Category: Thailand

Hello DU Study Abroad Blog,

This week, I’ve been introducing myself to the students in their designated English classes. I have been leading the classes in introductions individually with my Thai supervisor in the back of the class to assist me with translation. It’s been interesting considering that I have a very limited background in speaking Thai. Luckily, I know how to introduce myself to people in Thai so I haven’t found too huge of an obstacle yet. While I’m interning at this school, I am expected to conduct a research project that I will present to my study abroad program at the end of my internship. This project is just like the Independent Field Research Project that I’ve done twice now since I’ve been here. The only difference with this one is that I’ll have to write an essay at the end and I have 6 weeks to conduct my research instead of just 3 weeks. Wish the best of luck!

Best,

Namugga Nakayiza

This was journaled while I was abroad but due to limited internet access, I couldn’t post them at the exact moment. Recorded on 11/10/23.

Hello DU Study Abroad Blog,

I have now started the last third of my program. We have entered the internship phase of the program and I am currently interning at a school in a village on the highest mountain in Thailand. My task is to assist with teaching English to students in grades 3 through 5. I am the only student in the program that’s interning at a school. We were all assigned internships based on our interests and I wanted to learn about an indigenous community while working with children. Earlier this week, we had an orientation to prepare for the next 6 weeks and then we were directed to our internships. Four students in the program had internships outside the city including myself so we had to be transported to our placements by our field instructors. So far, my internship has been nice. The children are getting acquainted with me and it’s been fascinating to observe the school customs and compare them to the ones that existed at my schools in the U.S. and in Uganda. It feels odd being referred to as a teacher even though I’m just an intern, but overall, it’s only the beginning.

Best,

Namugga Nakayiza

This was journaled while I was abroad but due to limited internet access, I couldn’t post them at the exact moment. Recorded on 11/3/23.