Takashi Ozaki (Japan)
I personally liked all of sightseeing. I am not good at Tibetan language, so it’s hard to tell for me whether language class was good not.

Zach (USA)
The language classes were an interesting and helpful addition to my trip, although I would have been more interested in a cultural lesson as well – The various sightseeing trips were also interesting and well – chosen. The renovations while needed would be more engaging if mixed with being able to teach classes, but I know that this is simply a result of my program being changed.

Darin Wahl

Hello Mohan, sorry this took a while in getting to you. I am having an amazing time at the school in Tibet organized by Global Crossroad. The children are incredible, though I teach on average less than 2 hours a day. I try to spend as much time with the children as I can, playing with them in their free time, going to play soccer with the boys, hanging out in the rooms on days. Everyone here, the entire staff, has been very accommodating, providing anything that I would ask for to the point where I would be cautious of what I requested so as not to put them out. Since I have minimal sills teaching English as a foreign language, especially to children, many of whom speak no English whatsoever, I found myself somewhat unprepared. It would be helpful if volunteers were given some informational websites or other resources where they can at least have a good stock of ideas to choose from given the age groups and ability levels (Dave's ESL Cafe website has been extremely helpful). Also there are some (not lots, just some) children here with disabilities that range from mild mental/physical to moderate mental/physical. It would be good also to know the nature of some of these (I have not been able to deduce on my own all of them nor translate the names from the Tibetan) so that at home ideas could be formulated for these special populations. I have tried my best to modify games etc. and include in the learning as many as I could. Mental disabilities, though, have me at a loss. Otherwise, in terms of accommodation and food and whatever, I am completely happy; my room is sufficiently warm and comfortable. The food is plentiful even if it may take a bit to get used to. Some people here speak enough English to help me whenever I have issues or problems - be it directions etc. There are many things that the volunteer can learn while here. I am spending much of my free time at the paper making shop - learning to make traditional Tibetan paper, books, etc. There is a painting center and a sewing center - all traditional Tibetan crafts - that would also be very accommodating if one were interested. This is lucky because as I said before I only teach about 2 hours a day, thus leaving me with a sufficient amount of free time. The school is just far enough away from the city center to make going there a ''trip''. So I go regularly but would hate to go daily. Sorry, I know you wanted just 200 words or whatever (I don’t remember). But, this is a quick sum up and should give you some idea of what is involved here. If I have left any questions unanswered or you or potential volunteers have any further questions about Global Crossroad, please feel free to give them my e-mail. I know, I wouldn’t get this wonderful opportunity without Global Crossroad’s help. I thank all you guys for your hard work.

Darin Wahl