What are you waiting for?!!

Overall experience: I don't regret one second of my experience, the good and the not so good. I made amazing friends (American and Thai) and ha incredible experiences.

Location: I was teaching in Suphanburi, a large province about 2hrs. north of Bangkok. It was just like living in a suburb. The community was safe and quiet. Plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping. The best perk was the food. It tastes incredibly better and it's cheaper than the tourist areas.

Accommodations: It varies greatly depending on location and availability. My living accommodations at Yoo Dee Mee Souk were better than I ever expected. Each teacher received their own studio apartment with bathroom and AC unit. Basic furnishings (bed, desk, chair, clothes chest) Refridgerator, water boiler and microwave. In the lobby of the building was laundry, massage parlor and small convenient store (all reasonably priced)

School: I was very happy at Sa-nguan Ying. All of the students very nice and well behaved. The other teachers were very helpful and accommodations. Only a few of the classrooms have AC. All of the classrooms have a computer with speakers and a projection screen. The classes habe a large amount of student (sometimes 50+) but you dont teach alone. You are paired with another foreign teacher, and a local teacher checks in to translate if necessary. The local teachers use a microphone so all of the students can hear. Te school also provided lunch for the teachers but you are welcome to buy what the kids eat. We were paid once a month by the school. They helped us open local bank accounts so that we would have direct deposit and ATM cards. Rent money was included in our check. AC an utilities vary based on use so we were responsible for paying that. The dress code is very easy to follow for foreign teachers. Girls, long skirt or dress (at the knee or longer) and a modest top tucked in. Guys, pants and a polo top tucked in. On certain days the local teachers where specific colors (holidays ect). The foreign teachers are not required, but are encouraged.

Transportation: I was under the impression that I would be walking everywhere. You can, but there are faster ways to get around! I'll lost them from cheapest to most expensive. 1. Song Tau (sp?) it's basically a covered pick up truck with benches in the back. It basically serves as the city bus. They have designated routes and they are super cheap to ride 2. Tuk tuk: it is basically the Thailand taxi. Price can always be negotiated. 3. Van: when you want to travel between cities/provinces, Thailand has a van system. It's a 10 passenger van with AC. 4. Motor bike: you can rent your own motor bike, but it is also a little dangerous so many student choose other options.

People: Thailand is known as the land of smiles. You will run into some very nice locals who are willing to help you anyway they can. However I will make a special note that as a woman of color, I did have some uncomfortable encounters because I looked different. People in Asia use skin whitener, and they also see many fair skin foreigners in their country. However people of color are very few and far between. There were times I felt like an outcast as people would stare at me. Also note that the Thai people are not very deadline oriented. If you are used to extensive planning and you need to know information in advance or need things done quickly, you may become frustrated adjusted to a new way of life.