Moving to Thailand was more than a change of scenery for me; it was a promise of adventure, a leap into the unknown. I landed in Bangkok with enthusiasm, armed with optimism and a modest savings cushion. The U.S. economy was sputtering, and the lure of the exotic East was irresistible. I envisioned a fresh start amidst Thailand’s famed landscapes and vibrant culture.
My initial plan? Soak up the fun for a week, then dive into the practicalities of settling down. That included finding a job and an apartment. Surprisingly, both quests were checked off my list quicker than I anticipated - a condo snagged by noon and a teaching position secured the very next day.
The first few weeks were a cultural carnival. I embraced the local transport with rides on songthaews and enjoyed the simple delight of sipping Fanta from a plastic bag. This was living!
However, my cloud of bliss was on borrowed time.
One morning, as I strolled to a songthaew stop, tunes blasting through my headphones, a stealthy coconut launched a surprise attack from above, leaving me stunned, bloodied, and the center of elderly Thai onlookers' amusement.
Then, just days after the coconut incident, another surreal experience unfolded. I came home to find a stranger - a naked woman - in my bed, quickly followed by a flustered man ushering me out of my own apartment. It turned out to be my landlord, who had been using my abode for trysts.
This unwelcome discovery, coupled with a hazardous visa run to Laos and employment discrepancies, had me contemplating a retreat to the U.S.
Fate intervened when a friend connected me with Stuart from Essential Educational Staffing, who offered me a lifeline - a teaching role at a prestigious kindergarten. Accepting this opportunity and moving into a new apartment marked a pivotal turn.
A decade later, I’m still here. Thailand is now home, where I’ve found love and self-discovery. It’s been an odyssey of growth, both personal and professional.
To those contemplating a similar journey or facing challenges: remember these takeaways. Stay vigilant of the unexpected - yes, even low-hanging coconuts. Trust your instincts, especially if something seems amiss. And most importantly, when the going gets tough, persevere. Your coconut moment might just lead to a life-changing opportunity.
For those who would like to teach in Thailand but lack experience, consider a on-site TEFL course like the one we offer in Bangkok. It’s a gateway to developing essential teaching skills and gaining the confidence needed to teach in a classroom - no matter where in the world it might be.
After all the ups and downs, the coconuts and the unexpected encounters, the real turning point came with the right opportunity and the right training. Teaching in Bangkok, much like anywhere else, demands not just passion and resilience but also a solid foundation in teaching methods and classroom management. This is where the
Essential TEFL's on-site course made all the difference for me. If you're looking to build a teaching career in Thailand and want to be as prepared as I eventually became, I highly recommend checking out Essential TEFL's certification program. It's the perfect first step towards a rewarding adventure in teaching
Thanks for sharing this moment with me,
Joshua
