Teaching languages abroad
I’d always wanted to volunteer abroad, but like many people, I didn’t know where to start. When I found a program teaching English in northern Thailand, something clicked. It combined two things I cared deeply about — education and cultural connection.
Three months later, I was boarding a plane to Chiang Mai with one suitcase, a TEFL certificate, and way too much mosquito spray. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this experience would shape me.
Finding My Place in a New Community
I was placed in a small village near Pai, a lush mountain town surrounded by rice paddies and winding rivers. The school was modest but filled with laughter. The children — aged 7 to 12 — were curious, shy, and full of questions.
On my first day, I taught a simple "Hello, how are you?" lesson. What began as basic vocabulary quickly turned into dance-offs, chalkboard games, and a lot of laughter over pronunciation. I was learning as much from them as they were from me.
The local teachers were kind and welcoming. They helped me understand not just the language barrier but the nuances of northern Thai culture — from wai greetings to shared lunch rituals and Buddhist temple etiquette.
Teaching English With Purpose
English is more than a language — it’s a bridge. For many of these students, learning it opens doors to better education, tourism jobs, and global communication.
I didn’t need to be perfect. I needed to be present, patient, and consistent.
We used songs, pictures, storytelling, and outdoor games. One of the most rewarding moments was when a 10-year-old student, Nan, confidently introduced herself to a visitor in English. She smiled at me like, We did it. That moment was worth everything.
Living Simply, Learning Deeply
Life in the village was refreshingly simple. I stayed with a local host family, who made sure I never went a day without fresh mango, rice, and a new Thai word to learn.
Weekends were for visiting waterfalls, hiking in the forest, or joining community clean-up days. I also took part in a Loy Krathong festival, helping students make floating lanterns and learning about Thai spiritual traditions.
The internet was slow, the showers were cold, but I felt more connected than ever to people, to nature, and to a slower, more intentional way of life.
The Challenges (and What They Taught Me)
Volunteering abroad isn’t always picture-perfect. I struggled with loneliness, miscommunication, and the weight of responsibility. There were days I questioned if I was doing enough or doing it right.
But every challenge became a lesson in resilience and humility.
I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters most is showing up with heart and honesty.
Why I’d Do It Again — and What I’d Tell Others
Volunteering in northern Thailand didn’t just change my view of the world — it changed how I see myself. I became more confident, more grounded, and more aware of the impact one person can make when they choose to give their time.
If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad for the first time:
Do your research — choose a program that works with local communities, not just for them.
Come with an open heart, not a savior mindset — you’re here to learn as much as teach.
Embrace discomfort — it means you're growing.
Say yes to things you don’t usually do — like dancing at a village fair or teaching a class with no whiteboard.
Feature Highlight: "My Daily Routine in the Village"
6:30 AM: Wake to roosters and breakfast with host family (sticky rice + fruit)
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Teach 3 English classes at the primary school
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Eat lunch with students and teachers
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Help with admin or plan the next day’s lessons
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Walk in the village, chat with locals, journal
Evening: Dinner, card games with the host family, early bedtime
Final Thoughts
Volunteering is about being human. My time in northern Thailand reminded me that even the smallest acts — a smile, a high five, a patient lesson — can ripple out in ways you never expect.
For anyone wondering if it’s worth it: it is. You won’t just change someone else’s life. You’ll change your own.
