This is my second time leaving the U.S.A., and it is the first time living in another country for an extended amount of time. For me, coming to Thailand was not something I had planned; honestly, it was quite the opposite. I stumbled upon the opportunity in mid February, applied by March 1, agreed to coming to Thailand in mid March, and left for Thailand during the first of May. I describe that period time as "excitedly nervous". The idea of living in a new culture with new opportunities, new places to see, new customs, new food, etc. all sounded so exciting! However, there was also the apprehension of what if I don't like it, what if I am not good at teaching English, what if I don't make friends, etc. Looking back on that time period, I can genuinely say making the decision to come to Thailand has been on of the best decisions I have ever made. Every day, I learn more about this new culture and what makes it so special. My school's location, while more remote, is filled with students and teachers that are happy that I am there and excited to interact with me, even if sometimes most of the conversation is through body movements. I live with a Thai family that makes it a priority of making me included in the community as well as showing me places that are authentic Thai. When I have questions or need help, I can count on my coordinator and OEG/CIEE to assist in any situation. I'd encourage anyone that is thinking about living abroad to check out this program and what it has to offer!

You will never feel more welcomed and loved than you are as an English teacher in the primary schools of Thailand. The children will literally run up to you and want to hug you. Even though you are not their teacher and have never met them. There are three buildings at Bannakanluang School. I teach in back building called MEP or Mini English Program. The children will call to me from out of the windows in the building in front of MEP. " Teachaaaa Teachaaaa we love you and then they will blow me kisses and give me the I love you sign with their hands." Students here from Kindigarden to 6th grade are all so excited just to say hello and wave to you. They especially love group hugs. The younger students will call to you "Teachaaa.........hello" , when you say hello back to them they giggle and laugh with each other. It is do cute.......teachaaa and hello are probably the only two English words they know.

The Thai teachers and staff are no less than delightful and will do what ever it takes to help you with your needs. One of the things I really like about the Thai culture is that the Thai people know how to dress up everyday for school. Saving the blue jeans and tee shirts for leisure.
The whole community eating thing here is a bit much for me to take since I am very germ conscious. I love having company to eat with but I am not willing to eat out of the same bowl that others have dipped their spoons into. But the Thai people eat after each other and they never think anything of it. Truly a real since of FAMILY is felt among all.
I have been here for just over a month and I can tell you two things FOR SURE! 1. I want to live the remaining years of my life here. 2. In the beginning it is PARADOX !! It is so FABULOUS and at the same time there are several adjustments to make. The feeling of being frustrated and not being able to speak Thai makes it difficult.
On that note, I recommend learning to speak Thai as soon as possible before arriving. Everything came so fast and it took all of my time to work, purge and prepare for my arrival here I didn't get the time to do that. NO WORRIES!! It will not take me long to learn as I have brought books and CD's. AND EVERY Thai person here is willing to teach you. It makes for a lot of laughter for both parties involved.

CIEE was so helpful during my time teaching in Thailand! I made my decision to leave last minute and they were very accommodating in helping me get my visa in order. I think the most important thing the program gives you is a network of other teachers, which is super helpful when moving to a different country. I met a lot of my friends abroad at orientation with CIEE, which made moving to a different country a lot easier. The program was even helpful after I finished my contract with them in Thailand, helping me with additional paperwork that had nothing to do with them. Overall worth every penny.

Where do I even begin?! I was unhappy with my current teaching position in the states, felt like I was getting older and hadn't experienced all that I deserved to, and had an interest in meeting new people from all walks of life. I made the sudden choice to submit my application, put down my deposit and begin a new chapter in my life. The fears, insecurities, and worries flew right out the window the second I met Elizabeth and Pa at our layover in Tokyo. I had never traveled outside of the country for more than one week, once. I was putting my faith in the CIEE organization, Thailand, and within myself. I immediately knew that Thailand would be a life changing experience for me once I started my first day of orientation. It's like freshman orientation all over again - find friends, make friends, be outgoing, explore the area, and figure out where you belong. The activities and lessons during orientation were extremely helpful. Once I got settled into my town, apartment and school, I knew I was going to fall in love even more. I taught during the week; gaining relationships with the students and staff, learning about the Thai culture and Thai school system, learning about myself and my teaching abilities in another country with a language barrier, and met other foreign teachers from all over the world that cultivated into life-long friendships. On the weekends, I'd meet up with my travel best friends, and we'd travel to a new location - exploring different towns, beaches, mountains, and cultures. We slept in tents, tiny rooms, air bnbs, hostels, and on buses. It was all worth it. Every long car ride, sketchy bus ride, or sleeping arrangement was worth it once you got to your final destination.

My favorite memory is every single person I met, and every single adventure I went on. I can't choose one. These 6 months in Thailand were the best 6 months of my entire life, without a doubt.

My only advice to you is to take very opportunity you can to experience the country you are in, speak to as many people as possible, learn about everyone and everything, and eat lots and lots of food! Live this life with your heart first, and experience all that is available to you.

I taught in Thailand for a year and it was the best! When I first got there I thought I knew what to expect. And, despite being wrong, I found my small northern village to be filled with kindness, understanding (lots of communication hiccups at the local market at first), and support from the school and community. Everyone whipped out their best body language and English to help the new teacher. Even though the foreign teachers (and local population) consisted of me and another English teacher I had a blast being immersed in a completely different culture, tackling language barriers, and working with some of the most caring students (yes, even the difficult students were kind at heart). I think the best lessons and mindset you can have (which was stressed at the OEG orientation) was that your students come first (your not JUST here to go to islands for cheap...but don't get me wrong travel is super cheap here), appreciate and get to understand their culture (this isn't America, but it is something great in a different way), and stick through those first couple months. Even though I had traveled or studied abroad the first part was challenging, but as every month passed I would looked back and laugh at the culture shock I had experienced at different times. It is called the land of smiles for a reason.

FYI Future Teachers: Baby powder does wonders for keeping bugs out of your room. Also, pick up a local kitten and your lizard/insect problems will disappear over night! Plus, it is super cheap to take your pets to the vet in Thailand. The food (especially up north) is the best in the world. I hope you like spicy, and believe it or not Pad Thai is that most boring thing on the menu. Go to Phu Chi Fah in the winter months (ask OEG staff for specifics). Oh, and when your mom packs half your bag with soap, tooth brushes, and other US products there is no need. Even my rural village had a Tesco Lotus with a ton of familiar products, similar or cheaper prices, and a Dairy Queen/KFC. But consider bringing your own toothpaste if you like a particular kind...two-three big tubes should be fine. And, most important, WEAR YOUR HELMETS when traveling by motorbike. And tell your students to wear theirs, too. With the humidity and heat your hair is never going to look so good that you can fool your self into not wearing one.

Despite any challenges that arose the staff at CIEE (stateside) and OEG (thai-side) were prompt about getting answers and results. They were all very friendly and professional. I recommend this program to anyone that is not ready to do it on their own.

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.

This program has wonderful job placement and the Chiang Mai office in particular has stellar staff. The orientation was helpful and it was a great way to meet all the other teachers that are placed around the country for support and travel companions. I was placed in a smaller city and while at first I was hesitant, in the end it turned into the best experience possible. My placement was excellent. I did feel that the cost was a bit high for the services offered.

After initially deciding to teach for a single semester in Thailand, I extended my contract and ended up staying at my school for 2 years due to the positive work environment, relationships, and satisfaction that came from teaching.

I stayed in touch with many fellow teachers in my program and everyone that I talked to had a very positive experience with CIEE and their schools. Even though I've been back in America for a few years now, I still feel like Thailand is a 'second home' of sorts and I plan to travel there and visit for the red to of my life!