There are several reasons why I selected to teach through CIEE over the field and I continue to be pleasantly surprised by their service and support. CIEE has exceeded all of my expectations. They truly care about your well-being through the application process, predeparture, placement, and school semester.

The primary reason I applied through CIEE was the numerous benefits and accommodations their programs provide. The teach in Thailand program offered the opportunity to teach other subjects, 24/7 program support and assistance for the duration of your stay, orientation/training, and a social network of other participants all in the same circumstance. CIEE honestly cares about your placement preferences too, I know that it is difficult to satisfy everyone's requests but they did a great job with mine and I know fellow participants that were also extremely pleased.

CIEE also does their absolute best effort to prepare you for departure. From learning about cultural and classroom norms to visa assistance and online webinars. CIEE provided all the materials you could possibly need and the availability for specific concerns/questions is unmatched. I went into orientation with absolutely zero training or teaching experience. CIEE and OEG do a phenomenal job at making you feel comfortable in a classroom and give you the tools to be a successful teacher. I cannot stress enough how important orientation was, I would have been absolutely lost walking into a class on the first day without it.

Needless to say, Thailand is an absolutely gorgeous country with some of the kindest people on the globe. I have been easily able to balance my work/travel time and have had a couple hundred “once in a lifetime” experiences. CIEE teach in Thailand is unrivaled.

My time teaching in Thailand has been one of the best experiences of my life! I was located in the small province of Phrae approximately 4 hours southeast of Chiang Mai. I was able to meet new friends in my town, find my love for all things teaching and travel to places that I had only dreamed of in the past. Phrae has become my home away from home.

CIEE and OEG are so supportive and ready to help with whatever comes your way. From beginning my application to the end of my school year they were always there offering advice and help along the way.

This program is unique in that it gives you a chance to see new places but build lifelong relationships with the people that live there. This is not simply an opportunity to travel, it is a relationship and experience builder that you will never regret. Take the leap, everything comes along the way. You will find strength you didn’t even know you had. I fell in love with the country and its wonderful people and have found the opportunity to work full time here. Thank you CIEE and OEG!

I decided to teach in Thailand with CIEE because I wanted to travel and immerse myself in a new culture while still pursuing my passion for education. It was not an easy choice to make, but leaving my teaching job at home for this experience was the best decision of my life! At orientation, I met amazing new friends who are now my travel buddies. We teach on the weekdays and travel to new places on the weekends. Thailand has so much to offer: beautiful beaches, delicious food, scenic mountains, and smiling people. Every day is a new adventure!

CIEE supports you throughout the entire program and provides travel insurance. They also provide housing which is so nice!! Orientation was so informative and everyone was so friendly. If you encounter any issues at your school you can count on CIEE to help you with communication barriers and misunderstandings! I highly recommend this program.

My experience this past year has been nothing short of incredible and I owe much of my thanks to CIEE for making it all possible. From the smooth application process to finding me a school to work at & a place to live to hosting a week-long orientation in Bangkok where I established some lifelong friendships, providing excellent assistance every step of the way, I can say with confidence that CIEE is the best choice when it comes to great service and an easy transition into a new life teaching English abroad. If you're reading this and still wondering if teaching abroad in Thailand is the right choice for you, I think you should stop second-guessing yourself and take the leap! There's a popular quote that goes something like, "Twenty years from now you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did," so stop hesitating, start living, and trust that CIEE will help you achieve your wildest dreams.

CIEE/OEG is an amazing program that has opened my eyes to a bigger world. Prior to this program I had never left the USA and I had never been in front of a class. I was getting waaay outside my comfort zone, but CIEE, OEG, and my Thai school coordinators have been so incredibly supportive. From the CIEE application and placement process through CIEE/OEG orientation in Bangkok I was guided by an efficient and capable staff. All my questions answered, all of my worries addressed, and a wealth of knowledge shared. Even after moving to my placement school, I am connected to an extensive network of fellow teachers and alumni that I can reach out to for advice/encouragement. Nongphai School has welcomed me with open arms and the faculty, staff, and students have made me feel at home. CIEE and OEG works very closely with their partner schools to prepare for all types of expats, from experienced teachers and travelers to novices like me!

CIEE is very well organized, and the resources they provide are very useful. This was my first time teaching, and I felt that the orientation prepared me well for the classroom despite my experience. CIEE's orientation was also a great place to meet fellow teachers and make friends.

The year's worth of travel insurance was also a great value and provided some great piece of mind (mostly for my mother).

My experience in Thailand was life changing and perspective changing- if I could do it again, I would do it all the same through CIEE.

More updates pending recovery.

While I generally feel safe walking among the locals as well as the school I was placed at, operating a motor vehicle, particularly a motorcycle, on local roads is NOT an activity to be taken lightly in this part of the world! Be sure your vehicle registration, taxes, and insurance are up to date. Be sure you are licensed in your home country and Thailand for the class of vehicle you wish to operate. Be sure whatever travel medical insurance plans you have are up to date. Spending time in hospitals in any part of the world doesn't make for the most enjoyable experiences of your travels.

Communication difficulties will abound, even between the most educated of individuals. You'll need the patience of Job in order to get through them at times.

My year teaching in Thailand was the best cultural experience I've ever had! I made so many incredible friendships with Thai teachers and locals within my community. I was able to travel to many places in Thailand and SE Asia. Some of my favorite moments were: making colorful bamboo lanterns with my students for a Thai water festival, scuba diving in Koh Tao, trying different Thai flavors at local markets, jumping into gushing waterfalls, and hanging out with elephants in the northern province of Chiang Mai!

The CIEE support network was very helpful as I adjusted to life in Thailand. From teaching tips to travel ideas, they covered it all. For future participants, don't be afraid to make the move to SE Asia. There are plenty of resources to assist you in the transition.

Not only did this experience allow me to see another part of the world that I've never explored before, but also to truly make a difference. Teaching English as a Foreign Language is creating a brighter future for children through language education. Connecting the world through English! If you want to do something impactful and rewarding then teach abroad. You won't be disappointed!