Story about my experience in Thaiiland 

My name is Eirini Balou.I was a teacher in a high school in Athens Greece teaching students from 12 to 15 art lessons.

When I retired I had plenty of time on my own and since I love kids I wanted to volunteer abroad to do something different, to see how children in other countries are educated, share my culture, and make new friends. So, I applied to VSA2501-1 educational/intercultural and language(ICL) -Nakhon Ratchassima 13-25/01/25 and let everything be a surprise.

So on Friday 10 of a cold Greek January, I flew away to the exotic, warm Thailand. I stayed for two days in Bangkok to go sightseeing.-loved theGrand Palace, Wat Arun, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and Chatuchak weekend market.I was a little afraid of being alone in such a big town where they didn t speak English enough, but everyone was kind and helpful and there was security staff everywhere in the airport, the roads, and the subway. On Monday 13th I travelled north to Nakhon Ratchassima -4 hours by bus- where the meeting point was arranged.

Aom, a sweet young girl, came at the bus station to collect us. There were four other volunteers, an Englishman, a girl from Austria and two young men from Korea.

She drove us to the village nearby. We stayed in a two-storied house and I had a room of my own. During the 15 days of the project, we visited 2 

elementary schools. The morning assembly starts at 8 o'clock and before entering the classes the kids take breakfast and then take off their shoes and sweep their classroom. During the class we presented our countries - we had brought a map - the flags, the culture, and the main dishes, we explained the time difference, and we played educational games. At 11.30 there was a big break for lunch prepared also with the help of their teachers. Then the kids had to wash the dishes, and their teeth, they could buy an ice cream and play football with the volunteers. The classes end at three o'clock.

I was deeply touched by the genuine warmth and the smile of the kid and of my host Aom. The students I had the pleasure of teaching were adorable! The smaller ones always came for a hug They had discipline they never shouted or fought each other.

In the house, I had a very good time with the other volunteers and we enjoyed eating the traditional dishes we cooked. Aom was very helpful in everything and willing to take us to see around - the National Park, the Elephant temple, the capital of the district Korat or take us to the supermarket - as the village was isolated and there were no buses. Last night Aom and her parents prepared a barbeque for us and the Englishman prepared drinks for everyone.!

This was a very nice experience, Aside from the feeling of reward associated with volunteering I have been able to learn more about a new culture than possible through other holidays. Thailand, Aom and the volunteers I met will be always in my heart.