Solid Support, With Room to Grow

I taught in Thailand with the help from this company in 2021–2022 during the COVID pandemic. I discovered them through the company Greenheart Travel. That year was an incredibly uncertain time to relocate internationally, but considering the global chaos, they handled the process well. Communication was consistent and clear, and I always understood the steps required to secure the proper visa and prepare for departure.

I also completed their online TEFL course, which I found genuinely helpful. The instructor did a great job preparing us for the realities of teaching large classrooms in Thailand. We discussed classroom management, lesson planning, and how to handle situations where students simply don’t understand you no matter how clearly you explain. Because of school closures, we couldn’t complete in-person teaching demos. Instead, we presented lessons to other trainees once we arrived in Thailand. It was awkward at first, but it built confidence and helped reduce the nerves of speaking in front of a classroom.

Orientation week included cultural workshops and group activities. Some of the language and culture sessions felt basic to me, though many participants found them useful and engaging. The social outings were well intentioned, but I noticed that people who arrived with friends or partners tended to stick together. As an introvert who arrived alone, that made bonding a bit challenging. The company also created Line and Facebook groups to encourage connection and support between teachers, but they were mostly inactive. Still, I appreciated having a gradual introduction to the company and the country rather than being thrown directly into full-time teaching.

Accommodation during orientation was simple and somewhat run-down. There were hotel and hostel options, and many participants complained about outdated facilities, firm mattresses, and older air-conditioning units. While it wasn’t luxurious, I later realized it reflected the reality of how many locals live. That said, given the cost of these programs, slightly more comfortable housing during such a major life transition would improve the overall experience.

Job placement was initially confusing. I specifically requested placement in a major city but was repeatedly offered rural towns. Meanwhile, some participants who wanted rural placements were offered larger cities. I’m not sure how those decisions were made. In the end, I was placed in Lampang and signed a contract with a local agency, which turned out to be one of the best teaching experiences of my life.

The main reason I eventually left my school was salary transparency. The difference between what schools pay agencies and what teachers ultimately receive can be significant. While adults are responsible for managing their own finances, I believe the program could better prepare teachers for the financial realities of living in Thailand — including rent, food, transportation, and classroom materials. A more open discussion about budgeting and agency structures would help teachers make informed decisions.

When my contract ended and I was transitioning to a new school, I faced visa complications between cancellation and transfer. A staff member eventually reached out privately to offer guidance, which I appreciated. However, I hadn’t realized I could still seek support after placement, so clearer communication about post-contract assistance would be helpful.

Overall, I had a positive experience and left with some of my most meaningful teaching memories. While there is room for improvement — particularly regarding accommodation comfort, placement transparency, and financial guidance — the company provided solid preparation and support during a very challenging global period. I would still recommend them to others considering teaching in Thailand.