Pre-Thailand

This is the first post in my new travel blog, and I'm excited to share my adventures with you as I head to Thailand. A week from today, I'll be on my way to Khon Kaen, Thailand to teach English.

2015 MA TESL graduating class

As many of you know, I recently graduated with my master's degree in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) from Northern Arizona University. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Flagstaff, and I was sad to say goodbye to many dear friends.

My mom and I meandered back to Missouri, and we were able to see some beautiful sights on the way such as Monument Valley and Mesa Verde.

I'm currently in Missouri right now with my family. 

Alison and Andrew

It's been great to spend time with my parents and two of my younger brothers (I have three), especially seeing my brother Drew graduate from high school and prepare to run track at State. Go Lone Jack!!

In the next few days, I will spend time with friends and family, figure out exactly how much I can('t) take to Thailand, and repack my belongings in the most efficient use of space possible. 

I leave for Thailand on May 28, the day after my mom's birthday. It's on a Thursday, and I will finally arrive in Thailand on a Saturday. The International Date Line plays a role in that, but also the fact I'll be traveling 30+ hours. I've kind of been avoiding counting up exactly how many hours I'll be traveling. Here are my flights:

1. Kansas City - LA
2. LA - Tokyo
3. Tokyo - Singapore
4. Singapore - Bangkok
5. Bangkok - Khon Kaen

I'm almost dreading the travel time more than actually adjusting to a whole new culture!

Arrival in Thailand

Once I arrive in Thailand, I'll be met at the airport by the lady who hired me. She's been my contact person this whole time, and I've been corresponding with her via email for several months now. I'll stay in a hotel for a few days, then I'll be taken around to choose an apartment (my contract includes a housing allowance). Sometime during or after that, I'll start teaching English at a demonstration school, which is a K-12 school attached to a university. I've been told that my students will most likely be 15 year old students, and I'll also have a co-teacher who will have taught my (our) students already for a week. The primary skills I'll be teaching are pronunciation and grammar.

I'm excited and nervous and thrilled and terrified about this new chapter in my life. Prayers are appreciated as I leave the US for my first solo adventure overseas.

image from lib.utexas.edu

Khon Kaen (northeast of Bangkok)

image from hariamyoga.net