Summer is upon us and I’ve got some
friends heading west across the pacific pond. I’m so excited for them to
experience everything Thailand has to offer and have an authentic
adventure. So before you head out ladies here are a few suggestions and
cultural norms that knowing will make your time here a bit easier.
Packing
Ok girls its HOT. And I don’t just mean
hot I mean sticky, gross hot with lots of that lovely humidity. However
rainy season is about to start which will offer a tad bit of relief occasionally but also will go from mild humidity to extreme in five minutes leaving you drenched.
Bring one airy dress or maxi for temple
visits. Always make sure your knees and shoulders are covered. In terms
of clothing for school, you can borrow my plethora of long skirts and
conservative tops.
Since it’s so hot don’t bring a full bag
of makeup. Mascara and lipstick will do. Powder will sweat off along
with eyeliner leaving you looking like you have black eyes. And no
straighteners, curling irons or hairdryers…see humidity above.
Ins and Outs of a Day at School
The most important thing to respecting Thai culture from the get go is to make sure you wai every
teacher the first time you see them in the morning. They might ask you
how old you are which is totally normal because they want to know who is
younger because the younger person always is the first to wai (you’re
younger than everyone else so you wai to everyone first). Also they
might comment on your weight, fat or skinny, this is also normal so take
no offense.
The students take off their shoes in the
classroom but teachers don’t have to. The only place you’ll have to take
your shoes off is in the office above the E learning room, I’ll tell
you.
For lunch there are three options,
something with rice, noodle soup or halal food. It changes everyday so
we can walk through and I’ll tell you all the options. When it comes to
meat, specifically chicken they seem to just cook the whole thing bones,
fat, feet, etc. So just pick around the parts you don’t want and if you
get a bite of something you don’t like it’s not impolite to spit it
into your spoon and put it back on your plate.
Dining out
If we go out with friends or teachers
it’s normal that one person, usually the oldest, will just order a bunch
of food for everyone. Each person will get there own plate with rice
and then eat family style. It’s a great way to try lots of things and
they know whats best anyways.
When it comes to eating Thai food you eat
with your spoon in your right hand and fork in the left. Just scoop the
food into the spoon. It’s a great strategy.
Feet
Feet are considered the dirtiest part of
the body so if other people are taking off their shoes, follow suit. In
most temples you’ll have to take your shoes off. Don’t worry I’ve only
met one person who’s shoes were stolen.
It’s also a HUGE insult to point your
foot at someone. So just stay away from crossing your legs and sit criss
cross or legs to the side when you’re sitting on the floor. Especially
in a temple. Having your feet pointing at Buddha is a big no no.
Phone
When you land at Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok
and walk outside of security there will be numerous places to get
travelers data plans. AIS, True and DTAC are three popular ones. This
will give you access to maps, data, iMessaging all for <15. Totally
worth it!
Water, Water, Water, Nam, Nam Nam and more Nam
Drink more water than you think you need.
Start your day off right by chugging as much as you can and always
carry a bottle with you. I’ll get you a water bottle strap at 7/11, best
14 baht investment ever.
Hang nam u ti nai? (Where is the toilet?)
Always carry
toilet paper with you. Places normally don’t have any in the bathroom
and you don’t want to be caught without and be forced to use the bum
gun. Also with squatty potties, in case your confused your butt goes to
the wall. And if there is no automatic flusher there will be a bucket
full of water with a little bowl. Just scoop up some water and pour it
in the toilet to automatically flush it, more water for number 2.
Random things to know (or not)
Don’t tell a baby younger than ~3 that
they are beautiful. In fact, tell them they are ugly in order to confuse
the spirits and keep them away from taking the baby. Also clipping
finger nails on Wednesday and Thursday is bad luck.
All in all….
When it comes down to it sometimes being a
follower isn’t always a bad thing. When adapting to new cultures
sometimes you just have to take social cues and wait to see what others
do. There are still a ton of things I don’t quite understand but when
coming into a new situation just see what others are doing and smile.
Now get over here already!!
-- Read more from Amy's year as a Fulbright Teaching Assistant and then as a USAC Internship in Thailand at: https://sameamebutdifferent.wordpress.com/
For more about international opportunities with USAC, check out http://usac.unr.edu/
For more information about Fulbright Grant Opportunities, check out http://eca.state.gov/fulbright/fulbright-programs
