Travel Goals

1. Climb to Everest Base Camp.
2. Climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
3. Learn to Scuba Dive.
4. Visit every continent.
5. See the Galapagos Islands.
6. Sail down the Amazon River.
7. Climb Ayer's Rock.
8. Ride the Trans-Siberian.
9. Go into space.
10. Go wild at La Tomintina.
11. See the sunrise from Mt. Fuji.
12. Gaze at Borobudor.
13. Visit the Pyramids
14. Safari in East Africa.
15. Go to the World Cup!
16. See Machu Picchu.
17. Join the Century Club.
18. Visit Antarctica.
19. Do development work.
20. See Petra Jordan.
21. Backpack the Eastern Block.
22. See the Northern Lights.
23. Vegas Baby! Vegas!
24. Greek Island hop.
25. Cycle Tuscany.
26. Visit India.
27. Lounge in the Seychelles.
28. See Morocco.
29. Oktoberfest!
30. Caravan across the Sahara.
31. Visit Tibet.
32. Fly first class.
33. Go to Israel.
34. Carnival!!!!
35. Mardi Gras!
36. Cannes Film Festival.
37. Sundance Film Festival.
38. Eat a sushi meal at NOBU
39. Pacific Island hop.
40. Spend a night in the Ice Hotel.
41. See Glacier National Park.

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“Sit down!” I said.

But the student still got up.

“Sit down. You’re disrupting the class.” I repeated.

The student looked over at his friend, said something in Thai, and continued drawing on the board. I moved over from the other side of the room, and again told him to sit down. He looked at me and moved closer. A gasp went through the room. I looked at him and told him to get out of my classroom. He looked at me and contemplated his next move.

It had been brewing for weeks. The student always pushed my buttons and my efforts to reign him and his followers in had met with defeat. I’d heard stories about the respect of Thai students so I never expected this situation. But my students talked constantly, slept in class, played video games, or texted on their mobile phone. I had brought the issues up with the school but nothing had been done.

Now, I was watching them leave my room, pumping their fists in the air. Thais are communal so once a few students started leaving, more followed until, finally, the good kids looked at me with the “sorry but we have to follow the crowd” face and got up too.

In Asia, the concept of “saving face” is extremely important. Everyone has to “save face “or lose face, especially to an outsider. Make someone lose enough face and you better watch out- they’ll come for you! Thai’s are an extraordinarily nice people but they have no middle ground. Bring enough shame to a Thai and soon you will find yourself in a world of bodily harm. They don’t get mad- they get even. I had made this kid lose enough face that he had to get even- and the only way he could was by ruining my class.

There were meetings. Apologies. In the end, many of these problems were institutional and there was nothing I could do. I had let go. The administration laid the blame on me and told me to just “have fun” with my students. The teachers came out in support. “It’s always like this.” “Those students have been like that for years.” “Just help the ones that want to learn.” I was morally defeated. It seemed I was the only one who wanted to teach.

So I went back in. My students looked at me. They knew they had won. I could do nothing. They smiled in victory. And I let them do what they wanted. Those who worked did fine. I failed the rest.
After this, I began to rethink my teaching strategy. Maybe I was overly strict with my students. Not only did this cause problems in the classroom but also caused me undue stress. I decided I’d become more lax and accommodating to the Thai culture. It would keep the classes going but reduce my stress. I’ve become more relaxed with all my students. Letting go sometimes isn’t so bad. It makes everything a little easier and a little more fun. And when learning is fun, kids are more focused.

The Chinese have the same symbol for crisis and opportunity. This incident was both and opened up a world of insight not only about Thai culture but also about me. They may seem aggravating at the time but crises on the road can provide us with nothing but increased insights into other cultures as well as ourselves. Cherish them greatly.

6 Responses to “Starting a Revolution”

1. Quickroute on June 4th, 2008 8:12 pm

   I’m surprised! - If this were UK or USA, I would expect it but not Asia - they are usually so quiet!

2. James The Professional Adventurer on June 5th, 2008 2:43 pm

   Ugh… The whole “Saving Face” thing in Asian culture is really annoying (and I am Asian, borne in Korea but grew up in the US – lol). People end up acting like fools just so they don’t have to admin to an obvious mistake.

   That is probably one of the things that annoy westerners the most in Asia

3. Anonymous on June 5th, 2008 6:11 pm

   Great post. Congratulations to you for getting a lesson out of this experience. This is helpful advice for English teachers to take into consideration the cultural attributes of their students into their teaching style.

4. Nomadic Matt on June 6th, 2008 2:45 am

   I know it’s surprising…but it did work out into a valuable lesson

5. Travoholic on June 7th, 2008 9:58 am

   Wow that seems harsh! Not sure how I’d handle my whole class holding a mutiny. Hopefully things don’t end up going that way in China!

   Great blog, by the way. I love how you’ve been able to keep up with so many great posts even when you’re not travelling. Nice dedication! Teach me some dedication! haha

   Might see ya in Asia!

6. Nomadic Matt on June 7th, 2008 8:48 pm

   @Travoholic: I hope so too! Thanks for the kind words!

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