Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved from Nakon Sawan to Bulgaria, Varna. This was in Sept 2002.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I worked in Thailand for about a year. I worked in 2 different schools. One in Rayong and one in Nakon Sawan.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The main reason was to get a better job with more prospects. I applied for the British Council and was offered Bulgaria! I would have loved to have found a well paid, enjoyable job in Thailand, but didn't want to live in a busy city, especially Bangkok.

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

One of the differences is that I blend in more so I don't have everyone staring at me all the time. Also, it's much closer to home, so trips back are not such a mission. Also, learning to read and write in Thai was very difficult for me. I have found Bulgarian easier to learn as many of the words come from Latin.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I miss the people. Thai people are so friendly and always smiling. I also miss the food. I adore Thai food and often try to cook it myself...still it's not the same.

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

Difficult question. Both Thailand and Bulgaria have a lot to offer. I think that Thailand has more to offer culturally, especially as its so different to European culture. However, Bulgaria is developing fast and it's good to come and see it before it completely changes.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Yes! I love Thailand. I have been back several times for holidays and will come again in March 2007. I'd love to set up an English Academy in Thailand and this is a future ambition of mine.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Teaching started off as just something fun to do and a way to stay in Thailand. I only planned to do it for a year then go back to London. However, I realised that I wanted to stay in teaching and by making it a career, I could work wherever I wanted and with experience also earn a decent salary. My own school, English Academy Varna, is also doing very well at the moment which is very satisfying.