New Kid on the Block

Being a new teacher in a foreign country is a totally different experience. The new teacher orientation I participated in included three days of intensive Thai culture and language introduction. We started the first day with a tour of the campus which took quite some time. The CMIS campus is housed in several buildings with connecting outdoor hallways (pictures to come). When you walk out of my classroom door, you are outside. Because it rains a lot here, every building is connected with some type of awning so you can maneuver the campus without getting rained on.

In Thailand, it is a law that anyone who is teaching here has to take 20 hours of study learning about Thai culture and language. During this time we covered nine different modules including such topics as: Thai government, modernization of Thailand, games and sports, customs and etiquette, music and art, and religious beliefs. Upon completion of this course, I will then have a Thai teaching license.


At the end of the second day or orientation, new teachers and their families were treated to an evening meal at the Principal's home. (This is the same as a superintendent in the states. The people in charge of the elementary and secondary schools are called vice principals.) Our Principal's wife prepared an enormous Mexican feast. It was great to have something besides McDonald's or Thai food. All of us shared many stories and laughed together like we had known each other for years. I have met some very interesting people who have done some amazing things in their lives.

The last day of our orientation we visited an elephant camp and completed the day with a khantoke dinner at the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center. A khantoke is a pedestal tray used as a dining table by the Thai people. It can be made from either teak wood of bamboo strips. There was also a show which included Northern Thai and Hilltribe folk dances.

We completed the 20 hour course a few weeks ago learning about Thai religious beliefs. This included a trip to a Thai temple and a visit with a Buddhist monk.


Since the beginning of school, I have also taken Thai language classes each week. Three other new teachers and myself meet with our instructor for 2 hours each week. We are learning conversational Thai. I do well with numbers but have trouble remembering everything else. It doesn't help that the other teachers in my class are all young enough to be my children. The "old lady" slows them all down a bit. These classes will continue for 15 weeks. Hopefully by the end I'll at least be able to order food at a restaurant and ask where the bathroom is located.

This is our group at the khantoke dinner. Our group included people from four different countries: U.S., Thailand, Canada, and Germany.

My first time to actually touch an elephant's trunk, and I don't think I ever need to do it again. : )

Yes, the elephants can even paint!