Submit your own Great Escape


Dan

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I've been working in the cities on China's east coast since August 2012.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Two years

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Various reasons.

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

Obviously the pay. I get the equivalent of 72,000 baht per month plus a free flat and free lunches. There is so much work available all over China.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I miss the awesome beaches. Plus it's easier to get around on your own with a motorbike. Thailand has better food. And it's more adjusted to the Western style of life in the expat meccas there.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

Depends. If you are a legitimate degree holder, then I would advise working in China, and use South East Asian countries as your places to visit during the holidays - much like Americans and Canadians use Mexico and the Caribbean to stretch the dollar for decent holidays.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Absolutely! Its possible I may purchase a simple condo and live there from time to time. But I do worry about any future visa rule changes and how they will affect foreigners.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Many Chinese women are very devoted to their family and will pick their decisions over yours (most of the time). Also the "bride price" for a wife is still in effect here, which can be quite costly. Lastly, even though China has developed phenomenally in recent years, with an ever growing middle-class, their mentality is still stuck in their old ways. Be prepared for toddlers crapping anywhere in public (even on buses!), constant staring (due to curiosity, and especially if you are black), and spitting (even in public pools, nasty!).

Read more Great Escapes

Submit your own Great Escape



Featured Jobs

Local International Teacher

฿35,000+ / month

Bangkok


Secondary Science Teacher (AP)

฿80,000+ / month

Thailand


Music Teacher

฿50,000+ / month

Nonthaburi


English Conversation Teachers

฿35,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Kindergarten Teacher

฿48,000+ / month

Bangkok


IEP Kindergarten / Primary Teacher

฿42,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Margaret


    Zambian, 36 years old. Currently living in Zambia

  • Phumzile


    South African, 26 years old. Currently living in South Africa

  • Dorice


    South African, 44 years old. Currently living in South Africa

  • Lynn


    Zimbabwean, 29 years old. Currently living in Namibia

  • Amy


    South African, 50 years old. Currently living in South Africa

  • Dr


    American, 50 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.