a summer that will never be forgotten

I have just returned from a month away in Thailand with PMGY and I can say it's been such a great experience and I would do it all over again! I would recommend this programme to anyone considering visiting Thailand as you receive a rounded experience and really get a grasp of their culture.
All the support before the programme was everything and more that I needed in order for me to organise myself beforehand an know what to expect. The volunteer handbook goes into depth with the background of the county your visiting, useful phrases, all important contact numbers, provides useful tips, a check list of what to bring with you, a plan of the itinerary and lots more. This answered all the questions I had concerning the trip and also reassured my parents too. If there were any questions, all the team were happy for you to send them a Facebook message or email them and they would respond back to you within no time. Josh, also arranged some live online webinars involving other volunteers on the trip where we could all ask for any advice which was great.
When we arrived in Thailand Darryl was there waiting for us and arranged our transport to the hotel to get us settled in, which was very welcoming after a long flight and arriving in a foreign airport.
Again the support continued in country through out the trip by Sopida, Darryl and Off who would go out of their way to make sure you had a safe stay. When they weren't with us they were just a phone call or message away. Sopida waited for hours for us from 5am at a coach station when we returned from our volunteering week after our journey was delayed, and always made sure we were first to board any form of public transport. Darryl was on hand for any minor hospital trips that were needed and went above and beyond to make sure we were safe through out the trip.
Our accommodation through out the trip was safe and provided us with all the basis necessities that we needed, not to mention that they were in great locations. The location or the bungalows in Koh Phangan were beautiful on the beach front, and also the volunteering house was a stunning place to relax and bond as a group, with hammocks, speakers and seating area and the lovely owners Jack and Patricia provided us with the best breakfasts and lunches - nobody went hungry.
In our volunteer week we worked at an English camp at 1 primary and 1 secondary Thailand school teaching the children basic English. The children were so appreciative and loved us visiting them it was such a pleasure to teach such enthusiastic and happy children. The staff made us feel very welcome and the work was full on but very rewarding and fun all at the same time. There was a lot of singing and dancing involved!
My advice to anybody looking to join the programme would be to read all the volunteer book before you leave, go into the experience open minded as positive, try to attend as many trips as you can and don't pack too much (I packed more clothes than needed) also there are always shops around to buy basic toiletries such as the famous 7eleven. Also make sure you try a 7eleven toastie. Make sure you budget yourself for any nights out and keep all your important things on you.
I would have liked to have seen more islands however it was just no possible to fit it all within a month, but you could continue travelling the country after your PMGY programme on a small budget.
Hoping to do another programme in the near future. Thank you for everyone who made the trip. I have made some great friends too!