John Quinn
SEE Senior TEFL trainer
john@SiamEducationalExperience.org

My life, after graduating in computer science, had been an eclectic rush of mainly unsatisfying jobs and adventurous travel. Scientific Officer for the UK’s Ministry of Defence, courier company owner and film extra in Cairo cover much of my working life. My travels have included climbing a pyramid, cycling through France and Spain, travelling the Trans-Siberian Express through The Soviet Union, backpacking India and Nepal for a year and quite a few other escapades.

While contemplating my departure from India in 1999, I felt a cold fear come over me at the thought of returning to suburbia and routine. Fortuitously, I met an EFL teacher taking a break from her job in Bangkok – Eureka! At last a job that would satisfy my need to do something fulfilling and an opportunity for adventure. To cut a long story short - 4 months later in Chiang Mai I stepped into the classroom for the first time.

I’ve taught in schools, colleges, the British Council, and I’ve been the Head of a prestigious English Program (EP) in Chiang Mai. Currently, I’m the Academic Manager of EFL Learning Centre and Senior Trainer for SEE's TEFL certification programme. In addition, I’m associated with The University of Cambridge’s ESOL examinations.

The students are the primary reason you teach. In Chiang Mai the warmth of the Lanna culture flows through them and emerges as respect for the teacher, friendliness and a love for life. I love it.

Miss Wilaiwan Wannachotphawet (Ying)
SEE School Manager
ying@SiamEducationalExperience.org

In July 2004 I returned to Chiang Mai from my Ph.D. Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. Before I departed Thailand for England I had studied English extensively and to a high level, but I was shocked when the first ‘manc’ I met said “Hello luv” closely followed by sounds it took me two years to understand as English with a Manchester dialect – I wasn’t his ‘luv’. Slowly, deep-fried Mars bars and mushy peas replaced my hunger for chilies and fish sauce, but I never got used to the continuous rain and cold. In Thailand we have 3 seasons: summer (hot and dry), winter (warm and dry), and rainy (warm and humid).

I had seen movies, read magazines and watched television programmes about farang (foreigners of European descent) as I grew up, and like most Thais I was fascinated by these tall and confident people with long noses. In Thailand, apart from my English teacher, I never had the opportunity to meet and talk to them.

Thailand needs English teachers and its people want to meet foreigners but can’t afford to travel abroad, and I know from my English friends that foreigners love Thailand and want to meet Thai people. A match made in heaven.