Rob

3rd December 2024

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

(Presumably Rob moved to Jakarta, Indonesia fairly recently - Ajarn)

I moved to Bangkok in 2021 during the pandemic. My first location was in the Bang Kapi/Minburi area. After that, I worked in Sathorn. To be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed living in both areas. Each had their own merits and qualities. In Asok/Sathorn, it was much easier to go out to bars, watch football matches and meet up with friends after work. However, I much preferred living on the outskirts, as there was a greater sense of community, friendliness, stress-free public transport and some world class parks to enjoy, without all the craziness and hassle you get living in the centre of Bangkok (although, I know some people prefer that).

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I had previously done a stint as a TEFL teacher back in 2014 for a couple of years, but this was my first time working in Thailand with QTS at an international school. So I guess with both stints, that would take my time working in Thailand to around 5-6 years.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Many international schools are gradually moving over to become IB schools, which is arguably where the future lies in post 16 education outside of the UK (where I come from). Gaining experience teaching IB and a nice bump in my take home pay each month was the main motivation for leaving. Unfortunately, international schools in Bangkok are now starting to communicate with each other to drive down salaries, benefits, insurance and flights home etc, with 90% of schools being highly profit driven business models. Don't get me wrong, teachers are paid handsomely and can live fantastic lifestyles in Bangkok and Thailand, but I feel this is probably best taken advantage of when you have some significant savings behind you and a nice investment portfolio ticking away in the background.

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

To be honest, there isn't too much to do in Jakarta, but the Islands surrounding Indonesia are world class and match up with some of the best beaches in Thailand. As previously mentioned, it's also been useful to gain some experience at a non British A-level school, which has an incredibly generous, tax-free package. This is knocking years off my financial independence age. Apartments are also much cheaper, so it's nice not having to pay through the nose for a shoebox in central Bangkok.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Great public transport, exploring cool little districts, walking around finding new restaurants and coffee shops, live football, cheap beer, the music scene, the amazing parks, being able to travel each weekend to the beach should you wish to...so many things. Thailand is a really cool place to live in and I'll definitely be back at some point.

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

Get qualified. Doing a stint as a TEFL teacher is great - you develop so many amazing skills e.g public speaking, organisation, confidence in the classroom etc. But to make sure you can live internationally, over the long term, look into getting your QTS. There are so many alternative routes. You can't put a price on security and your health, but getting into these international schools will cover your back in terms of being able to tuck away some coin, medical insurance, flights home to see relatives. Don't be the person that lives pay check to pay check. Loyalty means very little to Thai employers, who out of the blue will cast you aside for a fresher face when you least expect it. Luckily, this has never happened to me, but I've heard stories.