The Best Decision in the World

Teaching in Thailand had to be the smartest decision I ever made. Before coming to Thailand, I had no idea what to expect. I have travelled in my past, but to move to a country on the other side of the world was a huge change for me. I have always lived in a city, and when I got my initial placement in a rural village, I was extremely nervous. However, being placed in a rural village ended up being the best part about my time in Thailand.

I remember when I looked up my town it didn't even show up on Google. I was a bit apprehensive thinking I would be out in the middle of nowhere but that wasn't the case at all. I was surrounded by such beautiful scenery and was an easy motorbike ride to the city. The amount of help and support I had from my host school was incredible. People bent over backwards to help me in any way that they could. I never met such a kind and loving culture especially when it came to the people in my village. When it came time for me to fly back to the states, my eyes filled with tears saying goodbye to my local friends, like the lady who sold me fruit, the family who fixed my motorbike, and the family who made me dinner once a week. Being in my little village ended up being my favorite part of living in Thailand.

Travel was always a big priority of mine and I was able to have an incredible balance between having a true authentic Thai experience during the week and being a tourist on the weekends. I think being in a rural town really opens your eyes to a "true" Thai experience whether it was helping plant rice in the fields, riding your motorbike at sunset and stumbling across a hill tribe village, or even just singing karaoke with your neighbors while you try exotic foods. I never once felt alone because I was always surrounded by such a strong support system. My co-workers treated me like a family member and you were really able to immerse yourself with the locals in town. I personally think that being placed in a rural community in Thailand was such a blessing.

I moved to Thailand alone hoping for an adventure of a lifetime and it sure paid off. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Because Thailand was such a positive experience for me, I am planning to continue to teach abroad for a few more years. I hope the next place I teach will provide me with an amazing experience like my time in rural Thailand.