Alumni Interview with Chloe Defty - 2017 Program Participant

What inspired you to go abroad?

As a trainee teacher about to go into my final year before graduating, it was the perfect time for me to travel and volunteer in schools.  I thought it was important to do so in order to develop my teaching styles and gain some experience working in different education systems around the world.

Why did you choose Camp Thailand?

I chose Camp Thailand - Camp B because it was advertised at the Real Thai Experience and it certainly was!  It wasn't like a resort, it wasn't westernised! I feel like I saw the real Thailand and I lived in the real Thailand!

What was your favorite part about Thailand?

I had the most amazing experience in Thailand with too many favourite parts! I tried some amazing food that I wouldn't have even considered eating at home. I met some amazing people and I can quite honestly say that the Thai people that I met and worked with were some of the friendliest people I have ever come in contact with!

What made your experience abroad unique?

I have had the most incredible experience teaching in Thailand! To volunteer at different schools with different age ranges, and abilities was an amazing challenge for me as a trainee teacher, and so rewarding!!! The children were so enthusiastic to learn!  It was just amazing to be able to provide children with the chance to learn English and make a small difference in their lives!

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The staff at Camp B made my experience so much better. I learned more Thai through conversations with them and I felt like I could approach them at any time with any query or worry.   Which is exactly what I needed during my first time in Asia and my first time living away from home, friends and family. The staff, in a way, became my family whilst I was in Thailand and I will never forget everything that they did for me.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I had an amazing time at Camp Thailand, however if I could go back in time and change anything, I would have given myself more time to save up more money to take part in the extra tours such as Cambodia and Island Hopping.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

There was no typical day in the life of Camp B. Everyday was different!  Every day offered a new experience or opportunity that has changed my life, whether it was teaching in a school, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary, learning muay thai boxing, or even having the confidence to talk to new people. Every experience I had in Thailand has been something I have brought home with me.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my spare time in Camp, my new friends and I often organised to explore the areas we were in. We spent a few days exploring Krasang and even organised to go to some of the local temples in Buriram, which gave us a more detailed exposure to Thai culture.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

Our accommodation was a lot bigger than I expected, which was a lovely surprise. We were in big rooms with bunk beds which made making friends an adventure and we spent many late nights talking about our lives and why we were in Thailand.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Go to Thailand with an open mind... don't expect too much and this country will change your life in ways in which you would never expect.

What was the hardest part about volunteering abroad?

I was really worried about a lot of things about volunteering abroad.  Things such as being away from home, not being able to communicate etc.  However I found the transition was so easy and I felt very comfortable being away from home. Also, I picked up the language so quickly and was able to communicate at a basic level in Thai with the students that I was teaching, which I found motivated them to try to speak English.

What surprised you most about Thailand?

I was very surprised about the lifestyle in Thailand. Thailand is a country that has a bad reputation from films/TV and from the media in general.  However, the Thailand I experienced could not have been more different. Everything and everyone in Thailand is really laid-back and so friendly. I loved how simplistic life is and that was really refreshing to experience.

How difficult was it to communicate with locals?

As I mentioned before, I was really worried about the language barrier and not being able to communicate with the locals. The Thai staff at Camp Thailand were amazing and helped me so much in terms of learning the language. Of course, I can't speak fluently, but I made the effort to try to at least greet people in Thai. The Thai people are so friendly and want to speak to you as much as you want to speak to them.  The majority of them have some basic levels of English so communicating isn't too difficult, but they certainly appreciate you trying to speak a little Thai even if it's only hello and thank you... it goes a long way!

What is one thing you wish you would have known before volunteering abroad in Thailand?

I wish I would have known about the weather!!! It was so warm and I was just not prepared for it! Also, I stayed in rural Thailand and therefore my shoulders and knees had to be covered the majority of the time, in terms of respect. I would have definitely re-thought my wardrobe choices when packing if I had known. However, saying that, it gave me the opportunity to buy some beautiful clothes from the markets... everyone I was at camp with bought at least one pair of elephant pants! They're amazing!!!!

If you could volunteer abroad again, where would you go?

I am definitely considering volunteering abroad again but I'm not sure where yet! My plan is to finish my degree in teaching.  That combined with the TEFL qualification I gained through Camp Thailand pretty much means the world is my oyster!!

What do you feel the biggest benefit of volunteering abroad is?

There are so many benefits to volunteering abroad. Learning new languages and about different cultures. Experiencing different ways of life and trying different foods. Making new friends and learning new skills. Becoming more independent and confident.

Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Thailand?

As I mentioned before, check what the weather is going to be like before you pack and check what you can wear while you're there! If you are visiting the beaches or the more westernised places, e.g. Bangkok, Phuket etc., you will probably be fine walking around in vest tops and shorts. Also... take some extra money and definitely buy some elephant pants from a market stall, you can usually get them from 100-250 baht and they're just so comfortable... be careful though because they can rip easily!!

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

My time in Thailand has absolutely impacted my life! I am now a lot more patient as I'm used to "Thai time", I am a lot more adventurous in my choice of foods, I have made some of the most amazing friends who I know I will stay in touch with and most importantly in my life, I am now officially TEFL/TESOL qualified to teach English around the world!

Would you recommend Camp Thailand? Why?

I would definitely recommend this programme to others because it has changed my life in such a positive way. I have been so lucky to have had this opportunity of a lifetime and I would urge people to search for similar opportunities!