My journey into TEFL actually started back in 2022 when I was still in college. I worked as a marketing intern with The TEFL Institute of Ireland and through that role I completed the 120 hour TEFL course and got a real insight into the opportunities available to people who choose to teach abroad, in places like Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and more.

A big part of my job involved staying in contact with teaching interns who had gone abroad, and I genuinely loved hearing about their experiences, their classrooms and their lives overseas. Even then I knew I would use my TEFL qualification at some point in the future, I just didn’t know when.

Fast forward a few years, I finished my undergraduate degree, completed a master’s degree, and began working in my industry. Teaching abroad in 2025 was not something I had planned at all. If you had told me in January 2025 that by October I would be living in Thailand, I honestly would not have believed you.

I had just finished a work contract and spent a few months applying for jobs and interviewing, but the job market felt stagnant and uninspiring. Eventually I realised I didn’t want to keep putting my life on hold waiting for the right role. At the end of July, I went back onto the TEFL website out of curiosity and saw there was one final place available for the Thailand intake in October. It felt like one of those now or never moments. I booked it on the spot and within three months I had moved across the world to start a completely new chapter.

I had never been to Asia before, but for me and for a lot of people, Asia has always been right at the top of the bucket list. I knew I wanted to experience a completely different culture outside of Europe and really immerse myself in something unfamiliar. The low cost of living was also a big factor that attracted me to Asia in general.

I was actually open to going anywhere in Asia, but the main reason I landed in Thailand came down to timing. I wanted to move as soon as possible and start the next chapter of my life without waiting around. Thailand’s semester began at the end of October, while other destinations weren’t starting until January or later, and I knew I didn’t want to delay things. I was ready to leave Ireland and just get going.

I was also really happy with Thailand specifically because of how highly everyone speaks about it. Through my time working with the TEFL Institute of Ireland, I had spoken to so many people who had taught here before and every single person raved about their experience. The lifestyle, the people, the culture, everything. Thailand also has such a strong reputation for being welcoming, safe and vibrant, and so far my expectations have definitely been met.

I teach M1 and M2 students, which is the equivalent of first and second year in Ireland. The age range is usually between 12 and 14, so it’s a really energetic and lively age group to teach.

A typical day starts early. We are usually in school before 8 a.m. Every morning begins with assembly, which is a really special part of school life here. The students gather together, the Thai flag is raised, the national anthem is sung, there is often a brass band performance, and the students also take part in a morning prayer. It’s a really nice cultural experience and something that never really feels routine.

In terms of teaching hours, I have around 20 hours of class time per week. The maximum I would usually teach in one day is about five 50 minute classes, spread between roughly 8.30 a.m. and 3.10 p.m. Some days are busier, and other days are much lighter. There are days where I might only have two classes, so it really varies.

When I’m not teaching, I spend time in the teachers’ office with the other foreign teachers. That time is usually split between lesson planning and preparation, but also normal daily life things like eating together, grabbing coffee, or doing quick 7 Eleven runs between classes. It’s a really balanced routine and makes daily life feel both productive and social.

If you’ve never taught before, I honestly don’t think you can ever be fully prepared for it until you actually step into a classroom. You can read every guide, complete courses, and prepare as much as you want, but nothing truly prepares you for standing in front of a room full of students and being responsible for leading a class.

The biggest surprise for me was realising how much of teaching is learned through experience rather than theory. You only really learn classroom management once you’re in the room. You only understand student dynamics once you see how different groups respond. You only figure out what works once you try it.

You learn what games they enjoy, what activities work, what routines help, and what doesn’t work through real experience, not training. Teaching abroad is very much a learn by doing experience, and once you accept that you’re not supposed to have it all figured out from day one, it becomes a lot less intimidating and a lot more rewarding.

Moving across the world alone, the biggest fear I had was whether I would make friends. That was definitely the most daunting part for me.

But once I arrived in Bangkok for orientation, it became clear very quickly that everyone was in the same position. Out of around 100 teachers, only a small number knew each other beforehand. The rest of us were all arriving alone, looking to build new lives and friendships. That shared experience made it really easy to connect with people.

At my school, there are nine other foreign teachers and it was easy to build friendships because we’re all living similar lives, facing the same challenges, and discovering Thailand together. These people quickly become your social circle and you end up doing everything together, from travelling to just everyday life.

As for locals, the Thai community has been unbelievably kind and welcoming. Even when language barriers exist, people still make an effort to communicate and help you. The warmth and generosity of Thai people really stands out and makes you feel genuinely welcome.

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and a lot of areas are very tourist focused, but living here is a completely different experience.

Where you’re placed as a teacher, you often don’t see many tourists at all. You’re living in real communities and seeing real daily Thai life. For me, that feels like a privilege because you get to experience a side of the country that most visitors never see.

When you visit major cities or islands, everything is naturally built around tourism. But living in local areas allows you to see authentic culture, real routines, and real community life. It feels like a much deeper and more meaningful way to experience Thailand than just travelling through it.

I’ve always seen myself as confident and independent, so I didn’t expect moving abroad to change me much in that way. But I think I was a bit naive about that.

This was my first real experience living in a completely different country, far away from home, and it has definitely pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. Teaching in front of large classes, adapting to a new culture, managing daily life in a foreign country, and building a life from scratch has strengthened my confidence massively.

The first few weeks were daunting, especially standing in front of classes of 40 students, but now I feel a level of self belief that I know will carry into whatever I do in the future.

The most important thing I’ve learned is setting boundaries from the very beginning. If students feel they can push limits or get away with things, they will test that.

At the start it can feel easier to let things slide, especially when there are language barriers, but that always creates bigger problems later. Setting clear expectations early about behaviour, phones, talking in class, and basic respect makes a huge difference.

Consistency is the key. You don’t need to be overly strict, but being clear, fair and consistent creates a smoother classroom environment for the rest of the year.

Thai people are genuinely some of the kindest and most welcoming people I’ve ever met. Foreign teachers are really appreciated in local communities.

I helped a woman in the area with her English because she wanted to study in the UK, and she showed me around places in the province that I never would have discovered on my own. She also introduced me to other people in the community, which really helped me feel integrated.

People want to share their culture, their food and their lives with you. The kindness and generosity is constant and it makes you feel like part of the community rather than just a visitor.

If you’re even remotely thinking about it, just go and do it. It’s genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Working with the TEFL Institute of Ireland makes the whole process really accessible. It doesn’t have to be a huge long term commitment either. You can start with just one semester, which is around four and a half months, and see how you feel. You’re not locking yourself into anything permanent.

Time flies, you build a life, friendships, and experiences so quickly, and before you know it, you’ve created something really special for yourself.

You get to explore an incredible country, experience a new culture, travel, and earn money at the same time. It’s a rare balance of work and life experience. If it’s something that’s even crossed your mind, I genuinely believe that’s your sign to go for it.

For now, I definitely see TEFL as a chapter rather than a permanent career. My background is in Food Marketing and I do see myself returning to that field in the future.

That said, for the next few years, I want to use TEFL to explore the world. I’m continuing to teach in Thailand for another semester and will finish in September 2026. After that, I plan to move to another country to teach and experience a new culture.

I don’t know where that will be yet, but I know that teaching abroad has opened doors I never expected and I want to keep exploring what’s possible.

Honestly, the cost of living has been way better than I expected. The monthly salary is more than enough to live comfortably in Thailand, especially if you’re based outside of the main tourist areas.

It’s very easy to live on very little here if you want to. With accommodation provided, my only real monthly expenses at home are small electricity and water bills, so day to day living costs stay really low. Food, transport and daily essentials are all very affordable.

If saving is one of your goals, it’s absolutely possible. You can definitely put away a good chunk of your salary if you want to. Of course, it depends on how much you travel at weekends and whether you like to splurge on certain things, but the option to save is 100 percent there if that’s something you prioritise.