As part of the placement I'm likely to have to use a motorcycle to get around some of the time. Which would be swell, except that I've never ridden one before, nor do I have my license. While from what I hear, riding a motorcycle without a license will probably be less of an issue in Thailand than it would be here, I'm still definitely concerned about the safety implications of using a small, light, fast vehicle without previous experience in a country where they drive on the opposite side of the road. Also, I've been told traffic regulations tend to be viewed more as passing words of advice than strict rules of the road. Those of you who've spent any time driving around Montreal will likely have some idea what I'm talking about.
I am not sure whether or not I will be given any formal motorcycle training by CUSO during the initial few weeks we're required to spend doing in-country training in Bankok so I've decided to take matters into my own hands. I'm trying to find a motorcycle training course to take some time in April. It should be interesting to try and cram a weekend long motorcycle course amid the insane levels of scrambling I'm doing to try and keep up with school and placement preparations, but as they say, safety first, right?
In searching the web for a suitable course, I've learned a few things.
1. Motorcycles have a graduated licensing system in Canada, just like regular drivers licenses. (M1, M2, M)
2. Taking your M1, like your G1 does not require you to do any sort of on the road training, you just get the training book, study, and take the test.
3. To take an M2 training test, you need to have had your M1 for a minimum of 60 days.
Number 3 presents me with a pretty serious problem. My potential departure date is exactly 44 days from now, so even if I went out and got my M1 TODAY, I wouldn't be able to get my M2 before leaving.
This being the case, I've decided to try and find an M2 course that I can take without my M1 license, with the understanding that at the end of the course I would not go for my M2 test. All I really want is the safety training and motorcycle riding experience anyway. I think I've found one place that will let me do that, but I will need to call them Monday to make sure it's okay, and to sign up for one of the courses.
I never realized getting your license would be so expensive though. On top of the course fees, you're required to wear a Department of Transportation approved motorcycle helmet, leather jacket, heavy leather pants or jeans and heavy duty work boots that covered your ankle. I always just assumed that biker gear was all about style. Turns out the leather also conveniently helps you keep your SKIN on in the event of an accident.
I guess this is why it's so important to do all the research you can BEFORE taking a huge trip like this. Looks like I'm going to have to add to my list of "Things to buy before leaving" which is growing depressingly quickly as the departure date draws closer and closer. My bank account sobs bitterly as it remembers better days. Fortunately, the IDS program at UofT and CUSO are both AWESOME about paying for as many of the essential departure purchases as possible (Travel Visa, Water Filter, Mosquito Net, etc), so my costs are way less than they could be.
My only reservation about the motorcycle gear is the comfort factor. According to theweathernetwork.com, today in Chiang Mai, the high is 36 degrees celcius. Current relative humidity? 89%. Have you ever gone outside in a leather jacket, heavy helmet, jeans and work boots when it's 36? I can't say I've tried it either, and there's probably a reason most people don't. Heat stroke anyone? This being said, you can all rest assured that there's no way on earth I'm going to compromise safety for comfort at any point on my trip. I'll figure something out.
Now if you'll excuse me, these millions of essays and assignments aren't going to write themselves.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
the journey begins...
Thailand!
Doesn't it just roll off the tongue? Home of pad thai, elephants, malaria, coconuts and (I've been told) much much more. Thailand literally translated means 'land of the free', and it's where I'm going to be spending my co-op term starting in May.
Since I can never remember what I've told who, I'm going to take a second to go into the game plan in a little bit more detail in terms of what I'm actually supposed to be doing.
The third year of the International Development Studies co-op program at UTSC requires students to spend a co-op term living and working in a developing country.
I've been hired by CUSO (which USED to stand for Canadian University Students Overseas, but no longer goes by that name because they don't work exclusively with university students) which is a Canadian development organization funded by CIDA (The Canadian International Development Agency). CUSO works in partnership with local NGO's all over the world facilitating volunteer cooperant placements, and one of those placements has been given to me!
My Placement
My official position title is "Agricultural Program Assistant". For me to explain what I'm doing, I'm going to have to give a little bit of background on the organization I'm working for. NEED (Burma) is a non-profit NGO that operates out of Chiang Mai Thailand. They've been in operation since 2006, and work to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development (both agricultural and economic). Their mission statement is:
"To work towards strengthening Burmese civil society so that all the people of Burma may benefit from the practice of endogenous and holistic development strategies, based on economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable ideas."
website:
http://www.need-burma.org/
As far as the specifics of my job, I would reiterate them, but I think they've been captured fairly succinctly in my job description, which I will now copy shamelessly from:
Any questions? Excellent. I'm glad we had this talk.
Now, some people are likely thinking,"But Leslie, you aren't leaving for over a month. What could you possibly have to write about before going away?" I'm glad you asked.
I am writing this blog for a few reasons.
Firstly, it saves me quite a bit of time at internet cafes, because it will mean I don't have write umpteen slightly different versions of what I've been up to lately to keep friends, family and anyone else who's interested in the loop.
Secondly, This blog is going to serve as a journal in which I'm able to put down my experiences, thoughts and impressions, as well as to keep track of my achievements as the placement progresses. It will be interesting to be able to look back afterwards and reminisce about the little things you forget about a trip if you don't write them down. I am going to try to post a few times before I leave to express pre-placement questions, excitements and worries.
I've been sort of on the fence about allowing reader comments on the blog, but I think I'm going to give it a shot. Please sign your name if you leave a comment so I'm able to reply if necessary.
Doesn't it just roll off the tongue? Home of pad thai, elephants, malaria, coconuts and (I've been told) much much more. Thailand literally translated means 'land of the free', and it's where I'm going to be spending my co-op term starting in May.
Since I can never remember what I've told who, I'm going to take a second to go into the game plan in a little bit more detail in terms of what I'm actually supposed to be doing.
The third year of the International Development Studies co-op program at UTSC requires students to spend a co-op term living and working in a developing country.
I've been hired by CUSO (which USED to stand for Canadian University Students Overseas, but no longer goes by that name because they don't work exclusively with university students) which is a Canadian development organization funded by CIDA (The Canadian International Development Agency). CUSO works in partnership with local NGO's all over the world facilitating volunteer cooperant placements, and one of those placements has been given to me!
My Placement
My official position title is "Agricultural Program Assistant". For me to explain what I'm doing, I'm going to have to give a little bit of background on the organization I'm working for. NEED (Burma) is a non-profit NGO that operates out of Chiang Mai Thailand. They've been in operation since 2006, and work to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development (both agricultural and economic). Their mission statement is:
"To work towards strengthening Burmese civil society so that all the people of Burma may benefit from the practice of endogenous and holistic development strategies, based on economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable ideas."
website:
http://www.need-burma.org/
As far as the specifics of my job, I would reiterate them, but I think they've been captured fairly succinctly in my job description, which I will now copy shamelessly from:
Desireable Personal attributes:
The cooperant should bring as open a mind as possible to the placement. Working styles and living conditions are likely to be quite outside the experience of the cooperant. A successful placement will depend on the cooperant's ability to observe, adapt, and accept the experience on its own terms. Critical thinking as well as flexibility are absolutely necessary.
Cultural Tolerance
Strategic Planning skills
Knowledge of issues related to Burma and ethnic minorities
Advocacy Experience
Thai or Burmese language skills
Ability to drive a motorcycle
Patience and Flexibility
Cooperant responsibilities (in order of priority):
1. Help with the development of the model farm
2. Development of environmental and agricultural curriculum
3. Research Indigenous Agricultural methods used by Burma's diverse ethnic groups
4. Writing of material related to sustainable agriculture (specifically in regards to Burma)
5. Fund-raising for sustainable agriculture projects
6. Report on model farm
7. Help with the elaboration of a cooking book with nutritional values
8. Networking with other organizations
Any questions? Excellent. I'm glad we had this talk.
Now, some people are likely thinking,"But Leslie, you aren't leaving for over a month. What could you possibly have to write about before going away?" I'm glad you asked.
I am writing this blog for a few reasons.
Firstly, it saves me quite a bit of time at internet cafes, because it will mean I don't have write umpteen slightly different versions of what I've been up to lately to keep friends, family and anyone else who's interested in the loop.
Secondly, This blog is going to serve as a journal in which I'm able to put down my experiences, thoughts and impressions, as well as to keep track of my achievements as the placement progresses. It will be interesting to be able to look back afterwards and reminisce about the little things you forget about a trip if you don't write them down. I am going to try to post a few times before I leave to express pre-placement questions, excitements and worries.
I've been sort of on the fence about allowing reader comments on the blog, but I think I'm going to give it a shot. Please sign your name if you leave a comment so I'm able to reply if necessary.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
