Introduce yourself! What did you do before TEFL? Why did you decide to become a TEFL teacher in Thailand?

I was working in retail for several years and finished college during Covid. I wanted to do something different after I got my degree and someone told me about doing TEFL and I thought it was an ideal way for me to work and travel at the same time. Basically, getting out of my comfort zone!

What TEFL course did you complete? How did you find it? Has it prepared you to TEFL in Thailand?

I did the 120 hour TEFL course. I thought it gave me the basics of what happens. Even now, I can see certain parts of it coming into my teaching here in Thailand. It’s clear that it was developed by people who have experience in TEFL and the course can be done at your own pace as well. 

What was your first impression of Thailand? Something you may not have expected? 

First thing about Thailand would be how friendly people are. They don’t call it ‘the land of smiles’ for nothing! On more than one occasion, I’ve gotten offered lifts off strangers. Being one of the few foreigners in a small rural town makes you very much a bit of a celebrity.

Were you originally on a much different career-path? Tell us about your college study experiences and how/why you made the switch to teaching.

I always wanted to get into teaching but wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to start. I did an Arts course so had a few options and found that TEFL was an ideal way of getting into teaching and travelling Thailand. It perfectly fit where I was at the time.

Describe your typical day in Thailand

First, I’ll go with the other teachers to the school and get materials ready for the day ahead. We attend the Morning Assembly, where the Thai National Anthem is played and there is a Buddhist prayer. During breaks, I go to the canteen where you can get decent food for less than a euro! I usually have 5 50-minute classes a day. When we finish, we go to the nearby market and get dinner, maybe stopping at 7/11 on the way home.

Tell us about your school in Thailand

The School has about 2,700 students so it’s quite big! There’s a few school buildings along with a few small shops. The atmosphere in Thai schools is a bit different to back home, since it’s more laidback. You’ll have to get used to ‘Thai Time’ with students coming in late and the mobile phones coming out! But it’s important to go with the flow on it. 

Have you had much time for sightseeing whilst in Thailand on your time off? Has Thailand been easy to travel around?

Thailand has an excellent bus service and great roads so even getting my original 10-hour bus ride from Bangkhok to Ubon Ratchathani was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be! The bus times can be a bit erratic so if you are traveling somewhere it’s best to prepare and even better, ask one of your Thai colleagues or friends to help you get transport. In the cities, using the Grab app is very east. 

What are your future plans?

Originally, I didn’t plan on staying for longer than my one-semester contract, but to be honest, I already feel a part of the school and local community so leaving it would be very hard. Regardless, having the choice of staying here or going somewhere else, whether in Thailand or a nearby country, is not the worst dilemma to have!