End of Week One

So at this point ive been a week here in Wiangjedee Wittaya school in Li. I had about 16 hours of classes but this is open to change i believe. I am here primarily to teach Math and Science to the Mini English Program(MEP) which is a class of about 31 kids at Matayom 1 level. This is the first year of Secondary school for Thai kids. I have English with them as well but i think my coordinator wants to take over this, its not really clear. MEP students have paid extra to be taught subjects through English such as Math and Science. I have English with Matayom 4 for a few hours also but i have 4 different classes and only have the strongest class for 2 periods a week while the other 3 i have only once a week. All in all its been an ok week. Once ive done my preparation the teaching aspect is ok and my coordinator and co-teachers seem happy with my approach. Basically i am in work from 8am till 4pm each day but some days i only have one or two periods. These days drag as there is so little to do besides sit on the computer surfing the net.

Teaching Math and Science through English is not the struggle i thought it would be. With there being a set curriculum i feel pretty happy starting each class off as i have a set idea of what i want to do. English can be a bit more vague as there isnt anything clear to teach. SO far my only complaint is the lack of things to do in the evenings. With nothing to do i usually chill in my rooms after work before going looking for dinner in the village. This usually entails walking to the market and trying to pick out something that is not too spicy. A game of spot the chillies! This wil often set me back 30 baht (less than a euro) for my entire meal. So that is the main positive about this country! After wards i have not much else to do except maybe buy a few bits and pieces in the shop like snacks and fruit at the market. I then either hit an internet cafe or head home and read and listen to music. i picked up a few second hand books in Chiang Mai last weekend so if i keep going back i should be able to keep a steady supply going.

Im usually in bed for around 9.30 or so. I have great intentions to start jogging or something after school but the problem with this is it gets dark around 6 so once i lie down i find it difficult to get up before it gets dark. Also most of the stalls and shops in the town close around 7 so i havent really seen the town of Li in full daylight yet with everything open. Hopefully i will be getting a tv soon and some english channels so i can use it in the evenings. I think i can get a sports channel and a movies channel so that should help me wile away the evenings. heading back to Chiang Mai at the weekend cos im so bored here....