I discovered my love for traveling after my first solo trip to Costa Rica in 2019 – It’s 4 years later now and I’ve traveled to 9 different countries and experienced things I could’ve never imagined. Teaching was always something I was curious about, although I had no experience in the classroom, I was excited to have fun with my students and truly make a difference. Throughout the year I met student’s families, celebrated traditional holidays, explored beautiful temples and made memories that’ll last a lifetime.
I chose Xplore after countless recommendations from friends. Going through the process of moving, training, and placement at a school is difficult, even with help! But Xplore made it as easy as possible with great communication and a dedicated staff. Before too long I accepted an offer to teach in a suburb right on the outskirts of Bangkok called Om Noi. I worked at the local private school for a year teaching high schoolers English and conversation.
I absolutely loved living in Thailand. Bangkok is an incredibly fun city. Being home to the famous Khaosan Road, and several incredibly historic temples makes it a very cool place to explore. Public transportation is incredible, English is widely spoken, almost always understood. The locals are very friendly and eager to strike up a conversation and learn all they can about you.
On your time off you can and should check out the islands on either side of the country, from the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan to my personal favorite being the Phi Phi Islands!
Or you can hike the lush mountains of Northern Thailand, exploring the night life on Chiang Mai, or the famous White and Blue Temples in Chaing Rai.
Thailand met all my expectations, and I feel like I can call it a second home. I am very close to my family. We’re a small bunch who care and love for each other very much. Fortunately, that means a lot of support for my decision to move and work abroad. Being away from my family is very hard, but I find joy in making the best of my experience and finding so many new friends along the way.
The most important thing I learned about myself was to have more confidence. Moving abroad is scary, and honestly, you’ll probably have no idea what to do with yourself. But don’t see this as a negative, see it as a positive way to recreate yourself. Being more friendly and outgoing, take risks, and don’t be afraid to say yes! One of my favorite quotes says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it.” Life is all what you make it, so don’t be afraid to take the jump!
I recommend everyone takes at least a year to live abroad. Get out of your comfort zone. Get the chance to look at life from a whole new perspective. Too often we become creatures of habit. Wake up, work, go home, eat, sleep, repeat. Why not jump on that plane and make the difference in a student’s life, have a breakthrough in the classroom, see the excitement in a student’s eye when they finally understand! That’s what makes it all worth it.
“If you feel that urge that you’re meant do to more why not take the chance?”
– Justin Rees
Check out Justin’s blog here!
