• Home
  • About us
    • Get Updates from Women Travel
    • WomenTravelBlog.com meets WomenTravel.info
  • Tours for women
    • Stories of Tours
  • Accommodation
    • Accommodation Stories
  • Retreats
    • Retreat Stories
  • Local Guides
    • Local Tour Guide Stories
  • Tour Companies
    • Tour company Stories
  • Cheap Travel Insurance
    • OnLine Booking

Women Travel The World

Women Travel - stories and news for women travellers, solo travelers

womentravelannimated banner

  • Story Map
  • Destination Stories
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Asia
    • Australasia and the Pacific
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Central/South America
  • Niche Stories
    • Women Travel India
    • Women Travel New Zealand
    • Adventure Tourism
    • Budget Travel
    • Business Travel
    • Cycling Women
    • Eco/Sustainable Tourism
    • Food and Wine
    • Girlfriend getaways
    • Lesbian Travel
    • Packing Tips
    • Photography
    • Travel Resources
    • Volunteering
  • Links
    • Women Travel Links – our pick of the best
    • Rosemary’s Pick of Links For Volunteer Links and Work Exchange Travel
  • For WT Business
    • About Women Travel
    • Advertise Women Travel Businesses
    • Women’s Travel Business – Join us
    • WTW Promotional Items
    • Updates from Women Travel
    • Link to Women Travel
    • Login NOW
  • Travel Writing
    • Guest Bloggers Welcome
    • Women’s Travel Writing

What I Learned From Volunteering In Thailand

November 13, 2012 by Rosemary

Guest blog by Dunya Carter 

Once I finished my studies in Australia, graduating with a degree in English Language, I decided I was finally going to pursue a dream that I had for some time. My dream was to go to another country and teach. I have a strong belief in doing something that makes a difference in the lives of others. What I didn’t realize is what a difference the experience would make in me.

Democracy Monument, Bangkok, Thailand
Democracy Monument, Bangkok

I arrived in Thailand to teach English and to learn about the culture and people there. I didn’t realize I would forge friendships that I can now see lasting a lifetime. The people of Thailand were so warm, welcoming and friendly. I was there for several months living among the people, and they treated me like I was a local in their country.

Pai, Thailand
Pai, Thailand

Thailand is a country of amazing geographical contrasts. There are five distinct regions and each one is unique. The south features miles of sandy beaches and shoreline. The north boasts a mountainous rugged countryside where hilltop Buddhist temples offer an interesting visitor experience. The central plains feature wildlife sanctuaries and National parks. The exotic wildlife found there is fascinating. Each area provides its own cultural experience, and I was lucky enough to have several opportunities to visit different parts of Thailand.

Victory Monument, Bangkok
Victory Monument, Bangkok

I spent most of my time in the northern part of Thailand, and my favourite place there is Pai, a peaceful small town with wonderful landscapes, cozy small restaurants and beautiful waterfalls. I also visited Bangkok several times, although I must admit that I prefer the peacefulness of small towns to the buzzing of big cities.

The landmarks you shouldn’t miss in Bangkok are the amazingly colourful Domnoen Floating Market, which will allow you to experience firsthand the traditional Thai way of life, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), an iconic piece of Thai architecture, and the Democracy Monument, which you should make sure to visit at night, when it is lit up.

Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn, Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn

Going to Thailand as a volunteer educator was for me the best way to really see and experience all the beauty and wonder that Thailand holds. The charm of this country is the warmth of its people, which was clear from the beginning. Thailand is often affectionately called the land of smiles and for good reason. I have not felt that instantly at home anyplace else I have ever visited. This speaks volumes for the friendliness of the people of Thailand. They have a real passion for learning, which I experienced first hand.

The educational system in Thailand is very similar to systems in other countries. Private education is very well-developed. The public sector educational system is also a well-organized system. Thailand public education is free to all and provided by the government, up until the age of 17. Education is mandatory until the age of 14, then young people can continue in the system until they’re 17.

The young people I worked with in Thailand were enthusiastic, interested and eager to learn. They wanted to know all about Australia, too. The prevalent feeling is that English is an extremely important skill to master, so my students gave undivided attention to the lessons I taught them. Not only was I able to teach these students, I gained an immeasurable amount of knowledge in the ways of the Thai people. It was an unbelievably rewarding experience that I will never forget.

Teaching abroad was a blessing for me and an unforgettable and amazing experience. I might have never visited a magical place like Thailand if it hadn’t been for my teaching position. I was completely immersed in the culture and I was able to push my personal boundaries in ways I never could have imagined. The children I taught in Thailand were not the only ones who learned. For any woman who dreams of traveling and seeing the world, teaching in another country offers an excellent opportunity. It is a much safer way to travel and to experience first hand that the world really is very similar no matter where you go. People have the same desires of educating their children and providing a good life for their families no matter where they live or what culture they grew up in.

Dunya Carter is a teacher and a passionate traveller from Brisbane, Australia. She is currently working for EDventure Volunteer Abroad, contributing to projects that give people the opportunity to travel, teach and make a difference in the lives of children in many countries.

Filed Under: thailand Tagged With: Thailand, volunteer travel

Keep in Touch with Women Travel

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
email list sign up

WTW Quick Links

  • Accommodation for Women Travelers
  • Womens Tour Calendar
  • Womens Tour Business
  • Women Local Guides
  • Retreats for Women

More Stories here

Local Websites

wtnz Women Travel India

Great Packing Advice

whattowear

Women Travel NZ Blog

Rosemary Neave PO Box 17727 Sumner Christchurch 8840 New Zealand Phone +64 27 289 0383 Email Rosemary

Women Travel the World

Accommodation and Tours for Women in New Zealand around the World

Women Travel the World Blog

Stories from Women Travelers

Web2Blog:

Would you like a website like this? You can have one! Contact Rosemary

Rosemary on Trip Advisor

Follow Rosemary's travel and reviews around the world

Tags

Adventure Women Bali Indonesia Bushwise Women Camino de Santiago de Compostela ceridwyn parr Cooking classes Cruises cycling holidays cycling women Food and wine India Ireland Italy Kenya Kerala keralablogexpress Ladies trekking Club Lyn Taylor Morocco New Zealand Paris Tour pilgrimage Portugal Rensina van den Heuvel retreat for women Safari sailing shopping skiing solo traveler Solo Women travel Spain Sustainable Tourism Thailand tours for women Tuscany VakanShe Venus Adventures volunteer travel Walking Tours what to pack Wild Women Expeditions womens travel blog women travel women trekking
Olivia Jones Uluru Photo
Olivia Jones Uluru Photo Uluru base ride
Olivia Jones Uluru Photo
Blue Walk Walking Vacations - mindful walking
Global heart journeys
Wild women expeditions

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in