Settling in and starting my journey

My experience teaching in Thailand after using the Fewer Things company has already been genuinely life-changing, and far more rewarding than I ever expected. From the moment I applied the company has been consistently supportive, communicative, and present. One thing that stood out immediately was how quickly they responded to every question I had (and there was many). No matter how small the query was, i always received a helpful, reassuring answer the same day. That level of communication made the hard transition to living and working abroad a lot easier.

When I arrived in Thailand and began my role as a teacher, A Fewer Things continued to check in, making sure i felt safe, confident and settled. In my second week i managed to break my laptop-a complete panic moment considering how much i needed it for work. But my fellow teachers and Thai teachers at school stepped in. They helped me get it repaired by telling me where was best to go. Their kindness made me feel immediately welcomed and supported. This workspace has a real sense of community.

I was really lucky with my placement in Chonburi. I live near the beach! The beaches at Bangsaen is beautiful, with lots of cafes and street markets. I have struggled with home sickness as I have left so much behind. But i feel safe and settled here which i'm sure will allow me to grow not only as a teacher but as a person! I'm learning to be more independent and organised and hopefully more capable than I ever realised I could be.

This experience has even propelled me to apply for a PGCE back home, something I might not have felt prepared for without the confidence and classroom experience I’m gaining here.

Another major transformation has been financial. Before coming here, travelling felt unrealistic for me—I’ve never been the best at budgeting or saving money, and long-term travel always seemed out of reach. But the structure, security, and affordability of living here have changed that completely. For the first time in my life, I’ve started to manage my money well enough not only to live comfortably but to save. I should be able to save enough money that I can go solo backpacking for a month or two, which has always been a dream of mine. The fact that this opportunity has made this dream reachable means more to me than I can express.

Overall, my experience so far with A Fewer Things has been positive, empowering, and deeply meaningful. I’ve felt supported at every stage, I’m growing professionally and personally. I’d recommend this programme to anyone considering teaching abroad—it has opened doors for me I didn’t think I’d ever be able to walk through.