Caroline
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Ireland at the end of September 2013.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Six months
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
The main reason I left is because I wanted to move to Australia and to do so I needed to go back to Ireland for a few months to save money for my move as I found it difficult to save anything whilst living in Bangkok. Also because I am now approaching my late 20s I felt like I needed to settle somewhere and that somewhere wouldn't be Thailand. As good an adventure it was I was only there for a short lived experience which I definitely got :)
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Well since I'm currently still working here in Ireland at present I would say the biggest factor is the lack of communication barrier. This makes life a lot easier obviously. I am not currently teaching here I am working in childcare but I would say there is definitely a lower amount of unnecessary paperwork that needs to be completed. The amount of paperwork that needed to completed at the school I worked at in Bangkok was ridiculous and wasted a lot of valuable time (obviously its not like that in every school). The wages are also higher but then the cost of living is also higher so that obviously balances things out.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The weather, the food, crazy nights out on Khoasan road, carefree living (most of the time), friends, meeting people from all locations and walks of life almost daily. Also knowing your only a couple of hours away from a dream Island location. The feeling that everyday living in Thailand was an adventure - you would never know what would be in store for you each day.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I would advise someone looking to teach abroad just for the experience and also looking for an adventure to definitely come and spend some time in Thailand teaching. But to those serious about teaching I have always been told to go Japan or South Korea where they actually take teaching seriously. I found they don't take education very seriously here and as a teacher, that can be very frustrating, especially when you spent hours creating lessons plans, checking work etc. If you really want to get a serious teaching job in Thailand I would advise coming here with full teaching qualifications from your native country along with some experience and you could easily land yourself a job in one of the International schools - which are very well paid.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
On holidays or as a backpacker, most definitely yes. To teach? Probably not - but never say never!! :)
