A mutual learning process

by Tan Mei Ling, Louisa Lim and Gina Heng, Singapore

We first came to Thailand with vague objectives - to make a difference by teaching English to Thai children. We prepared comprehensive lesson plans and teaching materials hoping to share some of our knowledge, but things did not happen the way we expected.

It was very difficult trying to communicate with the children, let alone teach them, and we realized we wanted to leave them with more than mere English words and phrases. Our objectives evolved to include exposing them to a foreign culture, connecting with them, boosting their confidence and hopefully inspiring them to aspire for a better future.

It turned out to be a mutual learning process for us as we realized we couldn't teach without learning as well.

The cultural and linguistic exchange was an eye-opening experience. Despite our many differences, similarities surfaced through our daily interaction. It was truly heartwarming to be able to see that and connecting with the children, and a humbling one to experience life as they live it.

Mei Ling, Louisa, and Gina are three of 28 students from Singapore who came to Nongkhai in May as participants in an overseas community service project. It was the second trip of their school to Nongkhai organized by Thai-Experience.