Class, Coffee, Class, Coffee, Read, Read... Sleep and Repeat

We finished the first set of classes in our MA TESOL program through APU. We began the second set the beginning of January. My cohort has 11 people who are very different and have had different life experiences so we bring something different to the table. Most teach in China, but there are a couple of us who break that trend. Josh teaches in Japan, Alyssa teaches in Mexico and I needless to say, teach in Thailand. Last semester we took Culture and Language Learning and Pedagogy 1. This semester we are taking Sociolinguistics and Second Language Acquisition. If is sounds tough, that's because it is. :) We are all in hopes of becoming betting English instructors by going through this program. I must say so far so good. I am approaching the classes I teach with a different and hopefully better perspective. It was fun seeing everyone who I met in LA last July again. However as my title states we pretty much studied constantly for two weeks straight. While the majority of our time was filled with school, we did find time to have fun of course! :) I have a few photos from the two weeks everyone was in Chiang Mai. I stole them from my friend Jen. :)

Class!

Class?

Coffee!!! YAY! :)

Teaching Thai to my fellow class mates

After a few days of hardcore studying, it was time to get away and take a break. We went to see K. Natan play at Nine Lives.

I'm Asian can't you tell?

Me and Mark

Anthony and Jen

Alyssa and Shelley- I think their brains were fried from too much studying. :)

K. Natan playin'

Saying good bye!

Most of the gang: Mark Anthony, Alyssa, Jen Josh, Cindy and me with the cute shop owners across from the YMCA.

Farewell dinner.

Mike and Josh

Jen and me with presents from the trash from a new "friend" Haha!

Well, this is going to be a short one. I think most of us ended the two weeks of classes overwhelmed and not at all ready to start the new semester's work. Alas, life must go on. It's going to be a challenging semester, but full of learning. I'm thankful for the opportunity to further my education.

All My Love,

Lainy J.