On the 13th of January 2020, Thailand became the first country outside of China to detect a positive case of COVID-19. Two months later, just days before our March 2020 intake group were to arrive, the gates closed on everything and everyone. Confused, hesitant and completely unaware of what lay before us, we were forced to pause everything … no one could predict that it would be for 2 whole years.

With the new normal in full swing, we finally welcomed our first post-pandemic intake to our Hua Hin Campus in Thailand on the 28th of March 2022. These aspiring teachers started off with a 1-week cultural orientation course which included basic language lessons, meditation with monks, shopping in local markets, cooking classes, Happy Teacher workshops, volunteering at our very own Rescue P.A.W.S, and so much more. Next, they jumped right into 3-weeks of in-class TESOL training. Since regulations were lifted, everyone also got the opportunity to step into a typical Thai classroom and get a day or two of real-life, on-the-job experience. Between all of this, we would never pass up the chance to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year. It’s been a jam-packed month for these new teachers and XA staff alike and graduation was the cherry on the cake. Emotions were at an all-time high, but so was everyone’s motivation. Thanks to all the hard work and positive attitudes, we ended with a bang.

 Last week Thursday, we hosted a special graduation ceremony where the monks from a local temple came to bless the newly minted teachers and wish them good luck as they head out to teach English throughout Thailand. Each and every teacher has shown great perseverance, resilience and bravery. They leave Hua Hin internationally certified and confident to step into any classroom and deliver stellar lessons. Now, they leave the nest and will venture into all parts of Thailand. We have no doubt that they will continue to spread knowledge in a society that values teachers and their impact on the community.

The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.

– Mark Van Doren

After 4 weeks together, we know and love the fact that our teachers build such strong bonds. They all arrived here new and nervous… each person with their own story to tell. As the days went by, I guess they realise no matter what corners of the globe they come from, there is a like-mindedness that drew them all to Thailand and this experience will keep them connected for life. This graduation was so special and symbolixed hope. 

I can’t wait to follow up with them in a few weeks to hear what they have to say and how they’ve settled in! Our staff are overjoyed with the turnout this time round and wish only the best for our newly accredited teachers.

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Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

If you’re reading this blog, you’re most likely toying with the idea of living abroad (or you have been abroad for a few months now), but you’re not sure if it’s for you. As an expat myself, the most common questions I get hit with are ones from people wanting to take the leap but worried about the huge difference in culture. Whether it’s Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar or Costa Rica… it’s not home so everyone is bound to feel lost, scared or isolated at some point. This phenomenon is what we have all come to know as [[Culture Shock]]. 

 In short, culture shock is the initial and ongoing distress one feels when you’re shifted into a foreign setting unexpectedly. It is a perfectly normal reaction to a new environment. Travellers may experience a range of emotions when adapting to a foreign culture, from excitement and interest to frustration, depression and fear of the unknown. Culture shock is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s totally expected when you leave your own comfort zone and throw your mind, body and soul into unfamiliar surroundings.

XploreAsia understands that moving abroad can be daunting in the beginning. There is just so much to take in all at once. We help here by including an extensive Cultural Orientation course with each intake date. The courses are specific to each country and include basic language lessons, market shopping manners, cooking hacks, trips to temples, meditation with monks, etiquette classes, history and a few other activities depending on which country you plan on traveling to. Mental health is also very important so we have happy teacher workshops where we share common struggles and strategies to avoid depression.

You’ll have the chance to learn, live and appreciate the country’s culture – not to mention the opportunity to make life-long like-minded friends.

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