Submit your own Great Escape


David

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Cambodia, in 2002

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

About two and half years.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The visa and work permit thing was always a pain. In my last job, I was asked to re-submit another copy of my academic transcript, together with a letter from my university. My employer already had these, but the government powers that be wanted me to go through the whole process again.
I started teaching at another school, and the Chinese owner promised to get my visa/work permit for me. She didn't. I had had enough.

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

Easy to get visas......and no work permits.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Decent healthcare at very affordable prices, people obeying the rules of the road, and Thai food.

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

I would advise them to seek work in Thailand first. See if you like it, and research your move thoroughly. Come for a holiday first, and visit some schools/ universities. Cambodia is not for beginners.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Definitely, but only for holidays as long as the archaic bureaucracy exists.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Cambodians are extremely friendly people, genuinely so. Accommodation is noticeably more expensive, and decent healthcare is ridiculously so. If you get seriously ill (and you will), you will need a decent healthcare plan with med-evac options. In addition, the traffic will stress you out.

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

  • Alexis


    Filipino, 24 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Irene


    Filipino, 35 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Anas


    Syrian, 46 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Gabriel


    Kenyan, 33 years old. Currently living in Kenya

  • Nigel


    British, 60 years old. Currently living in United Kingdom

  • Mlambo


    South African, 29 years old. Currently living in South Africa

The Hot Spot


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.


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?


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.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

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