Working with the kids was life changing. They were so warm and welcoming. The time with them seemed to go by so quickly I wished I could have stayed longer.

Gordon, USA

I have fallen madly in love with some Burmese children. They follow you with their eyes until contact is made and then they might smile at you. Once these two things have happened, you realize your heart is no longer your own.

Noelle, USA

Forming fantastic relationships with the children and the staff will forever be treasured by me.

Things that made my stay memorable were the little things unbeknownst to me. At the last class every day, I would say 'see you tomorrow', and before I knew it, the students were saying it to me at the day's end. I thought, How do they know that?, Then I realized that despite thinking the students were not learning, that every little thing you do and say is savored.

Experiences I treasure include seeing the joy and excitement when giving such little things like a pencil, balloon or even a piece of paper to draw on, hearing the younger children start to say a rhyme because they want to sing it with you, watching them going from building single towers from Play-Doh to constructing various towers and buildings. Asking questions of the older children and getting the right answer the next day, when I thought no one was really listening, will last with me forever.

The Burmese people live a very basic life and face many challenges, so the work you do is hugely appreciated. I can see from the parents around the school that the time we spend is greatly valued. Helping educate the children in any way is a huge step toward a better life.

The whole experience has been memorable for me. I plan to return home, work hard, earn some money and come right back for more.

Jeannine, July 2009

In the brief month that I taught at the Burmese Learning Center, I felt that I developed relationships with the students and teachers. The students' confidence and skills grew steadily, as did mine, as I learned to find my footing as a teacher in Thailand.

Rebecca, June 2009