Summary &
Suggestions
Let me summarize what I had done during my practicum, and what I had learned. Thank you for visiting my blog!!! Thank you naaa~!
About practicum
I joined this program because I want to put my English into practice with a specific purpose beyond just learning the language.
I am taking teaching courses to become a science teacher, and my educational internship at a junior high school will start in May 2025. This program will surely help me.
I believe that language is merely a tool for communication, so what I want to express or accomplish is more important. I want to achieve something through English. Since I can study English in Japan, studying abroad is not necessarily required to learn the language.
Lessons I learned
-Count on others and ask questions
I have learned the importance of depending on others. I usually hesitate to rely on others, especially when asking questions. However, I now feel comfortable asking questions whenever I need to. I can seek help when facing difficulties because not only the teachers but also the children and other internship students have warmly welcomed me as a member of this school. Even though I cannot speak Thai, some people translate Thai into English for me, and students also teach me Thai. It is much faster to ask them for directions than to search on my own. Thanks to the kind people around me, I am enjoying my stay in Khon Kaen. We can collaborate to overcome difficulties and support each other's shortcomings. Through this experience, I have realized that depending on others and asking for help is the first step toward collaboration. I will continue to rely on others when needed and also be someone others can rely on. Another important lesson I have learned this week is the significance of asking questions. Asking questions not only helps me clarify things but also shows my interest in others, letting them know that I am actively listening. Even a simple question can be valuable for mutual understanding.
-Relax and stop overthinking
I have learned the importance of taking things easy. My supervisor and friends have always cheered me up. Whenever I face difficulties, they support me and respect my decisions. Since I tend to follow others, this experience has been a valuable opportunity for me to reflect on my own feelings and express them.
A Place That Feels Like Home
I really appreciate my primary school. I admire how kind, supportive, and responsible the teachers and staff are. The warm atmosphere and the teachers' dedication made me feel truly at home. Actually, I love the school so much that I wish I could stay longer and do not want to go back to Japan.
The people in Thailand have been so kind to me that I started missing it just 10 days after arriving, simply by imagining the farewell. I never expected to feel this attached to Thailand in such a short time, but the students, teachers, and my experiences here have made it a special place for me.
Suggestions for KKU
The Faculty of Education at Khon Kaen University, my host university, should provide SEA-Teacher participants with detailed information in advance, such as accommodation details, the program schedule, and important emergency contacts like phone number. While they provided the police number, it was not very helpful since we could not speak Thai.
Additionally, it would be better if student ID cards and university Wi-Fi access were issued on the first day of the program. My ID card was only valid for four days, but luckily, it helped me when I got sick. Thanks to the card, I was able to receive free medical treatment at the school clinic. However, other participants found it inconvenient because they could not access the school Wi-Fi in the areas where they were assigned.
Suggestions for future participants
1. Preparing for Communication and Connectivity
I recommend learning some basic Thai phrases—it will be very helpful. You should also prepare a SIM card with mobile data or buy one upon arrival to stay connected, as the network in Thailand can sometimes be unstable. Grab is commonly used in Thailand for ordering food and calling taxis, so having your own phone number during your stay is essential. I didn’t have one at first, but my friends Beam and Aom helped me get one. It was very cheap.
2. Bringing Souvenirs from Your Country
You should bring souvenirs from your home country as gifts. I brought instant miso soup, a traditional Japanese food. I think matcha snacks and uniquely spicy Japanese foods would also be good choices.
