Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved back home to Newcastle, U.K quite recently.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Seven years in total. I worked for five years in Thai schools and another two years at an international school.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I wanted to experience life again in the U.K as I felt as if I'd almost forgotten what it was like. I was also thinking about doing further study.

It was always in the back of my mind that I wasn't yet a fully qualified teacher and I think I'd feel more settled and able to progress if I was. I was also growing a bit sick of visa issues and just wanted a change. I felt I wasn't appreciating life in Thailand as much as I had in the past, but I think I'd definitely appreciate it more now I remember what life in the U.K is like.

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

Having family close, shopping at good value supermarkets and going out to events etc. Not having to worry about visa issues is nice and just generally being able to understand everything more - because it's all in English of course! It's nice being able to walk to places too, which I could never really do in Thailand.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

The weather, the food, the Thai people, having more free time and spare cash to do things. Having fewer worries in general. Everything in England is expensive and I also find the work is quite stressful. You don't seem to get as much free time here. Nowadays, a lot of people seem so busy and stressed out.

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

I think if you're qualified, I would recommend going to teach in Thailand, definitely! It's a great life and you can save a lot of money and travel. Or if not, go to Thailand for a few years but aim to get qualified at some stage in order to get a better job and enjoy a better lifestyle.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Yes, I'm hoping to start a PGCE qualification in September then go back to teach in an international school. I think I've realised you don't need to necessary settle in the U.K. As long as you're happy, it doesn't matter where you are. You can always pop back and visit family in the U.K fairly regularly.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

I'm so glad I came back home to the UK to have this experience but I'm looking forward to returning to Thailand with fresh eyes in the not so distant future, so I'll see you all then!