From the main May Thai internship it looks like a lot of people have now taken the plunge and signed up. If I were to start a facebook group, would those of you who are definitely going join it? It would be quite good for keeping up to date with everyone's application process as well as co-ordinating flights etc.

Sounds good. Let me know once its up and post the link :)

...and apparently I need to be friends with someone before I start the group, so feel free to add me. I'm Martin Talbot from Poole, Dorset.

Hi mate. Could not find you! lol.

You should be able to locate me. 'Waz M' I'm on (University of) Birmingham UK network and also College of Law.

Hometown, Rochdale

This is a very good idea, however I can't find either of you! This is mine https://www.facebook.com/ladykatiepark should work if you copy and paste? 

Hi all. I've just signed up to the internship for next May - the facebook group sounds like a good idea - although I can't find Martin or Wasim either. I'll send you an  invite Katie and see where we go from there.

I'm Jack Bradley from Chelmsford, Essex.

I've set up the group now. The URL is http://www.facebook.com/groups/156630661114570/.

Not sure who the admin is for the FB group but do you reckon they could let me in please :) x

You should be in now. Sorry for the slowness, was on holiday.

Hi guys, dunno why I'm in this group BUT I'm currently on the October inernship (just coming to an end) So any questions you may have then feel free to ask me, I hope I can help!

Cesca - What is the accomodation like? Any flooding forecast this yr ? :-/ Also, what locations are there aother than Lopburi? Ta

The other locations (that i can remember!) are mainly Surin, where I am placed, Pattya (roughly 6 got placed) , some in Chachoengsao, a couple in Buri Ram (next to Surin) and a lot in Lop Buri.

The accomodation is mostly nice. Ours here in Surin is really, really nice with a big bed, air con, hot water, wardrobe, fridge and TV. We did have some people placed in accomodation they weren't happy with, especially when they compared it to the higher standard accomodation, but they were moved into nicer places by our coordinator.

Not too sure about the flooding sit I'm afraid!

Thanks for your response :)

In terms of teaching, how big are your classes? Do you have any assistance or were you thrown into the deep end? What is your typical day like, taking into account working hours etc? Thanks again

Hi, I'm also on the internship right now- based in Lopburi

Re teaching- my classes are between 35 and 48 students, which is a bit overwhelming, I must admit, but its okay.  I teach 18 classes a week, each 55 minutes long.  I have to be at school from 7.45am to 4pm, but the times I'm not teaching I'm free to do what I want (within reason!), so I either prepare lessons, or more often just sit around chatting, eating or on the computer! 

In my school we were given a course book to follow and plan our lessons from.  Each of my classes has a Thai- English teacher as well who the students see once a week and they focus more on grammar, wheras my job is basically to get the students more confident in speaking. 

We kind of were thrown in the deep end a bit, but it was okay.  The Thai teachers are always there to help when I ask.  Some of them sit in on my lessons when I have a really naughty class, but generally I prefer being on my own. A massive learning curve, but personally I've had a great time

Laura

As Laura B said, that's pretty standard. I teach P6 (11/12 yrs) so the classes are of 56 but to be honest it makes no difference!
As with Laura the kids also see their Thai teacher for grammar lessons which is really helpful! But the thai teacher doesnt sit in the lessons as they do with younger learners (you will be please to know that the younger learners also have a smaller class size, at this school anyway!)

The first week or so at school was really confusing as they didnt really say what they wanted me to teach but they had loads of info and curriculum for the younger learners! Eventually I got hold of a curriculum outline and a textbook so that's pretty good!

LauraB and CescaB  Thanks for your thorough responses :) Its going to be a fantastic experience by the sounds of it, although the student numbers have got me slightly worried! :-/