why. To uproot my whole life, leave my 9-5, my best friends and family, in pursuit of something new – it’s daunting to say the least.

    My life at home was comfortable, but I couldn’t help but feel that comfortable wasn’t what I was striving for. I wanted to be challenged and I wanted to experience things that were new, exciting, scary even. I wanted adventure, to see new things and learn about the world and about myself. Now I experience all of those things in every single day. I’m less than three months into my time in Thailand, but I’m already making a life for myself here.

    I work at an amazing school and it’s fair to say that I’m being taught just as much as I am teaching. In a world that is constantly divided by race, religion and politics, what better time to move across the world and start learning from people who are different from me. At home, I’m part of the majority and now I get the chance to feel what it’s like to be in the minority, to not speak the language or understand what’s going on. It can feel a little intimidating, but it’s privilege and a learning experience that I hope will make me more empathetic towards others who might feel like outsiders.

     

    Moving to abroad is scary but so worth it. Take it from the girl who cried on her layover flight on the way to Bangkok – moving here is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You’ll only ever regret the things that you don’t do – take the leap.

    ****

    Thanks Heather for taking the leap with Greenheart Travel!  Want to travel for a change?  Check out our Teach Abroad, Work Abroad, and Teach in a Homestay programs!  

  • Celebrating Loy Krathong in Thailand

    Celebrating Loy Krathong in Thailand

    Every now and then, our well-traveled staff tells us about an experience they’ve had that we just have to share with our travelers. Recently, we received some photos of travelers preparing for Loy Krathong, a holiday in Thailand. Here is a little bit about Loy Krathong from Ian, one of Greenheart Travel’s Team.

    In Thailand a very culturally-important holiday comes around in November. The tradition of crafting beautiful and unique baskets and setting them afloat in open water is said to have dated back to the 14th century. It is a tradition that any traveler should make a point to see and take part in should they get the chance… This is Loy Krathong.

    Loy Krathong festival is celebrated annually in Thailand and marks the end of the rainy season during the twelfth lunar month. The name, translated, means “to float a basket”, because all across the country Thai people release thousands of “krathongs” (lotus shaped rafts decorated with candles, incense, and flowers) onto the water of lakes, rivers, and canals as an act to thank the Water Goddess for a year’s worth of her generous supply during the harvest season. Some believe that this is also the time to symbolically start anew and “float away” any anger, grudges, and negative feelings. If your candle stays lit until your Krathong disappears out of sight, it means a year of good luck! Many cities hosting Loy Krathong festivals are extremely welcome to foreigners participating! Even hostels and hotels often host basket decorating events for their guests.

    My first Loy Krathong happened when I was traveling in Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand and the epicenter of Lanna (northern Thai) culture. While one can take part in Loy Krathong anywhere in the country, I highly suggest making the trek up north at least once; many Thai people also make it a point to visit Chiang Mai during this time as well, especially if their cultural heritage is northern. It truly is a spectacle seeing families send out their baskets afloat one after another. If you are interested in heading up to Chiang Mai, I highly suggest purchasing your ticket (and booking your accommodation) as early as possible, as they get booked out quickly. Getting to the northern city is doable by plane, train, or bus.

    Wherever you find yourself in Thailand, you absolutely should try to join in on the festivities. Part of traveling is learning about and absorbing the local culture, and participating in Loy Krathong with friends or strangers is an absolute highlight for anyone traveling or living in Thailand.

    Thanks Ian for sharing more about this holiday!  If you’re interested in visiting Thailand, check out our Teach Abroad Thailand programs. Travel for a change with Greenheart Travel!

  • Day in the Life of a Teacher Abroad in Thailand

    Day in the Life of a Teacher Abroad in Thailand

    One of the things we are asked the most is:  What will my day-to-day be like when I teach abroad?  Well, here is Lucy-Louise to give us a glimpse into her life as a Greenheart Travel Teach Abroad in Thailand traveler…

    I arrived in Thailand with a somewhat naïve vision of the experience I was about to have. Teaching in Thailand has lived up to and surpassed my expectations. Here is a brief glance at daily life as a teacher in Bangkok.

    The day starts early as it does at most schools across Thailand, at 7:30am, which makes living close to school invaluable! Your first job of the day is usually gate duty where you greet students and parents and welcome the students into school. This is a great opportunity to get to know your student’s family. Throughout the day, most of my time is spent in the classroom, but if I am not teaching, I spend time with the other English teachers, lesson planning, marking and preparing resources. The day is also made up of regular trips to 7/11 for much needed coffee!

    After school, around 4pm, can be made up of a range of activities; in Bangkok most accommodation has a gym or a pool, which is one way to relax. Or evenings can be spent meeting people and exploring the local area. Next to my condo is a small local market where I go with my teacher friends to eat dinner. Living in Bangkok means running out of ways to spend the evening or socialise is unlikely! For example, heading into central Bangkok for food or drinks is also a regular for any Bangkok teacher.

    The weekends and long weekends are unsurprisingly the best opportunities to travel and see other parts of Thailand. Living in Bangkok is great because it’s so convenient for travel, for example Chaing Mai is only an hour away and so are a number of national parks!

    Overall, daily life as a teacher in Bangkok (and Thailand) is exciting, it’s full of opportunities to meet people, explore new areas, work, learn and socialise.

    Thanks for sharing Lucy-Louise! 

    Learn more about all Greenheart Travel’s Teach Abroad programs here and Travel for a Change!

  • Deadline Extended! Your Opportunity for a Free Trip!

    Deadline Extended! Your Opportunity for a Free Trip!

    If you are in Costa Rica, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, or Myanmar with Greenheart Travel in 2022 you’re eligible to win your trip! That’s right, your current trip could be FREE! Greenheart will award two lucky winners, one will get 100% of the program fee refunded, and the other will get 50% refunded.
    Because of a problem with our link for uploading files, we’ve extended the entry deadline to January 6, 2023.  

    What do you have to do to win?

    We want to see your life while on your trip!

    Show us the school, your home away from home, your walk to school, your food, the markets, your excursions, and all the day-to-day things that make your experience come to life for others. Tell us some stories, share your point-of-view, what made you laugh? What did you learn about yourself, your adopted country, and the world during your time abroad?

    Send us your stories, photos, and videos to tell your travel story to the Greenheart community and you could win!

     

    Here are the contest parameters:

     

    Video – Take us through your typical school day, show us what excites you in your community, your school, your travel life.

    1. ONE video that is no more than 3 minutes and filmed horizontally for a TV screen OR
    2. THREE Reels that are no more than 60 seconds each.

    Photos

    1.  7-10 high resolution photos of your school/classroom. We love colorful photos that show you in action!
    2.  7-10 high resolutions photos of your travels around your adopted country. Life looks different overseas. Show us how different!

    Written Piece

    1. 300 words about you traveling, to this location, for this reason, at this time in history.

    Social Media

    1. Follow Greenheart Travel on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
    2. Tag at least 2 friends on one of our IG posts
    3. Post a GHT review on Go Overseas and Go Abroad

    Complete the above list and submit your awesome content no later than JANUARY 6, 2023 by uploading to this link.

    1. Fill in the information, then drag your files to where it says “Drag files here”
    2. When all your files are listed, hit the UPLOAD button on the bottom left.
    3. Your files will start uploading and you will see a status bar.
    4. Once the status reaches 100%, your files have been successfully uploaded and you will receive an email notification
    5. When you submit materials, please drop us a note at GH_marketing@greenheart.org with your ~300 word written piece and a bit about who you are and why you decided to Travel for a Change with Greenheart. Please include your social media handles.
    We will pick a winner and runner up in January and winners will be announced by the end of January! We can’t wait to see your content!
  • Life while Teaching English in Thailand

    Life while Teaching English in Thailand

    Life looks a little different out there for us travelers these days. But, the world is slowly coming back to life. We’ve asked some of our Greenheart Travel participants to tell us what it’s like for them.  Here’s a post from Shannon who is on our Teach Abroad in Thailand program.

    Traveling during the pandemic

    Initially traveling during the pandemic was quite stressful and tedious. A lot of paperwork and tests were required to enter Thailand, BUT once you get all of that done it is completely smooth sailing. There’s a lot more “boxes to check” than pre-COVID travel, but luckily restrictions and red tape are lightening up here in Thailand. The pandemic affects my daily life here in the sense that mask wearing is quite strict, at least in my town of Ratchaburi. My school was online all semester (except 1 week) due to COVID. Many places are still shut down and events are very few and far between, but as aforementioned, things are generally getting better by the week!


    My Day-to-Day Routine

    My mornings usually start off with some fresh fruit (provided by the “fruit lady” with a cart down the street from me… absolute perfection!), a muffin/croissant, and a nice big cup of tea or coffee. Lunch and dinner rally between homemade soup of mine or Thai/Japanese food from the local restaurants. I absolutely LOVE my town! The placement team did a perfect job at placing me in a city that aligns with my likes and preferences. I am in a town that is roughly 2 hours west of Bangkok; it is the perfect confluence of “true Thai” culture and living, along with some pockets of Western influence. A big river runs through the city and there are plenty of markets in town, which I absolutely love. Drive 15-20 minutes and you find yourself surrounded by coconut tree farms which are insanely magical. Keep driving and you are bound to hit a traditional Thai river market (people on river boats selling food and trinkets like they did way back when). My city also has a national park which consists of gorgeous limestone mountains. I am thankful I was placed here!

     

    I teach English to M 1- M3 levels, which is the equivalent to 7th-9th graders. Most Americans gasp when I tell them I teach roughly middle school-aged kids, but they are truly great! This was my first semester and we were basically virtual the whole semester, so that made it difficult to get as creative and interactive as I had initially anticipated. Nonetheless, I still really enjoyed my teaching experience and am looking forward to next semester!

    One thing I really love and appreciate about Thailand is how much it’s simplified and slowed my life, in a good way. Thai life is much slower and lax than our frenetic, intensely punctual Western lives. With that comes proud and challenging moments. Some of the harder things I have to deal with daily is the language barrier–most people here cannot speak English and my Thai is still very minimal, so I constantly find myself playing charades to communicate! It is stretching me in many good ways, but there are moments when it can be tough and tiresome. Some proud moments have been building up my  “I can do it” muscles–I have gained so much confidence in myself for navigating a foreign country with language differences all by myself. It has taught me I am SO capable of many various things, and to me, that is an invaluable thing to learn and gain.

    What surprised me about Thailand

    Shocking or different things about Thai culture entail the lack of punctuality (haha!)  For example, the train will come AT LEAST 10 minutes late, or not at all. That takes some getting used to! Also, seeing dogs and chickens roam around under your feet while you eat at an outside “cart restaurant” can be pretty jarring at first, but then becomes part of the norm.

    The best part

    As simple as it may sound, I so appreciate looking out my apartment window as the sun is setting and admiring the Thai rooftops, laundry hanging from my balcony, and the beautiful Thai sunsets. Those moments bring so much peace and are sweet reminders that my life here in Thailand is a great one.

    Some of the best days of my life have been driving around the outskirts of my town in the middle of coconut tree farms– you are just engulfed by gargantuan palm trees that are vivid green, and peppered in between are twinkling, intricate temples … it’ simple but radically special.

    I am hoping to visit more of the islands such as Phi Phi and Krabi… that’s next on the list!

    Thank you Shannon for sharing your Teach Abroad Thailand experience. 

    If you are interested in Teaching English abroad, please visit Greenheart Travel to see all of our awesome programs.  And to learn more about Teach Abroad Thailand, click here!  

  • New Adventures in Thailand – a First Time Traveler’s 1st weeks Abroad

    New Adventures in Thailand – a First Time Traveler’s 1st weeks Abroad

    Skylar is one of our First Time Traveler Scholarship winners. She’s arrived in Thailand for her Teach Abroad program and writes to us about her first few weeks there.

    Settling down in Thailand

    Under Thailand’s Test-and-Go COVID policy, as soon as my COVID test came back negative, I was able to walk around Bangkok as I desired (I still would have to take an at home test on the fifth day). However, I have to admit, I did not take full advantage of this. While I know of friends who explored Bangkok well, I spent my first few days severely jetlagged by my +11 hour time difference. Instead, I chose to spend most of my days lounging by the pool, getting Thai massages, and eating all of the fresh mango, and dragon fruit I could get my hands on. This ended up working out, because my next week of orientation would consist of Muay Thai boxing, cooking classes, an excursion to a Thailand National Park, multiple trips to the beach, and hiking up a local mountain to watch the sunrise: aka, I was EXHAUSTED by the end of it.

    On to Hua Hin and Orientation

    At the beginning of the last week of March, I made my way to Bangkok’s airport to be picked up by a large coach bus with the rest of my group to make our way to Hua Hin. The drive went smoothly, and before long we were at our accommodation. I took in the view of my apartment, and felt ready to take my week on!

    Orientation was A LOT of sitting through classes, although, I did learn some useful cultural tidbits. One thing that came in handy later in the week as we took a night to attend the movies, is that there is a montage dedicated to the Monarchy of Thailand, and you have to stand to pay your respects, even being a foreigner. We also learned about the West’s influence on Thailand, largely due to Thailand never being colonized by another country. However, without a doubt, my favorite parts of the week were some of the excursions we took.

    Learning The Thai Culture

    Have you ever heard of Muay Thai? It is Thailand’s version of boxing, and involves a mixture of martial arts and combat to invoke serious damage. Although I didn’t get in the ring myself, the punching bag definitely felt my wrath. It was so much to train with local Muay Thai trainers, and it even inspired me to want to look into Muay Thai gyms in my placement city to learn proper self defense, while also blowing off steam.

    We also took some time to attend a cooking class where we made Papaya salad, one of my favorite dishes since being here. Papaya salad (called Som Tum) includes papaya, long beans, tomatoes, peanuts, garlic, dried shrimp, and fish sauce all mashed with a pestle to combine. Traditionally, it includes chilies as well, but my palette has not yet adjusted to the level of spiciness here! I’m working on it!

    Most nights were filled with walking to the beach, or attending many of the night markets around the city. I had a chance to try crickets, mango sticky rice, coconut pancakes, fresh coconut juice, butterfly pea juice, fish cakes, and fresh spring rolls. The food here is too flavorful to not try everything, and with portion sizes being relatively small, it is easy to do just that!

     

     

    My favorite thing I’ve done in Thailand thus far I did the first weekend in Hua Hin. It involved going to The Phraya Nakhon Cave. This cave was quite a hike, over and back down a set of mountain steps, across a beach, and then steps up again, before descending down steps into another cave. It also was slightly misting the whole time, making the rock steps a little slippery. But the magnificence of walking through the cave entrance into the large cave itself– which had a temple inside –was something I will never forget. The awe I had could never be put into words.

    New Adventures are Still on the Way

    Although my orientation week is over, and I am now in my city where my school placement is, I know that new adventures are still on their way. As I am beginning to adjust slowly to Thai Culture, build a support group, and find what I define as ‘home’, I feel myself settling in. But with all of the things I’ve done, and all I have to look forward to, it is hard not to be excited about each and every day.

    by Skylar S – Teach Abroad Thailand

     

    Thank you Skylar for sharing your experiences so far in beautiful Thailand!  Teaching Abroad is a fun way to learn about another culture, and to immerse yourself in it.  You can see all the countries Greenheart Travel offers for Teaching Abroad here and for Working Abroad here.  

     

  • Navigating Airports and Airplanes from a First Time Traveler

    Navigating Airports and Airplanes from a First Time Traveler

    It’s a whole new thing out there these days for travelers in our *hopefully* post pandemic world. Skylar, one of our First Time Travel Scholarship winners from last year, wrote to us about her recent airport experiences as she made her way from Boston to her Teach Abroad location in Thailand.

    Navigating Airports and Flights on my way to Thailand

    After a somber goodbye, and many tears outside of the Boston Logan airport, I soon became eager to begin my journey to Bangkok, Thailand. Although I was not looking forward to my 14-hour flight from Boston to Seoul, South Korea, and then immediately after another 6 hours from Seoul to Bangkok, the excitement of this new adventure kept me optimistic for what was to come.

    Boston, Massachusetts to Seoul, South Korea

    The check-in to board my flight went very smoothly thanks to the simple idea I had a few days prior of purchasing an expandable folder to keep all of my travel documents safe and secure in one place. I felt more calm knowing that everything was in one place and that when the time came to present the same documents to customs in Thailand, it would be hassle free.

    I made my way to the gate where boarding had just begun. Having never flown the airline Korean Air before, I didn’t realize how luxurious it would be! We were given a pillow, blanket, headphones, a toothbrush & toothpaste, and slippers (so you don’t have to wear your shoes all the flight but aren’t barefoot either). Another surprise I had waiting for me was that I had the whole row to myself–ample space to spread out and lay down. Before long, we were up in the air and the first meal was being served: a Korean dish called Japchae, which are cold stir fried noodles with vegetables. I have always been hesitant over airline food but this meal (and all of my meals to come!) proved me wrong.

    Fourteen hours passed slowly by the minute but fast by the hour. I spent most of my time watching Netflix, and taking bursts of naps. I highly recommend having more things to do than you think you need, in case something isn’t holding your attention for long. As back-up, I had podcasts, playlists, and books on my Kindle just in case. Somewhere halfway through we were served a ham and cheese croissant and fruits, and then about an hour before we landed, another meal again! I didn’t even need to dig into the snacks I had brought for my flights. (This has ended up being comforting to have some of my favorite western snacks with me on nights when I just miss being home!) Landing went smoothly and before I knew it, I was walking around the Seoul-Incheon Airport in South Korea!

    My Brief Layover in Seoul

    Unfortunately, due to the time of my flight being later in the night, most of the Seoul airport shops and restaurants were closed. It was still a lot of fun walking around, and seeing all of the different advertisements and shop fronts. One thing I found intriguing was that the Dunkin Donuts, which I’m very familiar with having lived in Massachusetts, sold hot dogs! The airport also had cute robots that moved around–you could put your heavy luggage on, and it would follow you to your terminal. Everything was going smoothly, but jet-lag was just beginning to catch up with me.

    Seoul, South Korea to Bangkok, Thailand

    The first thing I noticed about my flight to Thailand was that the airline safety video usually said by flight attendants before flights, was performed by a K-pop group onscreen! That was an entertaining surprise. We were also served a meal right away on this flight and even given ice cream at the end of it. As for this flight, I slept most of the way through. I woke up as we were landing!

    Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Thailand

    I was nervous to navigate this airport on my own, especially due to not knowing the Thai language and the complexity that COVID measures had added. Immediately after we got off our flight, we were directed to sit in rows of big plastic chairs where officials were coming through to check our appropriate quarantine paperwork. Once they approved it, there was another line where someone checked our paperwork again, this time documenting it into a system on their phone. Once all of the COVID stuff was out of the way, I made my way through customs and then obtained my luggage. Finding my pickup for my hotel was very easy due to many workers there who spoke English. I was at my hotel and in bed about two hours or so after my flight had landed.

    To sum this all up, I was terrified that I would have the wrong paperwork, or the whole process of getting through the airport would be confusing and that I would be all alone–but it went smoothly, and I imagine it would be hard for it not to go smoothly. The process was a well-oiled machine, and I never was confused as to what would happen next! Any important signs also had English translations, and every worker I encountered knew rudimentary English if I needed any other help.

    With COVID restrictions further being lifted, and my fear of navigating airports and flights where English isn’t the first language being defeated, I’m already planning a vacation or two while I’m here in Thailand for the next 6 months! Anyone want to join me en route to Bali?

    Post by Skylar S. – 3/2022

     

    Thank you Skylar for sharing your experience!  We’re looking forward to hearing more from you Teach Abroad in Thailand time!  

    If you’re a Greenheart Travel participant or alumni and want to tell us about your post-pandemic travel, contact us. We love dispatches from around the world. 

    To learn more about Teach Abroad programs, visit Greenheart Travel.

    Safe travels everyone.