Monday morning I received the much anticipated call from my project coordinator, Phil. He said that he had found me a school in Lop Buri, 3 hours north of Bangkok, and that they wanted me to start right away. That afternoon I gave my boss my notice (yes, only one day) and went home to pack, spring in my step. Tuesday was my last day at Sarasas and the only thing I was sad to say goodbye to was the kids. The little ones are full of so much energy and spunk. They are always smiling and waving to you in the halls, saying 'hello teacher' or 'good morning Teacher Megan' if they feel like showing off their English skills. (I have to admit, I will also miss my 'contraband' 15 Bhat ($.50) iced coffee purchased through the school fence everyday at lunch. That stuff was good.) Tuesday after school, I turned in my key and left without looking back.
My new school is called Banmi Wittiya School, located in Ban Mi, Lop Buri. To my delight it couldn't be more different from Sarasas if it tried. Its a in small town, but that's seriously preferred over the cramped and dusty city; it's a public school, Sarasas was private; my new school is a secondary school so I am now teaching high school instead of 1st and 2nd graders; I am one of two foreign teachers instead of being one of fifteen; there is no curriculum for the English department so now I am making my own lesson plans instead of teaching from a pre-approved book. Most importantly, the atmosphere here is relaxed and informal. Foreign teachers aren't expected to sign one year contracts like at Sarasas, and they understand that we are in Thailand not just to teach, but to travel as well. It is so relaxed in fact, that by the time this school term is over, they will have had four different teachers in my position. The Thai faculty don't seem to mind, I think they are just happy to have us here. Maybe it's the fact that I am in a significantly smaller school or that I'm now 50% of the English department, but I definitely feel like I am more appreciated here, which is always a nice feeling. The other 50% is Lauren, a 23 year old (Rachel McAdams look alike) from Manchester, England. She has been teaching at Banmi Wittiya since the beginning of the term in November and has been nice enough to show me around. We live right next door to each other so we bike the 5 minutes to school every morning, and back home again after school if our schedules match. Having her around has made for a effortless transition.
So far, the only downside to the new arrangement is that its not going to last. The school term ends on March 2nd so that only gives me three full weeks of teaching. I will just be getting settled by the time I have to leave again, but by now I am getting rather used to it. It seems like as soon as I get comfortable with my new surroundings I have to repack my suitcase and relocate. (although one of those times was of my own choosing) At the end of the term I will most likely go back to the Twinhouse and volunteer at the orphanage, but I have no intention of deciding that today. Right now I am an English teacher, worrying about lesson plans and grading papers.
I am also happy to report that I have entered the 21st century and have internet in my room so I will be able to update you more on teaching and my daily life here. I'm also working on a link to see more pictures. Stay tuned.
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