My Thai Teaching Experience

Knowing that I would be teaching Thai students for the first time made me feel a sense of fear and uncertainty. This was my first time teaching real students, and the thought of stepping into a classroom with a completely different group was intimidating. I had so many questions running through my mind—would they understand my lesson? Would they feel comfortable enough to participate?

I was nervous about how they would respond to my teaching style and whether I would be able to connect with them. Teaching students from a different culture added another layer of anxiety, as I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of their learning preferences or classroom behavior. It was a lot to process all at once, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was truly prepared for such a big responsibility.

But as the moment to begin the lesson drew closer, I realized that these fears weren’t going to go away on their own. I had to face them head-on. I knew this was a valuable opportunity for growth. An experience that could shape me into a more capable and confident teacher. I reminded myself that every teacher, no matter how experienced, has faced the challenge of teaching for the first time. And while I may have felt uncertain, this was exactly the type of experience I needed to build my skills and learn how to adapt to different students and environments.

The support of my cooperating teachers was a huge comfort. Knowing that they were there to guide me, offering advice and encouragement, gave me the reassurance I needed to take that first step into the classroom. Still, despite their support, I understood that this was my responsibility, and I was the one who had to rise to the challenge. I knew stepping outside of my comfort zone was the only way to truly grow, both as a teacher and as an individual. So, I took a deep breath, pushed aside the self-doubt, and embraced the moment.

I decided to focus on the students in front of me. Their curiosity, their potential, and their willingness to learn. I realized that this wasn’t just about teaching content; it was about creating a connection, fostering an environment where they felt comfortable, confident, and excited to learn. With that mindset, I moved forward, ready to face whatever came next. It was a leap of faith, but I was ready to make it, knowing that even if things didn’t go perfectly, I would learn and grow from the experience.