English Teaching and Homestay in Hilltribe Village
FEEDBACK FROM JAMES – Karen Hilltribe Village Homestay
June 2006
How was your overall experience?
Very positive! I expect it will prove to be two of the most interesting and rewarding weeks out of our year abroad.
Any particular high (or low) points?
Selfishly, I would say that spending my birthday in the village was a high point !! It certainly made a change from the usual thing of just going to the pub! Aside from that, the teaching quickly changed from being a bit of a nightmare on the first day (due probably to my own confusion as to what was expected) to something that was genuinely enjoyable and a learning experience for myself. The 'extra' activities such as hiking and boating were also highly enjoyable (and this is from someone who would never previously be described as 'an outdoor type'). The only real low point I can think of is trying to comfort a crying child in the classroom - next to impossible with such a language barrier. Difficult to know what to do, though some people may find this easier to handle due to their own personality etc.
Was the experience pretty much as you expected and if not, in what ways did it differ?
In terms of environment and activities, yes it was pretty much as I expected. Some aspects of the teaching threw me at first, but looking back that's not really surprising as I'd never attempted something like that before. The environment was obviously very rural, as expected, but it was surprising how quickly you adapt to things like that - the insects were a constant annoyance, but that's integral to the whole thing I suppose :)
Did you find accommodation reasonably comfortable? What about food?
It was basic - a mat on the floor with a blanket if needed, but then that's how it was described on the website and we knew exactly what we were getting into beforehand. And I'm glad it was like that - no way would we have been comfortable sleeping in big beds while everyone else was on mats ! Besides which, they renovated a spare house for us half way through and we had a posh new shower and kitchen installed - lovely !! Before that it was bathing and washing clothes in the river. Food was excellent throughout.
Were you happy with the level of support from Go Differently staff?
Completely. There was only the initial misunderstanding with the meeting time, and that got sorted out easily enough. Thank you also for answering all our pre-departure questions.
How helpful did you find the pre-departure information and was there anything else you wished you had known?
My fears about vertigo proved unfounded (and I get it quite severely sometimes), however, people that are prone to it should still watch out. It's more large hills more than mountains though and the roads are developed enough from Mae Sot to Umphang. There is also a lot of wood smoke as a matter of course through cooking and insect deterrents - maybe those with respiritory problems (asthma?) should watch out. And you will never be able to avoid being bitten by insects - a mosquito net and ample DEET for two weeks is a must. Other than that, a bit more info about the Karen generally would have been good.
Were you happy with the level of support from local staff?
Yes, they were all very friendly.
What impression did you get from the local people i.e. were they happy/comfortable with your presence/arrangements in general?
They were all very friendly, I think our attempts to speak bits of Karen gave them a good laugh! On my birthday I was made to feel very much a part of village life.
Would you recommend this trip to other people?
No need, I've had emails from people asking me about it!
Is there anything else/helpful hints, you might like to offer to future volunteers?
Only the stuff above about pre-departure info. Some basic Thai comes in useful - maybe a phrasebook? I think this would have helped us with communication in the classroom at times. We managed overall though!
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