A Blonde With a Backpack

*Disclaimer: this post is again solely based on MY experiences and may not necessarily be the same as the experiences of others with healthcare in America or in Thailand.* Healthcare. Healthcare is another hot button topic. Healthcare costs can plunge an entire family into life-altering debt, but it can also save your life. Love it or hate it, it's a necessary part of life. I have experienced hospitals and interacted with both doctors and nurses in America and Thailand; here is my experience in both countries. Good Ol USA: Before I moved to Thailand, I tore multiple ligaments in my ankle and was not able to walk. I immediately went to the Emergency Room. MANY stacks of paperwork were filled out and I could not be seen by any medical professional without signing over consent and showing proof of identification. Three hours and one x-ray later, I was given a brace and crutches and told to go home, load up on ibuprofen, and rest. I only saw the doctor for 5 minutes an...

**Disclaimer: This is written about my personal experiences and observances about education in both countries. Although this is my perspective, it may not be the same for everyone.** Education. It's a big topic that can bring out many emotions and opinions in people. I love learning about education in different cities, states, and countries. Teaching here in Thailand has shown me an entire different approach and style of education/ learning. Again, this blog post is about my personal experiences teaching in America and in Thailand, not necessarily a blanket post about education in both countries. -Education is MUCH more test based here in Thailand. Students are often taught so with the goal of acing a test, not necessarily with the goal of language acquisition. -Rote learning. Many teachers here practice rote learning in most classes. While America is pushing for all project and evidence based learning, Thailand is not doing that quite as much. -Special education diag...