Jump In, Don't Look Back

While most of my friends spent their last couple of months at school stressing over jobs, interviews and salaries, I kept myself busy deciding on my choice of placement in Thailand. I decided to teach in Thailand during my last year of university, and I haven’t looked back since.

Before I began searching for teaching opportunities, I reached out to a couple of friends who had previously taught in the Land of Smiles. Although none of them had chosen CIEE as their provider, almost all recommended the “Teach English Abroad in Thailand with CIEE” program for its reputation, value and placements. CIEE's sign-up process was simple, easy to navigate and full of details. From applying for a Thai Non-B Immigrant Visa to accepting my school placement, CIEE ensured that the stressful part of applying was anything but stressful.

I'm currently teaching in Phetchabun, a town just 4-5 hours north of Bangkok. What Phetchabun lacks in skyscrapers and "concrete jungles," it makes up for in beautiful landscapes, adventurous hikes and authentic Thai experiences. My placement with CIEE is exactly what I wanted and as I continue to teach for a second semester, I couldn't be happier.

The school day in Thailand starts off with assembly at 8 a.m. sharp. There, students sing the National Anthem, listen to announcements and recite prayers. During one particular morning, I noticed students pulling out money from their pockets. After a couple of minutes of confusion -- and many minutes of asking around -- I learned that the students were collecting money for an out-of-district student whose home had burned down. While students in the States will gladly raise money for their own sports teams, it's hard to imagine American students raising money for someone who doesn't attend their own school.

If you're looking to teach in Thailand, but are unsure about the process, I highly recommend looking into CIEE's vast network of current and former participants. CIEE's application platform is easy to understand and simple to use.