After two weeks off from a grueling two weeks of training (because, obviously, I needed a vaca after "Hell Week"), I finally found out what school I'm going to, what grade I'm teaching, and who I'll be working with. It's in Kamphaeng Phet (pronounced: Cam-Pang-Pet). I'm positive you've heard of it because it's such a hot destination in Thailand for tourists.
Kamphaeng Phet ("Diamond Wall") Province
Kamphaeng = wall, Phet = diamond
Wait, what? If you're anything like me, you have no clue where it is. I'm currently living here and still a little unsure?!
Fortunately, I'm working with 11 other English speaking teachers. Five of whom are from my TEFL training program. The school has a huge English department under their MEP (Mini English Program). The six of us "new" interns got to pick our classes based on what was available, and I got what I wanted: Math (1st through 3rd grade) and Grammar. Am I qualified to teach Math? Jury's still out on that one... But, good news! The rooms I'll be teaching in will have air conditioning, which means no more sexy back sweat. And better news! I won't be riding solo in the classroom, which means I won't have a stroke on the first day. A Thai TA (teaching assistant) will be with me all day errrrrday.
Win-Win-Win.
Mathematics and Grammar Curriculum.
Melisa (English name) and I are going to rock out some primary school.... Maybe... Hopefully.
Since this province is so small, the only way to get around is on a scooter. *Disclaimer, I know driving in Thailand is dangerous (mom, don't read this!), and I do not feel comfortable driving in big cities because of how psycho everyone is. But, cars are uncommon, and I have to get around somehow. You just have to accept the fact that dying is a real possibility, and you're going to crash at some point. So... scooter's gonna scoot.
Accommodations aren't bad either. Basically like any apartment you'd find in America. It's like going back to college days and really over the top for what's normal in rural Thailand.
But one thing to note about the vast majority of Asian countries: they absolutely, positively do not believe in soft mattresses.
Every bed I've slept on is rock hard. My spine screams at me every night wondering why I'm torturing it? Their mattress pads aren't much softer, so they don't help alleviate the agony. If someone could come visit me sometime soon and bring me a heavenly bed, that'd be greatttttt.
Class starts Monday. Things are about to get interesting...