Are you a teacher who once taught in Thailand but decided to seek out pastures new? Has the grass been greener on the other side? Maybe you swapped Thailand for the financial lure of Japan or Korea? Read about those who have left Thailand, and their reasons for moving...
Tony Mitchell
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved back to Australia (Perth) on 8th August, 2014.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I had two tours of duty in Thailand: one from 2003 - 2006 and the other from 2011 up to when I left. In between I lived and worked in the Middle East.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
The changes to the visa regulations ultimately did me in. The work that I enjoyed the most - language schools and corporate training - could not provide me with a work permit and I could no longer stay by renewing my tourist visa. The only alternative for me was to find full-time work in a Thai government school, the idea of which filled me with the greatest repugnance. There is no provision for companies who employ English instructors on an hourly basis to be able to supply work permits, in my experience.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Easy - NO VISAS! I'm not actually working yet but the sense of relief of never having to worry about the dates stamped in my passport, travelling to a neighbouring country, paying fees, taking photographs, filling in forms, signing photocopies, being made to feel totally unwanted, etc is difficult to put into words.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Right now I'm enjoying the novelty of 'being back' and not being in Thailand hasn't really sunk in yet. I know I will miss many things as the novelty wears off, no doubt the food (but not the MSG), the smiling people everywhere, female university students (let's be honest), the constant warm weather and the beautiful, healthy and active soi dogs.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
For a new teacher in Australia who has just graduated from their course, I would recommend a year in Thailand to ease into teaching and to experience life in another country, for sure. Just don't think about making a career out of it or achieving anything meaningful during that time. Young, good looking, eager, energetic teachers are in demand in Thailand, whereas older, dedicated, experienced, reliable and capable teachers are slowly being phased out, from my observations.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I must go back at some stage and get all my stuff! I definitely won't ever work in Thailand again and right now there are many other countries I'd visit for a holiday before Thailand. I was fortunate to travel extensively throughout Thailand (usually for visas!), so I've seen a great deal of the country. Having said that, there are some places I would love to go back to one day.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I found working at Thai Government schools particularly dispiriting, disappointing and demoralising. I know that most foreign teachers enjoy their time working at them, but for me I could not get my head around the Thai culture of education based on rote learning, copying, memorising and regurgitating for tests.
Class sizes of sometimes 50 students, equipment and desks in classrooms that belong in museums, the fact that every student passes each subject no matter how much or how little they work, working with Thai English teachers who could barely speak the language (my language!) they were supposed to teach, Thai teaching staff being ordered to wear a military uniform on Mondays for no logical reason, the way the students were treated by having their names and numbers displayed on their uniforms, being forced to sit on the ground in the hot sun every morning and listen to someone lecture them for 20 minutes every single morning of every school day... the list just goes on.
I found the students overall to be extremely pleasant to teach (those who were interested) but their ability to think critically and logically has never been developed and all they seem able to do is follow instructions (orders) and produce answers to keep their Thai teachers happy. The idea of actually learning something, of going home at the end of a school day and saying, "I learnt something new today", doesn't seem to be a part of Thai education.
Also, the amount of extra-curricula activities that occur during a semester at the expense of learning is ridiculous. Boy Scouts and Girl Guides takes place during school hours, an endless procession of ceremonies (Wai Kru or Teacher Day, Mothers Day, Loy Kratong, Valentine's Day, etc), plus camps and 'Sports Day', which lasted for three days at my recent school. If I was cynical (and I am), I'd say that the authorities deliberately look for activities for the children to do that interfere with classes and learning.
I never felt that I achieved anything teaching at the Thai government schools I worked at. Some teachers have no problem with this, but I must have a purpose and see the results of my actions to have any sense of satisfaction in what I do. I never experienced this at those schools and not one person at any of the schools seemed to take the slightest bit of interest whether I made any difference or not. All they were worried about was whether I attended my classes, that I took attendance and that I gave the students the appropriate grade at the end of the semester when I was required to do so. It made me question the whole point of employing foreign English teachers in the first place. I've been informed many times that the real reason for employing foreign teachers is purely for show, which explains the current trend of employing younger, more attractive and, ultimately, inexperienced teachers.
As for the recent changes to the visa regulations, I believe it will mean more schools will have to begin processing work permits for teachers and, in my experience, that spells disaster. Administration staff at Thai schools will need to familiarise themselves quickly with this ridiculous, time-consuming and expensive process and there will be countless mistakes made. It just highlights, for me, yet another reactive, knee-jerk decision made by the education authorities without any real thought of the consequences, which is typically Thai.
So I guess you could say that I won't miss teaching in Thai government schools at all!
Martin
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I headed to the Middle East in September 2013 - specifically, Saudi Arabia.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I stayed at my first school for two years then moved on and stayed a further three years at my second.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
The three main reasons were: salary, salary and salary! My schools were great and I was the highest paid foreigner at both of them. I lived comfortably and didn't have to compromise my out-of-school lifestyle. However, I needed to make some long-term saving plans and for that, I needed a seriously good salary. In addition, I became increasingly frustrated with my native-speaking co-workers. I won't go into details but incompetent, lazy, unprofessional and unqualified are a few words I could use to describe them.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Three main things: salary, salary and salary! Many aspects of the lifestyle here in Saudi Arabia are similar to Thailand: crazy driving, frustrating visa rules, crazy driving, hot weather, strange food and crazy driving. A lot of teachers in SA don't survive much more than a year before they have to move on but luckily, I have generous holidays and regular (paid) flights home so I can reduce my time here to bite-size portions.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Everything - the crazy driving, hot weather, strange food but especially my students and Thai co-workers. I miss every day that I am not in Thailand but my current short-term 'pain' is for a greater good and I will return financially stable and able to help in areas that I previously couldn't.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Saudi Arabia sets high standards for the best teachers. I was one of five out of several hundred applicants that passed the selection process. They can afford to be choosy when they pay such high salaries. You are not even considered without a BA, Masters, TEFL and at least four years teaching experience post-qualification. Thailand is great for a newbie but you need to be dedicated and professional. I saw too many amateurs that were seemingly there to earn beer money and it wasn't fair on the students.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Of course! I consider Thailand my home now. I have many Thai friends there and both of my former schools have asked me to return. I will see out my current assignment in SA for one more year. This will set me up financially so that I can officially retire! Any role that I subsequently take on in Thailand will be for intellectual stimulation only and on my terms with regards to hours, salary etc.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Those that can - teach!
Many that can't seem to head to Thailand :-(
I hope the new regulations and recent crackdown will lead to an improvement in foreign-teacher standards. The great Thai students deserve it. One more year in SA then I'll be heading back to resume where I left off :-)
David
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I returned to The USA at the end of the last school semester in March 2014.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I was there for about five years but I was lucky enough to find a great school to work for in Southern Thailand. It was the only school I taught at. Great students! Great staff! Couldn't say a bad word about the place.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
I just felt that five years was enough. I arrived in Thailand when I was in my mid-20's and I turned thirty and thought I don't want to be teaching English for the rest of my life. My passion has always been graphic design and I wanted to get back into that field in The US, even though I'm no youngster anymore.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Well it's been a roller-coaster couple of months getting settled back in my native land. In fact I haven't even started a serious job hunt yet. It's taken me all of my time to find a decent apartment (I didn't want to move back in with my family) and to re-connect with old friends. I hadn't even been home for a short vacation during my five years in Thailand so I still feel a bit like a stranger in a strange land. The environment hasn't changed that much - but I guess I have!
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Honest answer? All of it. Sometimes Thailand feels like living and working in the craziest country on earth but in a strange way, that's part of the appeal. Every day brings a new experience. I suppose I miss my teaching colleagues most of all. As I said earlier, I worked in a great school and we really were 'one, big happy family'. I forged some terrific friendships and even now, I miss them terribly.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
If you're just looking for a short-term adventure - definitely! You'll have the time of your life. Everyone should experience Thailand. If you're looking for something long-term (say three to four years) I would only come if you're qualified. We had a few unqualified teachers at our school, and while they were great teachers in the classroom, the school was constantly having to go that extra mile to keep them in employment. Luckily, we had some good admin staff who knew the ropes. From what I'm reading in the media - and I'm still keeping in touch with Thai news - it doesn't look like it's going to get any easier for unqualified teachers anytime soon.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Oh, I would love to come back for a vacation but not to teach though. That time has passed. I had a fantastic five years and I'll always be grateful for the experience but it's in the past.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
There are so many great places to travel in Thailand. I spent a fantastic week motorbiking around the north of Thailand with some other foreign teachers and there are some great beaches in the south. But it was only when I got to the final two years of my stay in Thailand, that I got out and saw some of the country. I wish I had spent more time travelling because there's so much to see. Don't stay stuck in your own little town like I tended to do far too often.
Damien
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to China in early April of this year.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I was there for three years and worked at three different secondary schools.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
I think there were two main reasons. Firstly, I got tired of changing schools at the end of every school year and moving apartments, etc. Secondly, I really wanted to give China a go. I have a good friend who has just completed his fourth year in China and his school were desperate for teachers, so I thought why not give it a go. The time just felt right to make a move.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Well, I've only been here for a couple of months so it's difficult to make any comprehensive judgments but I have to say 'so far, so good'. The students are generally polite and motivated. The school has paid on time and sorted out decent accommodation for me. In short, they've done everything they promised to help me settle in. Ask me the same question in a year's time and the answer might be very different though :)
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Nothing really at the moment. I suppose outside of school hours, life feels a lot more relaxed in Thailand, but inside the classroom, teaching English is teaching English. It doesn't really matter where you are.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Oh, I think Thailand is a great choice for a first-time, inexperienced teacher. The schools put very little pressure on you to perform to the highest standards and as long as you do a decent job and the students are smiling, everyone goes home happy. I don't think I was ever observed once in my whole time there. I would like to have been but school management didn't seem to care as long as there were no complaints coming in.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I think I need to get a year in China under my belt first - and then I'll let you know.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I think the fact that Thailand is a very 'easy' country to teach in is both its advantage and disadvantage. You can easily find yourself just drifting from day to day and not really getting anywhere, certainly in terms of professional development - but I suppose much depends on what school you work for.
Ben
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved back home to the UK. Been back two months now. I miss Thailand already!
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I lived and worked in Bangkok for two years. I worked for two different schools. I only originally planned to stay for 1 year.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
After a while I started to feel trapped living, working in such a big busy city. I felt like I needed a break from the heat and the traffic. I was originally going to stay no longer then a year but met a girl out there and didn't want to leave her. I started to miss family and friends back home. I made some great friends in my first year in Thailand but each one moved on. I missed having that good circle of friends. As much as I loved living there, I knew if I stayed my income would never increase unless I got better teaching qualifications and tried to get employment at an international school.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
I'm not working at the moment.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
I had the best 2 years of my life in Thailand. It was an epic adventure that changed my outlook on life. Sitting back home now I can't believe how much fun I have had, although I did have some real low points It's still is an amazing country. I miss the friendly people most of all. It's hard to not enjoy life when there is so much positivity. I miss the freedom to explore when I had time off work. I miss the fact that I could afford to eat out every night. I miss the pretty girls, the buddhist culture, cheap cinema tickets. Just not the heat!
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Yeah I really would, I had an amazing time. I was happy. It's just hard getting your head around that at some point your going to have to leave unless you are content with staying on the same wage for the rest of your life.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Yes, I would consider going back. I just would like to have the option to earn a better wage if I was going to live there for a longer time. Im looking into doing a PGCE so I could one day work at an international school. but this seems a long way off right now.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
A lot of people on here have said negative things about their experience teaching in Thailand. I feel you just have to go with it and just try to accept that's the way it is over there and not try to change anything even when you feel strongly about something.
I had my fair share of bad experiences. I feel I got unfairly sacked from my first teaching job and it did knock my confidence a bit. I experienced jealousy from other Thai teachers because of the difference in pay between the Thais and foreigners. I also experienced a lot of gossiping at schools. Despite this there were way more positives then negatives. I think wherever you go you are going to meet good and bad people, good employers and bad employers.
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