When I first arrived in Thailand, I never imagined how much my students would teach me in return. Over the past months, I’ve had the privilege of working as an English and social subjects teacher for M1–M3 (Grade 7-9) students at Watkhemapirataram (WKM) School, and it has been one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences of my life.
Every day, I step into the classroom excited to see my students. Their warmth, kindness, and curiosity have made my journey as a teacher not only smoother but truly joyful. They’ve helped me learn and adapt to a new environment, teaching me as much about Thai culture and community as I’ve taught them about English, society, and the world beyond. It is immensely rewarding to see their confidence and ability grow simultaneously.
One of the most inspiring parts of my role has been seeing their creativity shine. Beyond the standard lessons, my students engage in extra creative writing activities, producing stories, skits, and ideas that demonstrate the immense potential and imagination they possess. Watching them express themselves in English—sometimes shy at first, but then with growing confidence—has been one of my proudest moments as a teacher in Thailand.
The Power of Group Work and Shared Learning
One of the most enjoyable parts of teaching M1–M3 students has been facilitating group work sessions. Group activities enable students to take ownership of their learning, collaborate, and discover new ideas by bouncing off the thoughts of others.
While teaching in Thailand with BFITS, I am constantly learning from these sessions, too. I watch as students approach tasks from completely different angles, often coming up with solutions or interpretations I hadn’t even considered. For instance, in History discussions, students sometimes connect past events to their own cultural context in ways that give me a new perspective. In social studies, they relate global issues to local experiences, deepening my own understanding of how these subjects are lived and felt in Thailand.
Group work doesn’t just build academic skills—it builds confidence, teamwork, and empathy. I see quieter students find their voices, and natural leaders encourage their peers. As I guide these sessions, I’m reminded that teaching is as much about creating space for student voices as it is about presenting information.
Creative Writing as a Tool for Engagement
Another cornerstone of my teaching has been the use of creative writing as a tool for engagement. I’ve always believed that creative expression is one of the most powerful ways for students to explore ideas, and I’ve seen this belief confirmed again and again in my classroom.
When students are asked to write creatively—whether it’s imagining themselves as historical figures, writing alternative endings to events, or inventing stories inspired by geography—they light up. Creative writing allows them to step beyond rote learning and enter a world where they can shape and reshape ideas. For many of my WKM BFITS Program students, it becomes a safe space to experiment with English, to take risks with language, and to develop their confidence.
What excites me most is helping them shape their ideas into stories or essays. Some start with only a fragment of a thought, and through brainstorming, group sharing, and encouragement, that small spark becomes a complete narrative. Watching them discover the power of their own imagination is something I treasure as a teacher.
Creative writing also provides moments of surprise. Students often come up with metaphors, descriptions, or plot twists that make me pause and think, “I never would have seen it that way.” These insights not only enrich the classroom atmosphere but remind me that teaching is about cultivating creativity, not controlling it.
The Energy of EP Competitions
Beyond the classroom, one of the highlights of my teaching journey has been involvement in English Program (EP) competitions. These events are filled with energy, enthusiasm, and an incredible sense of community. Students throw themselves into debates, speeches, performances, and creative projects with determination and excitement.
What I love most is seeing how proud they are of their achievements, big or small. Preparing for competitions gives them goals to work toward, but it also creates a sense of teamwork and belonging. The shy student who hesitated to speak in class suddenly blossoms in front of an audience, while others discover hidden talents in writing, performing, or leading their peers.
Being part of these competitions is a privilege. I get to witness firsthand how far the students have come—not just in their English skills but in their self-belief. It’s these moments that remind me how powerful education can be in shaping confidence and character.
Lessons I’ve Learned from My Students
Although I came to Thailand to teach, I feel I’ve been the one doing the most learning. My students have taught me patience—reminding me that progress is not always linear, and that small steps forward are just as necessary as big leaps. They’ve shown me the importance of kindness, both in the way they treat me and in the way they treat one another.
I’ve also learned the value of curiosity. No matter how simple or complex the lesson, my students approach it with a sense of wonder that pushes me to keep lessons engaging and relevant. Their questions often prompt me to reflect more deeply on the material, and their perspectives challenge me to view History and society through new cultural lenses.
Teaching here at WKM has made me more adaptable, more creative, and more reflective. It has taught me that the best classrooms are spaces where everyone, teacher included, is learning together.
Why This Journey Matters to Me
At its heart, my experience at Watkhemapirataram (WKM) School has reinforced why I love teaching. It’s not just about passing on knowledge—it’s about helping students discover their own voices, giving them the tools to express themselves, and watching them grow in confidence.
Every smile, every “aha” moment, every story they write, and every success in a lesson reminds me that I’m part of something meaningful. Teaching here has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I will carry with me wherever I go next.
Thailand has given me more than just an opportunity to teach—it has given me a community, lessons in kindness, and a deep appreciation for the joy of learning. I feel incredibly grateful for my students, for their generosity of spirit, and for the chance to be part of their journey.
Final Reflection
Being a teacher in Thailand has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. It has taught me that education is not just about content—it’s about connection. It’s about the relationships we build, the creativity we nurture, and the shared journey of growth.
I came here to teach History and social subjects, but I’m leaving with so much more: memories of laughter, teamwork, creativity, and kindness that will stay with me forever. My students have given me a gift I can never repay—the joy of being a teacher.
![[BFITS] Be Like Millie_Volunteering Beyond the Classroom – Painting, Panthers, and Powerful Art!](https://bfitsthailand.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BFITS-Be-Like-Millie_Volunteering-Beyond-the-Classroom-–-Painting-Panthers-and-Powerful-Art-300x109.png)
