Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to China a couple of weeks ago.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I worked in Thailand for 4 years.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Low pay, long hours, no benefits, bad employers and unreasonable co-workers. I left because I am planning on going home one day, and I was offered a job in China. I am working in the school now and I am so happy. My job is great, I get paid 40,000 baht, with a free beautiful apartment, free bills, internet, food in school and a food allowance. And of course I love Chinese food and the cold weather! I will be here for a while. It is beautiful! I will virtually be saving my whole salary. You can even earn an extra 10 - 20,000 baht a month by teaching a few hours overtime.

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

In Thailand, I was earning between 27 - 32,000 baht per month. But I needed to pay for my own rent and all the bills, food and transportation to and from work. Saving money in Thailand was virtually impossible, especially with all the visa costs and so on. My money was just disappearing so fast, and I am not one to 'party' so I never spent money on alchol or nights out. I do thank God for my experience though. I do miss Thailand, but only because I was there for so long. But I will definitely get over those Thailand blues.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I miss the kids, and the fruit stands and mini bus trips to Bangkok. I miss everything apart from the school actually. And I certainly don't miss having to pay my rent.

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

I would, but only if the salary was enough to live on with some decent benefits included. I would also advise teachers to check their contracts very carefully.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Yes, I will return to Thailand to re-capture memories. But maybe not to teach.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Thailand is great but not everything is what it seems, especially if you make a mistake - and then all your co-teachers will gossip about you, even the ones who seem to 'care'.