Thailand Changed My Life

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.