Kevin's Blog - 27th November 2009

Building a social network

Getting involved and staying sane

In a previous blog I wrote about what to do socially whilst undertaking the Chichester College TESOL teacher training course in Bangkok. But let's imagine you've completed the course and popped out of the other end armed with your TESOL certificate and you've just secured your first job. What now in terms of a social life? Whether you remain in Bangkok or venture further afield, you're going to need a social network of friends and acquaintances. Why? Because it's very important to have a social support network. You're in a foreign land – we're like newborn babies; kind of helpless without all the gooey bits.

Also, friends by their very nature keep us sane! If you go home every night, do your lesson prep and stare at four walls, you won't stay sane for long. Humans are social animals. We tend to live, work and play in groups. It's what we're good at.

Chances are you'll need somewhere to live. Where do you start? Ask someone who's been here for a while. Seriously, everyone knows what to do and talking to your fellow foreigner will put you at ease. We can offer sound pieces of advice. This goes for all aspects of living and working in Thailand. "Where's a good place for a weekend break?" "Which, bus or train should I catch?" "How do you say 'turn right' in Thai?" And, let's be realistic, things can and will go wrong and when they do, it's good to know you have the support of others who've perhaps been faced with a similar situation. All these things add up to helping you adjust to your new way of life.

The overwhelming majority of people who come to live and work here, enjoy it. Very few have a genuinely bad experience. Thailand is a wonderful country to experience, but you can't do it alone – not all the time. So seek out those opportunities to join or do 'things'. Clubs, a day playing golf, an hour or two in a pub, a trip down a river, a visit to an art exhibition, coffee and a croissant or just exploring 'somewhere'.

I come from the UK – a land where saying 'no' is an institution; and for anyone new to Thailand, it's very easy to come up with excuses for not doing something. It's a bit scary, isn't it? But here, it's very important that you say 'yes', even if you're shy or 'not quite up to it'. Trust me; you'll have a good time. Expats are like-minded individuals. We all came here for the first time – we had to find our way and we're very willing to help others starting out. We've done it, we know what it feels like and we're your future social network. By the way....what do you fancy doing next weekend?

4th March 2010

Using drama to teach English.

31st October 2009

Get our your scissors and glue - it's time to get creative

13th September 2009

What to do when I've got a few hours respite from teacher training

6th June 2009

The show isn't over 'till the class bell rings