The Plan

Written Monday, 10 June, morning

Several people have asked what I will be doing while in Thailand, and that is a wonderful question!

I will be spending most of my time at Ban Suan Patthana College of Technology in Nakhon Phanom. I am headed to the school in a bit (I am actually at the aiport now), and I will post more information about the school when I get there...

However, before "signing up" I did find out a little bit about where I am going.  Here is some background information about the school and area.

First, the school is only about four years old.  It was created by Achara and Tony Wongsothorn, who are both retired professors from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University.  The Wongsothorns both completed graduate work at the University of Minnesota-- GO GOPHERS --as Fulbright Scholoars in the 1960s and 70s.   When in the United States, they were impressed by the community college system, which allowed people access to education at an affordable price.  It helped shape the direction of their school when they created it.


The college provides training in accountancy, computers and auto mechanics.  Due to the importance of ASEAN, English education is also very important.

There is also a government high school in close proximity, which I will also be spending some time at while in Nakhon Phanom.

Most of my time will be working with students on conversational English skills.  I will be staying at the school in a dorm building.

I have to admit, I am very excited!