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Xplore Teacher Meetup in Ayutthaya, Thailand 2024

Xplore Teacher Meetup in Ayutthaya, Thailand 2024

On Saturday 20th, January 2024, the Xplore Thailand Team organized a fun cultural meetup in Ayutthaya!

The goal of this meetup was to get a chance to spend time with our alumni again and also to have them meet other teachers and share their experiences living and teaching in Thailand. We chose Ayutthaya, an ancient capital city of Thailand, because we would like them to have a good time learning Thai culture in a relaxing atmosphere. The meetup was attended by 26 teachers.

Xplore Teacher Meet Up Thailand

The day started with exploration of Ayutthaya Gold Treasure at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. It was enchanting to learn about the history of Ayutthaya Kingdom and explore the stimulated crypts of Ratchaburana Temple and Maha That Temple which is a collection of gold artefacts, gemstones, buddha statues, and buddha relics.

Thailand Meet Up

Then, we went to Chaiwatthanaram Temple, one of the most visited historical sites of Ayutthaya. We got a chance to dress up in Thai traditional costumes which everyone looked stunning! The afternoon sunshine also was at the perfect angle so it made the temple even more beautiful. When we walked around the temple, we perceived that it was a spiritual anchor for the people in the Ayutthaya period.

After a visit at the temple, we went to Ayutthaya Night Market, located next to Ratchaburana Temple and Maha That Temple so we could enjoy lively vibes of the market and also appreciate the beautiful views of the historical sites during sunset. Local sellers dressing up in Thai traditional costumes made it more special. We acknowledged that the local sellers put a lot of thought and effort into presenting Thai art in food. Some foods and desserts are ancient foods that even some Thai people have never seen before. Our teachers got to try a lot of delicious snacks and relax on Krae, Thai traditional bamboo litter. The other thing that impressed us was that there was no rubbish at all which kept the market clean.

life in phuket

At the dinner, teachers got to chat about their experiences at their placements, had Thai food, and enjoyed challenging games. The winners of the games received tote bags printed with Thai blessing phrases. They also got to try Roti Saimai, which is spun sugar wrapped in soft roti. It was a whole new experience for them to try Ayutthaya’s signature dessert and also a MICHELIN Guide.

life in phuket

This was a meetup in the central region hosted outside Bangkok. We really appreciate that everyone made an effort coming a long way to meet us. We were more than happy to reunite with our alumni from last year and also from years ago. It was our honour to present an important town of Thailand. It was fun having a memorable time together and we hope everyone feels the same!

This meetup was a memorable and enriching experience for all, further strengthening the bonds within the Xplore community.

How Not to Kill Your Budget When Living Abroad [First Issue] – Teaching English in Thailand on a Budget

How Not to Kill Your Budget When Living Abroad [First Issue] – Teaching English in Thailand on a Budget

Living and working abroad can be a thrilling adventure, but managing your budget effectively is crucial to ensure a smooth experience. In this first instalment of our eight-part blog series on budgeting when teaching English abroad, we’ll focus on Thailand. Xplore, your expert guide for living and working abroad across Asia, provides insights into creating a budget for a middle-of-the-road lifestyle in Thailand.

Our teachers shopping at local the market

1. Visa: Most countries you can enter on a tourist visa exemption for free. This is good for 30 days and then you can extend it for an additional 30 days at a cost of 1,900 Baht.

==> Visa Cost: 0

2. Hotel in Bangkok: When you first arrive, most people come to Bangkok and then they may spend a few days there first thinking about where they want to live and teach. The amount below is for a decent hotel room, not a hostel. Hostels rooms can be half or even a third of that price. You can reduce or remove this price is you arrive and go directly to a long-term rental.

==> Bangkok Hotel Cost: 1,000 THB per night x 4 nights

3. Monthly Rate Apartment + Deposit: When you know where you want to live or where you will be teaching or working, you can then look at securing a monthly rate apartment. Prices vary depending on where you live and what amenities you want. Please note that the vast majority of apartments or homes are already furnished. Try to find an accommodation that has wifi already installed as it does not make sense to install it yourself.

==> Apartment Rental Cost: 3,000 THB (traditional, older or basic) per month and 12,000 THB per month (Modern, Pool and Gym)

Note that there is also a deposit required for most places that is equal to one month’s deposit. 

==> Deposit Cost: 3,000 – 12,000 THB

4. Electricity Cost: Electricity charges vary from apartment to apartment. They can run anywhere from 5 baht to 10 Baht per unit. If you use a moderate amount electricity, you can expect to spend 1,000 – 3,000 Baht per month. Definitely remember to turn off your air conditioning when you leave the accommodation. 

==> Electricity Costs: 1,000 to 3,000 THB per month

5. Mobile Phone

If you’re going to be living in Thailand, get a local SIM card. It’s much cheaper than roaming over a long period of time.

6. Bank Account Set Up: One of the things you should do if you are moving to Thailand is open a local bank account. You pay generally around 1,000 baht to open an account but 500 is for the administrative cost and debit card, and the other 500 baht is actually deposited in your account and can be withdrawn.

==> Bank Account Cost:

500 THB deposit, 500 Baht admin)

7. Start-up Items (toiletries, towel, fan, phone): When you move into your own place, it is possible though unlikely they will have all of the essentials. Towel, toilet paper, drinking water, and possibly a fan are essential.

==> Towel, water and fan Costs: 400 – 1,200 THB.

8. Transportation Costs: People can get a scooter for about 3,500 baht per month. Renting a car is at least 15,000 baht per month for a compact or older vehicle. If you live in a large town or city, you may opt for public transport. Bangkok has a wonderful train network and most medium to large towns have local transport consisting of either scooter taxis, tuktuks or songtaews (local two row trucks that run routes the same as buses). Our budget is based on a middle of the road expense and most teachers rent scooters so we put as a budget 4,000 baht.

==> Transport Costs: 4,000 THB

9. Daily Expenses (Food, laundry): A local meal in Thailand is about 50 – 100 Baht per dish. There are many restaurants that sell western style food, but it is substantially more expensive. Western meals like hamburgers, pizza, etc. range from 200 – 400 Baht and up for a single meal.  There are coin laundry machines (50 Baht per load) and full-service laundry shops (10 Baht per item of clothing) in Thailand. Public transportation on routes in Hua Hin cost 20 Baht per trip. If you are looking to go somewhere specific, or are in a hurry, you can rent a taxi, tuk tuk, or motor taxi. They are very easy to find and will charge you based on the distance you are going to costing around 200 – 500 Baht depending on the distance.

  • Local meal: 50 – 100 THB

  • Coin laundry: 50 THB per load

  • Full-service laundry: 10 THB per item

  • Cleaning supplies for accommodation: 200 THB per month

10. Optional Expenses (Nightlife, weekend trips, shopping)

There are many optional expenses that you may incur and that is where things start to vary quite a bit based on someone’s lifestyle. Be mindful of costs when going out. It is easy to kill your budget if you go out too often. There are low-key ways to conserve your budget. See our upcoming blog post on Thailand nightlife money-saving tips.

Spring 2023 teachers leaving the market

IN TOTAL:

– Visa Cost: 0

– Bangkok Hotel Cost: 1,000 THB per night x 4 nights.

– Apartment Rental Cost: 3,000 THB (traditional, older or basic) per month and 12,000 THB per month (Modern, Pool and Gym)

– Deposit Cost: 3,000 – 12,000 THB

– Electricity Costs: 1,000 to 3,000 THB per month

– Mobile Phone: 

– Bank Account Cost: 500 THB deposit, 500 Baht administration)

– Towel, water and fan Costs: 400 – 1,200 THB.

– Transport Costs: 4,000 THB

– Local meal: 50 – 100 THB

– Coin laundry: 50 THB per load

– Full-service laundry: 10 THB per item

– Cleaning supplies for accommodation: 200 THB per month

==> Total: 17,500 – 51,800 Baht (463 – 1,371 USD)

* This is the amount range in terms of funds you need to get started

Conclusion

When preparing to live and work in Thailand, it’s essential to budget carefully to make the most of your experience. XploreAsia’s middle-of-the-road budget provides a solid financial foundation for your adventure. We recommend bringing at least USD $1,700 to cover your first two months, allowing for unforeseen expenses. Also note that if you only start working or teaching in your second month in the country, please keep in mind that in Thailand, salaries are typically paid once per month. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series, which will provide budgeting insights for another exciting destination.

For more information on teaching in Thailand, go to: https://xploreasia.org/teach-in-thailand/ 

Newly qualified teachers at the end-of-course barbecue and graduation
About XploreAsia:

XploreAsia is a leading provider of internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL courses and guaranteed teaching jobs, dedicated to empowering individuals to make a meaningful impact through education. With a strong commitment to cultural immersion, comprehensive training, and personalized support, XploreAsia offers a range of programs designed to connect qualified teachers with educational opportunities around the world. Over 12 years of industry experience, XploreAsia has brought more than 10,000 people abroad to teach English as a second language.

From Bristol to Bangkok – Stories from an Alumni (Guest Writer)

From Bristol to Bangkok – Stories from an Alumni (Guest Writer)

My name is Rob and I am from a small village near Bristol, based in the South-West of England, United Kingdom. I moved to Thailand back in 2021 because I wanted to experience something different after graduating during the pandemic. I had hoped to teach abroad before the pandemic hit so I had my TEFL ready, and though I had never been to Asia before I knew it was one of the more prominent locations for TEFL teachers.

life in phuket

I chose to use a company to make the move due to a variety of reasons. The first was for peace of mind, in particular, the help with the visa process and help finding accommodation when I first arrived. The second was for convenience. I wanted to make the move to Thailand as quickly as I could and XA had the infrastructure in place to have me interviewed by a school within days of applying. I was relieved to have a job in place before I even left the UK. I was even able to start doing some online training in the week before my flight. Finally, I wanted the chance to go through the orientation period before I went straight into teaching. Whilst I did not do the TESOL teacher training with XA, I did do all the orientation and culture classes in which I picked up some basic Thai language (very useful in the markets), some important customs (to avoid embarrassing myself on the first day) and also a network of fellow teachers, who were always able to help each other answers questions and many of which I am still friends with today.

life in phuket

My first placement was in Bangkok on a 6 month contract, before I moved down south to the more remote province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. I knew a reasonable amount about Bangkok before leaving home, as it’s one of the jewels of South-East Asia. A number of friends I spoke to had been before on gap years and holidays and had a lot to say. However, I think living there gives you a totally different experience! Of course, I visited all the famous temples as well as Chatuchak market, Chinatown, Khaosan Road and all the other tourist hotspots, but the best part about living there was getting to know the city on another level; finding smaller more authentic restaurants, joining a weekly football game with locals and other expats, as well as having a great starting point to travel to more remote areas of the country.

Bangkok has great air and bus links to Thailand’s many other picturesque provinces. The Thai school year ends in March before resuming in May, and, in my experience, I had over a month to go and explore the country! Recommending where to travel in Thailand is almost impossible, as there is so much to see. However, the one thing you should not miss if you are there over the teaching break of April is Songkran. Songkran is the Thai New Year and involves huge water fights breaking out on the streets. There are large events held in some of the most popular places; try Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket!

Moving from Bangkok to my time in Prachuap, it was definitely a more conventional Thai experience being away from the capital! Bangkok still had a lot of Western influences; you could easily find any kind of food, many people spoke English and you would often run into tourists or fellow expat teachers. Prachuap was far more remote. When I was there, one of my favourite experiences was learning to ride a motorbike. In Thailand, motorbikes are everywhere. Tourists will often drive them, somewhat recklessly, on many of the popular holiday islands. For me, I loved being able to learn on the quieter streets of Prachuap. It made the commute to and from work a lot more entertaining! Prachuap is also one of the cheapest areas in Thailand. However, the low price did not mean it was low quality – there were a number of restaurants within driving distance to school that served amazing rice, noodle and soup dishes for prices around 40 to 50 baht (Just over £1!).

I would also like to mention some of the harder parts of making the move, as it obviously isn’t all fun and games! For me, one of the more difficult parts is communicating back home. As someone who likes to be in contact with my family regularly, the time difference can make things a little tricky, and when you want to use your weekends to travel it suddenly becomes very hard to schedule a call. Additionally, things can (and sometimes will) go wrong. In particular, any medical issues can be tricky with the language barrier. A trip to A&E can be made much more complicated when you can’t really explain what’s wrong. Luckily, the Thai people are super friendly and will always help you if they can. Always make an effort with the Thai teachers at school – they can be very helpful sometimes!

life in phuket

When looking to summarise my experience, it can be reflective to look at how it has helped me learn. Moving to Thailand has helped me become a lot more flexible in my thinking, as everything here seems far more relaxed and casual. The people are also incredibly friendly and that can be infectious, and the students are (almost) always great fun to teach and to learn with! I would definitely recommend teaching abroad. It was a little daunting at first, realising you are responsible for all of the kids in your classroom and for what they are going to learn! 

“As you get more confident and comfortable, the job can be really rewarding and entertaining, with the added bonus of getting to live somewhere as beautiful as Thailand!”

life in phuket

Om Noi – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

Om Noi – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

Hey everybody! My name is Justin Rees and I moved to Thailand to teach English! A few years ago, I became more and more interested in traveling the world… After reading countless blogs and watching numerous videos I found that teaching English is a fun and rewarding way to travel!
Om Noi - Teach in Thailand

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.

Om Noi - Teach in Thailand

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.

Om Noi - Teach in Thailand
Om Noi - Teach in Thailand

 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! 

Om Noi - Teach in Thailand

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.

Om Noi - Teach in Thailand

 

“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!

Life in Phuket – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

Life in Phuket – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

Mary Kate and her partner packed up their things in Ireland and have been in Thailand for almost 6 months now! She made some time to share what life in Phuket is like…

What’s the local culture like in your town? Phuket town is pretty great! The Old Town in particular has unique architecture with Sino-Portugese style buildings which are really nice to look at. I’ve really enjoyed spending time in Old Town checking out the many wonderful restaurants and bars as well as the wonderful Sunday night market which takes place every week on one of the main streets in town. This town has a lot of history and is quite calm and laid back during the week, but there are many amenities available including the large shopping centre Central.

life in phuket
life in phuket

Phuket town is an interesting mix of Thai people and Westerners, although we have struggled a bit so far to meet other people our age, we hope that joining some clubs and activities could help us to socialise more. 

This town has a lot of history and is quite calm and laid back during the week, but there are many amenities available including the large shopping centre Central. There is a songtaew bus that runs multiple routes within the town making it easy to travel around. Besides this, there are bus routes to the beaches and towns on the West side of the island. Ferries also leave from Rassada pier (which is a ten minute drive away) to Koh Phi Phi and other islands.

What are your favourite places to eat? Khun Jeed Yod Pak is an incredible Thai restaurant in the Old Town and my favourite spot we have discovered so far. They do brilliant fried crab rolls and pork dumplings for starters, and both wonderful Pad See Ew and an amazing signature gravy noodle dish. We have been going there once a week because it’s just that good. There is also a wide variety of restaurants in the local area serving all kinds of cuisine. We have had the opportunity to try a lot of new Thai dishes but there are also places serving familiar Western food when we are in need of comfort. Another particularly nice restaurant is Tu Kab Khao, it’s in a fancier setting and definitely on the pricier side for Thai cuisine but they make absolutely delicious food based on the owner’s mother’s recipes.

I fell in love with their crab curry with vermicelli noodles and will definitely be going back for more on special occasions. We are also lucky to have a great variety of choices across the street from our school to enjoy at lunchtimes and when school ends. These small stands and cafes provide food that ranges from traditional Thai dishes, Japanese dishes and more to Western comfort food such as baked potatoes, pasta, steak and even fresh donuts. I’m a particular fan of the a la carte stand run by a very friendly Thai couple who have been teaching me Thai phrases whenever I order my pad see ew or pad kra pao there. Finally, there’s a small stand run by a man from his motorbike who sells wonderful sweet pancakes.

life in phuket

Are there markets nearby where you’re staying? The Sunday night market is busy but incredible. People flood the streets buying some of the tastiest street food I’ve tried in Thailand (I highly recommend the fresh spring rolls and the tastiest fish tacos I have ever had in my entire life).  There are also beautiful arts and crafts on sale here as well. Along the way you can stop and listen to people performing music and at the bottom end of the market there are even bigger performances of large bands. I’ve even seen a dance off between groups of teenagers there before. We also have Chillva market out by Central and it is one of the most laid back markets we’ve visited. It’s open wednesday night through saturday night. The street food stalls there are insanely tasty, they sell everything from delicious skewered meat to scorpions. We have enjoyed the skewered bbq pork and squid, tempura prawns, spring rolls and even churros. You can check out the clothes and gadgets on sale or just load up on food and take a seat in the back where lovely chill music is playing. It’s always buzzing!

What’s the night life like in your town? The nightlife is definitely on the quieter side in Phuket town as opposed to the Western side of Phuket island, but there is definitely still activity at the weekends. I’ve enjoyed some of the small bars in Old Town such as Club No. 43, Papazula (great live music and very relaxed atmosphere), and Good Vibes, there a few bars which show sport events which can also have a good atmosphere, and as an F1 fan I loved going to the Brasserie which showed the live races with english commentary. There’s a nightclub in the centre of Old Town called the Library which is definitely worth checking out. There’s even a Harry Potter themed bar which is a fun novelty. One of the best places to check out is the rooftop bar on top of Cue bar in Old Town. It’s really relaxed but always busy, the drinks are very reasonably priced and it stays open late into the night.

life in phuket

Where do you spend your weekends? Do you have any favourite spots to hang out? Weekends have been spontaneous so far, we’ve ventured out to Karon beach which is about 40 mins on a songtaew, we’ve chilled in the town and checked out the aquarium, we’ve hung out in Central and watched a movie at the cinema there. Every few weekends we splurge and go on a bit of an adventure with some of the friends we met in the XploreAsia orientation week which has been wonderful!

Where can we go for a quick getaway? Because of its southern location, Phuket has great access to the sea and islands. We went to Koh Phi Phi which is less than an hour away by speedboat ferry. This trip was just incredible, seeing so many iconic sights as well as snorkelling with sharks and other fish and even bioluminescent plankton after the sun had set. It is definitely well worth a visit and a very easy weekend trip because of the proximity.

Another trip we went on was to Chiang Mai which is quite a distance but is definitely easily managed because of the airport in Phuket. The airport is only a 40-minute drive from Phuket town and there is a frequent bus service to and from it which makes it very easy to see other regions of Thailand during the long weekends or holidays. We’re also within reasonable distance to Krabi and Phang-Nga and we spent time with friends in Ao Nang at New Years. The next adventure we are planning is to check out some of the National Parks near us, namely Khao Sok which we have heard is incredible! There’s plenty to see and do so we haven’t gotten bored yet.

What’s your one piece of advice for new teachers coming here?

I think it is a town where it might be easy to get into a routine and stick with it. But I think if you really get out there and introduce yourself and get to know new people you will have the best experience possible here in Phuket. In saying that, I think it’s worthwhile to really explore and enjoy the quieter parts of Phuket rather than focusing on the party lifestyle of the Western part of the island. You save money by avoiding tourist traps and you get to see a more beautiful side of Phuket the more you travel off the beaten track.

life in phuket

 

My one piece of advice for new teachers coming here is to put yourself out there.

– Mary Kate Barrett

Making More Memories: Bangkok Teacher Meetup in Thailand

Making More Memories: Bangkok Teacher Meetup in Thailand

 

 

Guest Writer –

Bangkok Teacher Meetup

 

 

On November 26th, 2022, the XploreAsia Thailand Team organized another Bangkok Teacher Meetup. Our goal of meetups are always to show our support, connect teachers from different intakes, and create opportunities for sharing experiences. We believe that building a good, strong network of like-minded people is essential for living in a foreign country. The meetup was attended by 39 teachers at Bang Kachao, known as the Green Lungs of Bangkok.
bangkok teacher meetup
cultural orientation in south korea

The day started with a bike ride to explore Bang Nam Phueng Market. Then we went to The Ozone Bang Kachao Cafe to do a Scavenger Hunt. The cafe is decorated in a garden style with many trees, palm-leaf pavilions, and a small pond. It was so serene.

cultural orientation in south korea
bangkok teacher meetup
Teachers were separated into two teams for the scavenger hunt. The competition was heated and the teachers had a blast, mentioning that they had never done something like this before and had so much fun!
cultural orientation in south korea

 

After a hard day’s work, we headed off to dinner, which was an authentic and delicious Thai feast at Pob Rak Bang Nam Phueng. The restaurant is located along the majestic Chao Phraya River, where we could see the beautiful sunset, mangrove plants, and the city lights from other side of the river.

Throughout the the dinner, the teachers had a chance to share their experiences of
teaching in Thailand with the group and also play some fun games for prizes. Teachers received a polaroid of themselves as a give away.

“The turnout made it one of the biggest meet ups we’ve ever hosted! Many new friendships were made and existing bonds strengthened.”
bangkok teacher meetup
cultural orientation in south korea
bangkok teacher meetup
“Thank you for the most incredible time – I love you all so much

and have made friends for life ❤️” – Teacher Feedback

If you’re interested in joining us in the new year, fill out this quick form or even just set up a free call with our Team. 2023 is just around the corner!

The requirements for Thailand are only a Bachelor’s Degree and native-level English.

Also check out one of our Featured Teachers, Brooke Heinsohn, who spent a year in Lampang, Thailand – She writes about her experience and has great advice for aspiring teachers.

cultural orientation in south korea

Guest Writer: Mile, Thailand Placement Coordinator

I’m Mile and I work for the XploreAsia Thailand Placement Team. What I most like about this job is getting to know many new people from different countries being here to support their journeys in Thailand. It is such a fun experience and I love it!

My Thailand Experience, Guest Writer: Brooke Heinsohn

My Thailand Experience, Guest Writer: Brooke Heinsohn

Hi, friends! My name is Brooke, and I’m an American from east Tennessee. My Thailand experience began just over a year ago – when I headed to teach English as a first time solo traveler. This choice is a little funny because I studied almost everything other than education in college. If you are in the same boat, don’t be intimidated. Anyone can learn to teach with the right mindset. 

my thailand experience

I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (go vols!) in 2019, then worked in marketing and business development until 2021. I loved my job in the States but always felt that something was missing. I was itching to see the world. As a junkie for human connection, adventure, and photography, I craved so deeply to travel and make some sort of positive impact. BUT, I kept putting this desire on the back burner. Then in 2020, COVID hit. When the world turned upside down, I realized that life is fragile. If the pandemic showed me anything, it’s that we need to make the most of the time that we have. So, I dusted off my dreams and began to make them a reality.

my thailand experience

“As a first time solo traveler, I knew that I wanted to go through a company that could bridge the cultural gap and break down language barriers.”

Moving across the world is a big deal! I was also looking for a place to earn my TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) or TESOL (teaching English as a second language) that was affordable yet all encompassing. After doing a ton of research, I stumbled upon XploreAsia’s website. I scheduled a video call with an XploreAsia team member and was sold almost instantly. She answered all my questions, which made the entire process feel much less daunting and set my heart at ease. 

There are about a million and one documents involved with working in Thailand and I didn’t want to miss a beat! It was important to me to find an organization that could streamline the process and remove a lot of the stress involved. I wanted to enjoy the process. Naturally, I chose to do the 120-hour, internationally accredited TESOL course and cultural immersion program at XploreAsia’s HQ, in Hua Hin. Here, I learned how to teach. We studied everything from age specific techniques to classroom management and the nuances of teaching. Since I came during COVID, the course was a hybrid – half online, half in person. By the end of all the modules, I felt truly confident teaching in classrooms. The language lessons and cultural immersion activities also really helped prepare me for my Thailand experience and everyday life.

my thailand experience

One of the unexpected benefits of XploreAsia is that I met a surplus of like-minded people from around the world! These beautiful souls are now some of my best friends. By nature of the program, I built a strong expat community. It’s invaluable to share all of the brilliant, bizarre experiences of living abroad with fellow teachers. (Throughout this past year in Thailand, they have made “the land of smiles” feel much more like home.) Luckily, two other XploreAsia graduates were placed at my school. Although, most of my friends were placed at schools in other provinces throughout Thailand. This turned out to be amazing because it gave us all plenty of reasons to visit each other and see new places during school breaks. It made my Thailand experience so worthwhile. 

“I had no idea what to expect during the placement process, but I knew that I wanted to live in a tight knit community in northern Thailand.”

Speaking of placements, let me tell you a little about my lovely, sleepy home away from home: Lampang. I was drawn to this area for its rich Lanna culture, stunning mountain ranges, and surplus of Buddhist temples. Many people forget about northern Thailand, but I’m telling you, it’s amazing. At first, I was hesitant to accept the placement offer in Lampang… committing to live somewhere for a year is no joke! Maybe it was my chronic independence or first time moving abroad jitters, but I felt nervous. When I expressed my mixed feelings, an XploreAsia team member was quick to schedule a video call to answer my plethora of questions about Lampang. She didn’t sugar coat anything but, instead, gave a realistic view of what to expect. I really appreciated her honesty. 

my thailand experience

After this call, I knew just enough about Lampang to say “yes.” Wikipedia, Google Maps, and Instagram location tags helped me fill in the rest. The biggest thing that I knew before moving to Lampang is to have an open mind and willing heart…

After living in Lampang for a year, I can whole-heartedly say that this placement surpassed my expectations. I feel so lucky! The Thai community here welcomed me with open arms. I drank Samsung (Thai “whisky” but tastes nothing like whiskey), sang karaoke, celebrated festivals, shared laughs, and learned the beauty of being fully immersed in a new culture. My friends joke that I might as well be a brand ambassador for our charming, little town.

“For me, the hardest part of moving abroad was deciding to actually do it. I love adventures and meeting new people, so I felt confident that it would be a good experience. BUT, it takes a different type of courage to take a leap of faith and actually turn dreams into reality.”

my thailand experience

I highly recommend traveling and living abroad. If you feel a little call to move across the world, this is your sign. Do it! You will gain so many new perspectives that reshape how you think about yourself and the surrounding world. As cheesy as it may be, this past year of teaching English really has been life changing. I hope that by me sharing only a part of my Thailand experience, more people will be inspired to take the leap. 

cultural orientation in south korea

Guest Writer: Brooke, XploreAsia Alum

Nerding out about nature, yoga, photography, and human connection while traveling the world. Follow along with my journey @brookecarl on Instagram.” 

Cultural Orientation in Thailand (The Itinerary)

Cultural Orientation in Thailand (The Itinerary)

Guest Writer –

Cultural Orientation: Thailand Itinerary

Hello and welcome! Here is the low-down on our cultural orientation in Thailand. It has been a crazy month at XploreAsia, with intakes in both South Korea and Thailand. As September is usually one of our bigger intakes, it was all hands on deck for our team. It’s been an amazing experience to have so much hustle and bustle in Hua Hin, especially since restrictions have now completely lifted. I just wanted to give you all a quick overview of what cultural orientation includes here in Thailand. It’s been great to have teachers streaming in from all over the world.
cultural orientation in Thailand
cultural orientation in Thailand

Sunday: After everyone’s airport pick-ups, we gather at a hotel in Bangkok. Everyone has a chance to settle down, but soon after, we get our welcome meeting under way. This is where teachers can officially introduce themselves to one another, meet the team and ask all those burning questions. We give teachers a complete low down of what’s to come and prep them for a busy week ahead. Tomorrow marks the start of our cultural orientation in Thailand.   

cultural orientation in Thailand
Monday: Bright and early, we hop on a couple buses to Hua Hin (That’s where our XA headquarters are located). It takes around 3.5 hours. After checking in, the teachers head straight to the market for a guided tour of their new hangout spot for the next few weeks. When they arrive back at the guesthouse, they have a chat with the placement team. This is also when we start collecting all the documents they’ve been working on from back home. The paperwork can be quite overwhelming, so we take care of it. 
cultural orientation in Thailand

Tuesday: Day 2 kicked off with an introduction about who XploreAsia is, what we do and what to expect over the next few weeks. This is followed by an explanation of how the placement for schools works and what to think about when working with schools and agents.

After lunch, the teachers had their first Thai language class, which was really exciting! Considering that most didn’t know any Thai at all, they were complete naturals!

Wednesday: Once again, we got the day going with an informative talk about visas and work permits. After that, a presentation on Thai culture. After lunch we had our first Muay Thai class. It was a fun way to blow off steam and get some exercise in. Muay Thai is a very traditional sport and many teachers stick with it when they head off to placements – it’s the national sport so there are loads of gyms to choose from. 
cultural orientation in Thailand
cultural orientation in Thailand
cultural orientation in Thailand
Thursday: We started the day with an important presentation on Diversity in the Local Context”, helping teachers to adapt to one of the relatively homogeneous countries in the world. We then had our final Thai lesson of the week. Great fun was had by all, and everyone was keen to try out their newly learned skills! After lunch, we jumped on a bus and headed off to the another local Thai Market. Here teachers could buy their own fresh produce using the phrases they had learnt this past week. This was followed by the fun Veggie Tales Thai cooking class – again using what they’d just bought!
Friday: Our final day, was full of highlights! Starting off with an explanation on road safety and school modules. After lunch we had a meditation class, followed by a visit to Rescue P.A.W.S, our co-founded NPO. The last event for the day (and week) was our long-awaited, hard-earned Beach dinner party. Is there a better way to to end off a week full of new impressions?!
cultural orientation in Thailand
cultural orientation in Thailand

If you’re interested in joining us in the new year, fill out this quick form and set up a free call with our Team. 2023 is just around the corner!

Check out what our South Korea team got up to here!

 

cultural orientation in south korea

Guest Writer: Sarah, Marketing & Programs Intern

“My name is Sarah and this is my first time being in Thailand. It’s such a beautiful country and the people are the kindest! I’m loving every minute here. In my free time I like to read and write poems.”

Teacher Meet Up Events Back in Full Swing for Thailand

Teacher Meet Up Events Back in Full Swing for Thailand

Teacher Meet Up Events Back in Full Swing for Thailand

Making the move abroad sounds exciting at first, but once you’ve moved in and found your groove, life is not as easy as the pamphlets made it sound. XploreAsia knows and understands this. That’s why we encourage teachers to develop and build support systems they can trust and lean on when things get tough. This could be with one another or with us!

teacher meet up
teacher meet up

 That’s why we absolutely LOVE organising meet-ups for our teachers. Not only does it allow us to catch up and touch base, but it gives them a chance to meet and get to know other XploreAsia veterans who share the same love for travel, teaching and Thailand. It had been a while since we were able to have a meet up but on June 11th, we were overwhelmed by the turnout! 

teacher meet up
teacher meet up

Our team left Hua Hin early hours of the morning and met 31 fully energised teachers at the Yok Pok Ying Laser Games to play Laser shooting games. After working up a sweat as well as an appetite, the group moved to the Nathong Terrace Bar and Restaurant in the Haui Khwang area of Bangkok where they enjoyed dinner somewhere between drinking, dancing, quizzes and games. It has been a long two years and we are so thrilled the worst is behind us.

“Ichariba Chodei.”

イチャリバチョーデー

– When we meet, we become family. Japanese Proverb.
teacher meet up
teacher meet up

“A great experience to connect with new people and learn about other experiences and adventures.” – Teacher Feedback

Living and working abroad is an exciting time, and thrusts many people out of their comfort zones. It’s all about new cultures, experiences and languages. With all the planning you put into finances, finding accommodation, packing, preparing, visa work and job hunting, you can leave the social side to us! These meet-ups aim to connect and reunite our teachers by enhancing the value of experience of teaching in Thailand. 

If you’ve spoken to any of our staff, you’ll see and hear that we care and want each person to have a memorable experience in whichever country they choose (ups and downs). Thank you to everyone who joined us on the 11th. We hope to see even more of you at the next one!

ALSO, a special shoutout to Chris – our resident dance instructor. He took over our newly-launched TikTok account and Instagram. Chris is a Physics/Chemistry teacher who shares snippets from his life in Thailand. Links below!

lay

Written by Lay

Netflix-obsessed South African who loves travelling, blogging, good coffee and dogs. 

thailand meet up events
thailand meet up events

Ever considered teaching English abroad?

Find out more here:

www.xploreasia.org/apply-now

Study TESOL in Thailand in Sunny Hua Hin!

Study TESOL in Thailand in Sunny Hua Hin!

Start your TESOL in Thailand journey by the beach in Hua Hin!

Explore the gorgeous beach city of Hua Hin whilst studying for your TESOL/TEFL qualification that will let you teach and travel around Thailand and internationally.

When you hear the word ‘Thailand’, what’s the first thing that you think of? Do you think of Bangkok and Phuket? Temples? Beaches? Mountains? How about the city of Hua Hin? The beautiful beachside city sits just three and a half hours south of the capital but remains a hidden gem for some. Here at XploreAsia, we think Hua Hin is a great place to study to receive your TESOL in Thailand qualification and we’re going to tell you why!

In Hua Hin, you get the best of both worlds. It has all the beachy and touristy attractions, along with authentic, local spots. Although many holiday makers come to Hua Hin, many people still live a traditional Thai lifestyle and it’s a great place to start your foray into Thai culture.

Let’s Talk About Food!

 Hua Hin has a plethora of dining options to suit many different tastes and dietary requirements. Across from, XploreAsia are a range of food stalls offering everything from pad Thai, to sugar-laden desserts, to fresh and healthy glass noodle salads, to coffee and much more. There are many restaurants serving traditional Thai food along Soi 51, including halal options, and we recommend that you explore the area on foot so you don’t miss anything.

 There are also lots of spots to find home comforts or international cuisines here. Head to Market Village and Bluport malls to find chain restaurants you will recognize from home and have your pick of Italian food, Japanese food or even Korean BBQ. There is even a vegan restaurant near the night market for anyone following a plant-based diet. Vegetarian or not, we highly recommend giving the jackfruit curry a try!

Get a taste of delicious local foods such as this while you get your TESOL in Thailand
 Taste delicious local foods like this while you get your TESOL in Thailand

Okay, Now Let’s Go Shopping!

Didn’t pack enough pairs of elephant pants? Want to impress your friends and family back home with authentic Thai handicrafts? Head to the night markets! The most famous is simply called the Night Market and is by Soi 72- only a twenty minute walk or short drive from the XploreAsia office!. It offers a huge range of clothes, tech, and souvenirs as well as being a hive of restaurants and bars. You can even get a massage there if you need to charge your batteries halfway through shopping. Other favourite markets include Cicada Market, the Tamarind Market and, for groceries, Dinosau!

There are also two large shopping malls in Hua Hin which offer well-known brands in western sizes. If you have packed light to come to study your TESOL in Thailand, you can easily pick up some smart clothes for teaching here.

See beautiful temples like this when getting your TESOL in Thailand with XploreAsia
See all the beautiful scenery that Hua Hin has to offer, like this temple deep inside a natural cave

Let’s Get Outside!

 In Hua Hin, there are lots of adventures to go on. You can visit the Kui Buri National Park to see elephants roaming free without human intervention. As the land is protected, the animals are, too, and you won’t get any cruel elephant rides here. You can also spot gaurs, deer, wild boar, Burmese hare, and the other majestic animals who call the park their home.

 If you are looking for an active weekend In Hua Hin, then head over to the Pala-U waterfall, where you can choose a hike to suit your skill level. There are 16-levels of this incredible waterfall and you will be in safe hands with the local guides. Another great hiking spot is the Phraya Nakhon Cave. After a hike over a limestone trail offering spectacular views of the beach and mountains, you can take in the beauty of the Kuha Karuhas pavilion.

At XploreAsia, we offer our Hua Hin TESOL course participants the chance to come with us to all of these places as weekend excursions, helping you save money through paying as a group and also making sure you get the most out of your time in the city.

Giving Back to the Community

At XploreAsia, we love Hua Hin and therefore want to help keep it at its best. Hua Hin is the home to Rescue P.A.W.S, a not-for-profit organization that improves the quality of life for many animals through sterilization and education.

Here, you can arrange a day visit, where you will learn more about the organization, and be able to spend time with some of the dogs. Either take them for a walk along the nearby beach, or tag along with the team for their daily pack feeds. Besides, what better way to enjoy your time in Thailand than to spend it with dogs? Even better, a visit here is included as part of the orientation week for all our TESOL students who come to study in Hua Hin!

In Hua Hin, you can visit not-for-profit organizations such as Rescue Paws .
Take the pups out for a walk at Rescue Paws and play with them during a day visit.

Ready to experience life overseas? Check out our TESOL in Thailand!

If the sun, sea, sand and mango stick rice doesn’t convince you to come to Thailand, come to make a difference! Teaching English makes a huge difference to a child’s future, enabling them the chance to gain increased educational and professional opportunities or even lift their families out of poverty. By sharing your language, you can open a world of possibilities for your students!

On completion of our TESOL in Thailand program, graduates also get a week of cultural activities to get you ready for life abroad, as well as lifelong support from our international team. If you want to learn more about joining XploreAsia as an ESL teacher, and more about living in the beautiful beachside city of Hua Hin, then visit our website now and begin to embrace your adventure!

Don’t forget to follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to catch up with our staff and teachers.

Blog contributed by Ashia Glover.