AIESEC-Thailand Global Volunteer Program Experience ~ THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SURVIVE IN THAILAND

AIESEC IN THAILAND

So the day has finally come, when I can narrate my AIESEC Saga.

Once I paid my AIESEC fee, It was confirmed I’m going to Thailand for Global Volunteer exchange program to teach students English language in Thailand and achieving Sustainable Development Goal: Quality Education. Butterflies rumbling in my stomach how is it going to be? Who are the people I’ll be meeting? Will someone come to pick me up in the airport? Many thoughts going through my mind at the same time and so many questions unanswered.

Things to keep in mind before travelling to Thailand

Money:

Money being the most significant aspect One should be clear about how much cash to carry. The best method is to buy a FOREX CARD from your own country. This will help you to spend wisely and your money will be safe while travelling.

Documents:

Always keep in mind document plays a vital role when travelling abroad. It is necessary to keep documents such as passport, visa, forex card details and all important things safe. Worst case scenario, if it gets lost always have scanned copy of it in your email.

Packing:

Pack only those things which are essential like clothes as per the season (Summer) in a particular country, a pair of shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, pepper spray for safety, mosquito repellent, cap, portable charger and a charger adapter so that you can deal with different size plugs of various country. Last but not the least FOOD which you might want to take for your long stay.

Thai Etiquettes:

Before travelling, it is always good to know about the do’s and don’ts of a country.

Thailand is known as “Land of smiles” people smile at each other always. If they don’t understand what you’re saying they will simply smile. So don’t get offended by their gesture.
Monks in Thailand are highly respected and women are not allowed to touch monks.
Dressing modestly in temples is something which should be ingrained to oneself.
Basic understand of Thai language is a plus. Greetings, hello, thank you, yes/no will definitely ease your travel.
Thai people respect their king. Never ever argue with the locals about their King and politics

Finally, I arrived on the 29^th of May, 2019 in Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand the first and foremost thing, I purchased an AIS SIMCARD which had good internet offers for a month. Secondly, Currency exchange of additional cash for emergency case if my card doesn’t work so I don’t runout of cash. Warm welcome from AIESEC in Thailand and was dropped to the hostel where other exchange participants had already arrived.

Each of the exchange participant was assigned with an EP Buddy. My EP Buddy was Kratai who was taking care of me. Had a wonderful time with this cute gem of a person.

AIESEC FAMILY

In my journey we had exchange participants from 7 different countries:

SINGAPORE, INDONESIA, PHILIPPINES, NEPAL, CHINA, SERBIA & INDIA

INITIAL PREPARATION SEMINAR- DAY 1

First day of IPS Initial Preparation Seminar started with AIESEC in Thailand greeting us with dance, music and fun activities.

DANCE MOVES

I don't know whether it was my luck, I was the first one to be picked to introduce myself. An icebreaker for all of us to get to know each other. Mixed feeling but definitely worth it at the end.

INTRODUCING OURSELVES

It was then taken over by AIESEC in Thailand where we were introduced to their cultural diversity, demographics (Population, religion, race), transportation system (Bus, Taxi, Car, Bike, Tuk-tuk, MRT- Subway & BTS- Sky train), currency, temples and much more.

It was time for us to discover Thailand on our own with such fruitful information being shared. We then dispersed for lunch...

The second important session was to learn Basic Thai. As we had to teach students so it’s utmost important to know basic Thai. Especially when it comes to controlling the class it’s much needed.We were introduced to Thai movies, songs, basic conversation sentences, numbers, emergency words etc.

Finally, for starters each participant was able to introduce themselves in Thai.

SURPRISE

A surprise element to give a finishing touch to our Day 1. All of us were blindfolded and taken to a separate room where we were seated in a cirular direction. We had no idea what’s going to come up? To our curiosity, there was pin drop silence and wondering what’s happening with us? Once and for all we got an awe moment. The room was illuminated with candle lights which created a magical spark. Our EP Buddy’s were right in front of us.

ILLUMINATING LIGHT

KRATAI EP BUDDY

Each of the AIESEC member in Thailand, tied a white thread in our hands wishing each one of us All the best for the journey in Thailand. The knot was tied firmly which symbolized that we take our decisions strongly and all of them were with us together for this beautiful

journey.

INITIAL PREPARATION SEMINAR- DAY 2

The day started with AIESEC dance followed by lots of fun activities. Ate different Thailand sweetmeats coconut flavoured, chocolates, jelly which was quite mouth- watering.

SELFIE TIME

Today, was the day where each one of us had to give a test. We had to take a demo class and the school kids role was played by AIESEC in Thailand.

We were divided into pair of 2, and handed over with 1 chart paper. We had to pick chits to get a topic to teach. Our topic was Family. The overall experience was quite helpful. We got a good feel of what we are going to get into.

Each team came up with different ideas to control a noisy class. It was fun at the same time realized it's time to brush up on our Thai language as well.

It got evening, by the time we finished our teaching session.

SAWADEE KHA

It’s time to wind up and go to our respective assigned schools where we will be spending 6 weeks. Our Bangkok journey came to an end. We were heading towards PATHUM THANI, the place where our respective schools were awaiting for us.