Sawasdee Thailand! 

My first month in Thailand has already been full of new experiences, new places and, most importantly, a lot of wonderful people. After a long journey through Qatar and Bangkok, I finally arrived in Chiang Rai.

From there, we had another two-to-three-hour drive to Phayao, where our preparation week took place.

After such a long journey, arriving there felt like the real beginning of our adventure. The preparation week was a lot of fun, but we also learned so much. I got along really well with the other volunteers, and in the evenings we would sit together, talk for hours, play cards and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.

During the day, we visited different schools and got our first insight into what our time as volunteers would look like. We also learned some new Thai words, which definitely came in handy later! The local people welcomed us very warmly, and offered us fresh fruits and something to drink. It was a really nice first impression of the community and the hospitality here. 

After the preparation week, we finally arrived at our host family. They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel at home right away. Kiki and Sara showed us around the school and helped us get to know Mae Cheam. We even had a welcome party with lots of food and karaoke – which was probably the perfect way to officially start our time here! 

We also had the chance to take a trip to Chiang Mai with the other volunteers. It was such a great experience. We explored temples, tried lots of delicious food and discovered some really cool second-hand shops. Chiang Mai is definitely a place where you can easily spend hours just walking around and discovering something new around every corner. 

But the real highlight of my first month has been the school. The teachers are incredibly kind and supportive, and they make it easy to feel comfortable. And then there are the students – they are honestly the best part. They are funny, energetic, curious and incredibly sweet. They welcomed us almost immediately and somehow managed to make us laugh every day. Teaching them doesn’t really feel like work because there is always something funny or unexpected happening. 

I have also really enjoyed exploring the area around Mae Cheam. The temples, mountains, rice fields and small cafés make the area incredibly beautiful. The people are very curious and love talking to us, which has led to many little conversations and funny moments. Looking back at my first month, I feel like I have already experienced so much. I came here not really knowing what to expect, and now I already have so many memories, new friendships and stories to tell. 

Khop khun mak na, Thailand!

 Thank you for such a warm and unforgettable first month