Week 1 of School

It has only been a week since we landed here in Chiang Mai, but it already seems like we have been here for a whole month.

This week we started taking our classes at Chiang Mai University. Every day we get to wear our sweet school uniforms, but they get a bit hot in the 85 degree afternoons. So far, we have only been taking Thai language class. We have class from 8:00 to 12:00 and then we have a lunch break. In the afternoons, we have class from 1:00 to 2:00 and then go to our internship. I am doing my internship at a hospital outside the city, but we don't start until next week so I have had a bit more free time which is really nice.

Thai has been very difficult to learn so far because it is a tonal language and each different tone can give a different meaning to the words. Luckily, we have Thai buddies, other Thai students who are studying English at the university, who have been helping us get around and showing us how to buy food etc.

First Day of School!

This is a rot deng (red truck). We pile in and ride them everywhere.

All of our Thai buddies!

All the Westmont students in our traditional Thai garb.

On Wednesday night we went out to a traditional Thai dinner. The food was delicious and we got to see some beautiful Thai dancing. 

A Thai performer pounding the drums.

Beautiful Thai Dancing

The last thing I want to leave you is another funny sign that I discovered. I'm not exactly sure what it means, but it encapsulates an important element of Thai culture. There is a saying here in Thailand called "Mai pen rai" which basically means "no problem". For the Thais, it is more of a lifestyle. Enjoy!