Info for future interns

Before heading to MSP,T (and probably other villages in the area), there are a few things you’d better know. It will make your life easier and less awkward!

CLOTHES
* Never ever wear shorts.
* Never ever leave your shoulders uncovered.
* The most comfortable outfit are wide cotton trousers and shirts with long sleeves.
* Schools have a specific uniform for every day of the week.
* If you have any traditional Karen clothes, wear them on Fridays and on Sundays.
* Always wear comfortable slippers you can easily put on and take off.

LANGUAGE
* The villagers speak Karen. Most can also speak Thai, but not all of them.
* Karen have no similarities to Thai, it also has a different alphabet.
* A couple of people can speak some English, but don’t expect much.
* The language of instruction at school is Thai.

HEALTH
* Required vaccinations: Hepatitis A&B, Encephalitis, Meningitis (especially if you’re going to work with children), Typhus. Check if you’re still covered from the ones you have probably already taken, such as Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria and Measles.
* Malaria & Dengue: we were told there are a few cases in the area. Always wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, spray mosquito repellent on the uncovered areas, sleep with a mosquito net and a fan on, and don’t leave any food around. Malaria pills shouldn’t be necessary; if you get any symptoms, simply go the hospital: they will know how to treat you.
* Rabies: there are many stray dogs and cats walking around. In case you get bitten or even scratched by a mammal (cats, dogs, bats, monkeys…), all you have to do is go to the hospital as soon as possible (max within 48 hours) and start the anti-rabies vaccine. It’s 5 shots to be taken within a month.
* In Khun Yuam (20 minutes ride from MSP,T), there is a hospital, but you will rarely find English speakers. The service is OK and fast.
* As it’s quite hot, magnesium and potassium integrators might help.
* If you easily get carsick, you’d better have some pills with you. All around here, roads are full of turns.

WEATHER
* There are 3 seasons in Thailand:
- Rainy season, going from June to September. It rains a lot, sometimes really violently, and when the sun comes out it’s humid and hot. Everything’s green. It’s dengue and malaria season, and there are many mosquitoes. October is not so rainy anymore, and it’s said to be the best month. Nights are always relatively chilly because of the altitude.
- Cold season, from November to January. It’s cold and humid, especially in the mountains. Houses don’t have glasses on the windows and are often open by the roof, so even indoors it can be quite cold. Be prepared.
- Burning season, from March to May. During these months, many people burn the brush, in order to get more mushrooms during the rainy season. From what we heard, it can be quite annoying. These are the hottest months of the year.

LOCATION
* The closest town is Khun Yuam (17 kilometers from MSP,T). There you can find:
- A 7/eleven, which despite the name is open 24/7
- A hospital
- A Police Station
- A couple of guesthouses (we are staying in one)
- Restaurants (only Thai food, though)
- A bus station
* Mae Hong Son is a bigger town to which you can get by bus in one and a half hour for a really cheap price. It’s a touristic place full of foreigners and expats, and it’s quite lovely. You can even get Western food, and there is a small airport with flights to Chiang Mai.
* From Chiang Mai, to arrive to MSP,T, you have to:
- Go by bus / plane to Mae Hong Son
- Take another bus to Khun Yuam
- Ask for a ride / go by motorbike to MSP,T. There are no buses going to the village.
* If you want to go to Bangkok / if you’re coming from Bangkok, every day there is a direct night-bus from /to Khun Yuam. It costs around 800baht, but you’d better book it in advance. It takes 13 hours, but the service is quite good.

BEHAVIOR
* Respect is firstly shown through your clothes. Cover shoulders and knees, don’t overdo it with make-up. It’s going to melt anyway!
* When you thank or say hi, clasp your hands and make your voice sound whiny.
* When you’re walking by somebody engaged in a conversation or watching TV, bent down and walk as fast as possible not to bother.
* Don’t be loud.
* Control your feelings: don’t laugh too loud, don’t cry in public.
* Show respect to everybody, especially your elders.

OTHER
* Foreigners are called “farang”. In the areas where there aren’t many, they will point to you and shout it loud. “Faraaaang”. It doesn’t really matter where you’re from, if you’re not Asian-looking… Farangs are all friends, “same same”, and outside Asia it’s just a big country. It can be really annoying, but it’s how foreigners are seen here.
* I’m 1,68 meter tall and I feel like a giant. I’m probably the tallest person in the district. It’s fun sometimes, really uncomfortable some other times.
* I’m dreaming of cheese and bread. Dairy and wheat products are not really loved here…