Midterm report Julian Fiebach
RPK24 school Phayao

On August 29th, I took the plane with excitement, but also plenty of expectations. I was excited to meet new people, learn more about teaching, and better understand the country—its landscapes, culture, and way of life. 

The moment we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted by two teachers and two other volunteers who also work at our school. We got into a minivan and headed to RPK24 School, where Fynn, Nadja, and I would spend the rest of the year. From thebeginning , we were warmly welcomed by the teachers. Here, friendliness and respect seem to come naturally.

One of the challenges I quickly encountered was the language barrier. Many students and even some teachers speak little to no English. This means we often have to get creative in how we communicate. Whether it’s using Google Translate or just using gestures, it usually works out in the end.

On average, I work about four hours a day. I assist with classes of all ages—from second graders to twelfth graders. Teaching can be a lot of fun, but it’s also challenging some times, especially when no instructions are provided, and I have to improvise a lesson. But stepping out of your comfort zone is part of what this experience is about i think.

Each day here is unpredictable. You only know what will happen, once it’s over. Sudden events—like the Loy Krathong Festival or a visit from a royal representative—can shake up the usual school routine. My primary role involves supporting teachers during lessons, such as helping with pronunciation or correcting homework.

After class, we participate in activities like cooking, art, or Thai classical music. During these sessions, we’re no longer teachers but students ourselves. 

Building relationships with the students has been relatively easy. They are open and friendly, which makes interaction much easier. Forming deeper connections, however, is more difficult due to the language barrier, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings. That said, it’s not impossible.

Over time, we’ve grown closer to a few students and even meet up occasionally to play card games.

One daily ritual that felt strange at first is the Morning Assembly. Every morning, teachers and students gather to sing the national anthem, discuss the day’s plan, or simply come together to start the day. What initially felt unfamiliar has now become a comforting way to begin each morning.

At the beginning of my time here, I wasn’t sure if choosing to do a voluntary service was the right decision. But as the months go by, I realize more and more that it was absolutely the right choice. The longer I spend at my project, the more I enjoy being here. It’s starting to feel like home, and I no longer feel like a stranger.

I’m learning a lot about myself and having experiences I could never have had back in Germany. This journey is teaching me lessons that will stay with me long after my time here is over.