Visa sorted - Check.
CRB application completed - Check.
Bangkok accomodation sorted - Check.
Vaccinations all done - Check.
Last heavy night in England - Check.
So, technically I'm prepared. Everything I need to have done, I've done. Bought everything I need, started packing. Great news!
Unfortunately, I completely forgot about preparing myself.
And now it's (less than) 3 days to go and I do not understand where the last 6 weeks of my life have gone.
Yesterday after much anticipation all the ETA's (English Teaching Assistants) were finally given their locations. I am blessed to have been placed Chumphon - a provence in Southern Thailand which is - wait for it - ON THE COAST! #winning! (yes I just hashtagged). This is the the first photo that came up when I googled it. I squeeled.
However, we also found out that every ETA has been placed in a school alone. This was always a possibility, but I always just had my fingers crossed to be one of the lucky ones placed in a pair or a group of three. And this is where the nerves kind of kicked in.
This is when I realised it's not the travelling I'm nervous about, or the different culture, or being away from home, but the teaching itself. I am planning on welcoming Thai Culture with open arms - travelling as much as possible and eating everything offered to me. But being a role model and an example of a British citizen for these kids is the most incredible but terrifying thought.
I am still beyond excited for this experience, but now just feeling slightly nervous about my lack of teaching experience without the comfort of someone else to lean on!
But everything happens for a reason. And I can guarantee I'll probably look back at this post in September and laugh at myself, after a life-changing 8 weeks.
For now, I am absolutely buzzing for the first few days in Bangkok with the other 200+ ETA's! Orientation, sight-seeing and socialising during the day, and God knows what at night! I have a feeling it's gonna be a messy few days...
BRING IT ON!
No comments:
Post a Comment