We Left it All and Moved to Thailand

Check out our founder, Amanda Gedney's, packing list after her first week being in Thailand! Who knew that her adventure would lead her this far. She still agrees with these packing tips. For you new teachers out there, take some notes, and you'll be ready to zip up your backpack and hop on a plane in no time! 

Well…we didn’t leave it all…Shawn and I did bring our REI backpacking backpacks and a handheld bag.

"How did we decide to move to Thailand?" you may ask. We both just graduated from college and haven't made it to enough countries yet. We knew we needed to go somewhere cheap, so our money could last us. We've always wanted to go to Asia and teaching English seemed like the best way to be able to stay the longest. We completed our 120 hour TEFL and bought a one way ticket to Thailand. 

With regards to packing, I’m happy we didn’t bring more. It’s nice to say that we do not have any regrets about packing. We read various travel blogs beforehand about what to pack, but we didn’t find many that detailed the items not to pack. So we thought we would make this list for you and break it down by categories. 

Toiletries:

Of course, moving to a different country and backpacking are two different stories, but it's understandable in both cases if you want to have the comfort of travel-sized toiletries. However, you don’t have to break a sweat when your Crest runs out, there are plenty of other options here (believe me you do not need another reason to sweat in this heat). I just purchased a large bottle of Colgate Whitening, which was 35 TBH at 7/11, which is the equivalent of $1 USD. All toiletries that you could miss from home are here. Yes, ladies tampons are rare and I brought months worth, but they are around in all grocery stores, but just not as much of a selection. Everything else you could need is here, including toothbrushes at every 7/11, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. I happily bought my Dove shampoo and conditioner and Tesco and went along my way. 

What we would suggest you to bring is sunscreen. It is widely available everywhere, but is very expensive! Even though sunscreen is expensive at home, this is one item that is actually more expensive here.

Medicine: 

Shawn and my bags were 40% filled with our over the counter medicine. From Shawn's severe allergies to my acid reflux, we are quite the mess. Besides the 15 Epi Pens we brought, we also brought Zantac and so much Benadryl. There are pharmacies on almost every corner and have anything you could need. However, we haven't seen brand name medication yet, so bring the ones that you trust. 

Clothing: 

Bring the apparel you can't live without, but that's it! Everything else you can buy here and will want to buy here is 75% less than you would at home. However, shoes are very important. They have plenty of options here, but as sizes are different (especially if you have larger feet) use the extra room in your backpack for shoes. My Nikes and Tevas have been very reliable. 

Electronics: 

We bought a great travel adaptor from Amazon, which has usb ports and outlets for efficient charging sessions. We also bought this external battery, which has been very reliable for charging our phones while traveling. Of course, bring your camera and GoPro. 

Surviving Songkran

Guest blog post alert! Check out one of our teacher alum, Kirsty Turner's, take on Songkran, the Thai New Year. 

Unlike New Year in the Western world, Thai New Year lasts for a total of three days and is celebrated in the middle of April. While this occasion features a number of events such as visiting family, trips to the temple and the giving of gifts, for many people the main event is a massive street party where people throw water at each other.

In every city, town and village throughout Thailand people take to the streets during Songkran (the Thai name for this special occasion) and let off steam by hurling water at anyone they meet while laughing and greeting them warmly.

When I first experienced Songkran in Bangkok I was completely overwhelmed. Everywhere I went people flung buckets of icy water at me or sprayed me with hosepipes. Before I had even walked to the end of the street, both and I my belongings were soaked through. Despite the scorching hot day, I felt less than impressed as strangers repeatedly approached me and laughed as they doused me with water. The wetter I became to angrier I seemed to feel, and before long I had abandoned my plans and retreated to my apartment.

For the next couple of years I managed to avoid Songkran completely, choosing to stock up on supplies and spend the holiday relaxing at home. I had decided that Songkran simply wasn’t for me, until one year when a friend managed to persuade me to ditch my attitude and join in the fun.

As I battled my way through the crowds to our arranged meeting point at the top of Khaosan Road I wasn’t exactly feeling in the party mood. However, this time I was armed with a large water gun and ready to do battle.

My friend greeted me warmly and dragged me into the thickest part of the crowd. As we walked, the people passing by threw water at us and we responded by firing shots from our water pistols. As we weaved in and out of the crowd shooting water at people and chasing those who tried to get away, I suddenly realised I was having fun. The smiles and laughter of everyone around me were infectious, and the Thai people seemed genuinely pleased that I was joining in. Above all else, we had been given permission to behave like children, and the urge to forget our troubles and simply play was very strong.

Like it or loath it, there is no way of avoiding Songkran in the Land of Smiles, as it is enthusiastically celebrated everywhere in the country. It only happens once a year, and this is the perfect opportunity to interact and have fun with Thai people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Thai people great each other at this time of year by saying “sabai dee pii mai”, which means happy New Year. When someone greets you in this way, it is important to greet them back before squirting them with water or covering them in talcum powder.

Thanks again Kirsty! If you liked what you read, check out some of her adventure books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Confession-Coward-Adventure-Kirsty-Turner-ebook/dp/B007XB8M3Q

APRIL 7, 2018

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10 Reasons to Teach English in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Here's our top 10 reasons why you should teach english in Chiang Mai, Thailand and you can see for yourself if it feels right for you. Chiang Mai, Thailand was voted as "Best City in Asia" by Travel and Leisure Magazine, three years in a row. It also came in third in the "World's Top 15 Cities." Each city is ranked on culture, food, friendliness, value, and many other factors.

 1. The Quality of Life

Services are very affordable, so you'll find yourself having extra time doing things you love, instead of laundry, cooking, and cleaning (unless you love those activities, go for it!). 

2. It's Cheap

Teaching salaries in Chiang Mai do not boast as high of wages as say Korea or Japan, but the workload is much lower. The salary you make is more than enough to save or live a luxurious lifestyle. An entry level teaching job pays 30,000 baht a month about $950 USD. To put that in perspective, you can have a luxury condo with a 24 hr security guard, pool, and gym in a central location for $250 a month. You can live a lifestyle that you'd never thought you'd be able to. 

3. The Convenience

Everything is at your fingertips in Chiang Mai! Thailand is considered a third world country, but when you step foot inside its cities you would never know. The city has extremely modern shopping malls with everything from ice skating rinks to kiosks where you can get a picture of your face printed on a pancake. 

Paying for bills has never been easier. Every mall has the kiosks you need to pay your bills. In some cases, you can even pay your bills at 7-Eleven. Yes, 7/11! These convenience stores are a staple in Thailand. There are over 10,000 7-Elevens in Thailand. 

4. Safety

Thailand is an extremely safe country. Of course any common sense related to traveling must be used here. More stories are told about people losing items and getting them returned in a generous way, over people actually getting things stolen. Thai people are some of the nicest in the world. Women are respected and the country is very accepting towards foreigners. It is also a popular country for solo female travelers.  

5. Nature

Chiang Mai is a city surrounded by mountains. Waterfalls, viewpoints, and hot springs are all within reach from the city. Hop on your motorbike, grab a songthaew (red trucks used for mass transit), or call an Uber and you'll be in another world in 30 mins. 

6. The Food Scene

Not only does Chiang Mai have amazing Thai food, it also has incredibly high quality international food from all over the world. Many foreigners from different countries start restaurants which enable many of us to have special tastes in our new home away from home. Mexican food, Middle Eastern Food, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Italian are just some cuisines easily accessible. 

The city is also extremely vegan and vegetarian friendly. There are both Thai and Western restaurants dedicated soley to vegetarians and clean eating. Also, if you have any food allergies, they are very accepting of them.

7. The Markets

At any time of the day or night, 7 days a week, you will be able to find a market to explore. Instead of paying for overpriced produce at grocery stores, markets are gold minds of the freshest fruit and vegetables. You can buy 8 kilos of fresh fruit and veggies for $25.Markets also have fresh prepared food available. So many options! 

There are also many shopping markets in Chiang Mai perfect for souvenirs and clothing. 

8. Travel Opportunities

CNX, Chiang Mai International Airport, is only becoming more and more accessible to long-haul international travel. China Southern, China Eastern, and Air China boast very affordable flights to the East and West Coast of the USA. In the past it would be necessary to fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok for all International flights, but now there are even more direct flight options. 

Budget airlines, such a Air Asia and Thai Lion, make it very cheap and accessible to fly to top destinations in South East Asia including, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Laos. You can easily get anywhere in the whole world from Chiang Mai. 

9. Affordable Health Care/ Health Services

Health services are very convenient in this country. If you are sick or injured, you do not go to a "doctor's office," you just go directly to the hospital, which are all open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Most hospitals have signs saying "If you've been waiting for 20 minutes, please notify us," which is an incredibly short time for any of us who have spent hours in western Emergency rooms. The hospitals are extremely clean and modern. As a foreigner when you walk into the hospital, they'll be sure to direct you to an English speaking doctor or nurse.

They handle everything at the hospital. In 3 hours it is possible to have seen 4 nurses, 2 doctors, had a flu test, blood test, received the results, and were given your antibiotics. All in one location, in two hours, and for $60USD (without insurance). Many schools provide insurance for the teachers, which is very helpful as it will cover basic visits. 

10. The Expat Community

Chiang Mai attracts creative and driven people. So many people move to Chiang Mai to have the opportunity to pursue passions that they didn't have the time for in their home country. Due to the affordability of the city, they are able to pursue less lucrative side projects, the ones that make them the happiest. This leaves passionate happy people all around this city, excited about life. There's always events going on and you'll never be bored. The amount of options can even be overwhelming at times. You'll never feel alone in Chiang Mai, there is always someone with the same interests and story as you. 

How to Legally Work as an English Teacher in Thailand

Are you feeling that it's time for an adventure? Do you want the chance to live abroad and make money? Are you worried about the legality process of working in a different country? Well, we have all the answers for you about how to legally work as an English Teacher in Thailand.

We believe that teaching abroad changes lives for the better. It is amazing to watch our teachers’ growth from the first day they arrived at orientation in Thailand to their last day of teaching.

1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree in any Subject

To get a work permit in Thailand, which allows you to legally be an English Teacher in Thailand for a year and can be renewed each year, you must have a Bachelor’s degree. These are one of the documents required by the Ministry of Education when you submit your information for the visa. Don't worry about the visa process. Most schools in Thailand have an immigration department specifically for foreign teachers. Be sure to arrive with copies of your diploma, transcript and passport. 

2. Get your TEFL

Many schools require that you have a TEFL. Your salary will be higher if you have your TEFL. Don't worry, through our programs we help you get your TEFL online before you arrive. You have two months to complete it once you begin and can complete it at your own pace. Many teachers ask us whether it is better to get the TEFL in person or online. We believe that the best teaching experience will happen in the classroom. In your first week orientation we will train you to lesson plan correctly and work on classroom management skills.

3. Make your CV Shine

Don’t have teaching experience? Not a problem. I guarantee you have some experience that you can put on your resume or talk about in your interview. Do you have a younger sister? Were you a camp counselor? Have you tutored students before? These are all valid work experiences that the employers want to hear about. We edit your CV through our program, to put you in the best position possible in finding a teaching position.

Types of Schools:

There are 3 different types of schools in Thailand. They are Private, Government, and International. If you have an accredited degree in education, you will most likely be able to teach at an International School. In Chiang Mai many International Schools pay up to $2,500 USD a month.

However, if you just have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject, private schools are for you. They pay an average of $1,000 USD a month. They are often less involved as International Schools. You end up having a lot of free time throughout the day.

Additional Perks as a Teacher:

Having a work visa and work permit through your school is the best way to stay in Thailand. There is a whole department at your school who’s job it is to make sure everything is right with your visa. You will realize how great it is to not have to worry about visa runs.

There’s nothing better than getting paid when you’re not working. Well, lucky for you there are over 16 Thai public holidays a year and many weeks off between semesters. Life as an English Teacher in Thailand definitely gives you the best work life balance.

Now you know how to legally work as an English Teacher in Thailand is easier than you expected. Let’s help you choose the program that’s right for you and get your adventure started today.