Is the grass greener on the other side?
Postbox letter from Christian Brookes
The first six months in Thailand is spent re-adjusting. Thai culture, lifestyle, climate, food and working environment are alien to most. Some days I found myself getting annoyed and frustrated at the smallest issues. I spoke about this to a friend. I was quickly reminded of life back home - the pressures, weather, cost of living, attitude, food and climate.
A positive approach
Postbox letter from James
You will always read negative and subjective reports about anywhere and especially Thailand. I’ve only been in China a short while, but from what I have seen I’m staying. Perhaps it does boil down to a question of attitude and perception; what we expect against what life is really like. There isn’t any point going on about Thai bosses, corruption and contracts. My point is that people move on and take responsibility for themselves.
Grow up guys
Postbox letter from James
Strange that not being paid for not working has now turned to how badly you perceive yourselves to be employed. It's simple and there’s nothing right wing or conservative about it – you don’t like it, you leave. You go back to Europe and ‘the dole’ as people put it, where at least you’ll be fed and housed and have free medicine. What on earth is difficult to understand about that?
The demise of our socialist dreams!
Postbox letter from James
I would suggest that we remove our European (and U.S) socialist blinkers and learn to accept that the world, or the schools in this instance, do not owe you anything except a wage for teaching. The schools did not force teachers out of Bangkok, the floods did.
China here I come
Postbox letter from Kelvin
I have no choice but to jump for China and hope I can land a job with accommodation provided. I will also lose 9500 baht deposit because the condo owner won't acknowledge the flood as a legitimate reason to vacate.
Why teach in Thailand?
Postbox letter from James
Let’s be honest and say that professionally qualified or not, we are/were here because it’s a great place to live and let’s not pretend that altruism in helping children, or to improve the Thai education system is why we came here.
From Thailand to Cambodia
It was time to say goodbye Thailand and hello Cambodia
The last two months of my life have been a whirlwind of changes, emotions and excitement. The end of the term also signaled the end of my contract with the language company I was employed with and the start of new adventures.
Far away
Postbox letter from James
OK Thai school directors, bridging teachers, managers and let's include the various shady hiring companies, you won and I now find myself in China.
Losing the smiles
Postbox letter from Sean
Things in Thailand changed, I noticed it right away. People weren't as nice as before.
Farewell Thailand
Postbox letter from Keith Evans
Let me say that for the seven years I have been here, the first five were excellent, but I have seen a drastic change for the worse over the past two years.
