Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Brisbane, in May 2008.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

3 years.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Family crisis in Brisbane involving the breakup of our daughter's marriage, plus our house, which had been rented out, needed renovating.

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

Brisbane is clean, civilized, and there are at least half a dozen English language schools, plus English language departments at several universities and opportunities in the Department of Technical and Further Education (TAFE). Plus, it pays a lot better than Thailand - AUS$30-40 an hour in language schools and up to $65 in some other situations. A large number of students from Asia, Europe and South America come to Brisbane to study English in an English-speaking environment. The facilities are generally good here.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

The food, the shopping, our Thai friends, the Thai culture and attitudes towards life.

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

Go to Thailand for the experience. Most of our colleagues teaching English in Brisbane have taught in overseas countries. It makes us much better teachers, able to connect with students.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Yes 'd love to, but we don't know when at this time.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Loved Thailand and still stay in touch with people there. I had burned out in my previous career in the media and Thailand revitalized my outlook on life. It was a fascinating time which enormously widened my mental horizons.