Parita Patel
Hello, I’m Parita; I have been working for Informa for just over two years, currently as a Managing Editor for the Healthcare Books team.
I applied for the Thailand Voluntary Scheme, as in short it seemed like an opportunity not to be missed!
Aside from the obvious sense of achievement, and support as a team we can offer to a community that desperately needs it; I am looking forward to living (and working) in a different part of the world and amongst an entirely different culture to our own.
I have been teaching children on weekends and evenings for almost three years now, and the Thailand Voluntary scheme brings with it the opportunity to expand on this and build on my teaching skills- whilst also transitioning from my usual teenage students to over 50 toddlers in a single session (!!).
I’m not sure what I’ll bring to the group; but I am ridiculously friendly and know a good joke or two, which will surely help in any tricky situation. I am also good at making lists (always a useful skill!).
End Goal
- I hope that as a team we are able to work together in accomplishing each other’s individual goals and the collective goal of helping the community of Sangkhlaburi.
- Gain an understanding of Thai culture, and incorporate the positives into my day-to-day life; including (and I hope) a better perspective on life!
- I hope this experience will drive me to apply for more voluntary work in London on returning.
What can I do to achieve this goal?
- Build a good friendship with other IBI staff also attending
- Be open to anything new and challenging the experience might offer
- Try and get to know members of the local community, and not just those directly involved with the school