Submit your own 'Great Escape' »
Blaise Bettencourt
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Seoul, South Korea, July 2007 to the Samsung Human Resource Development Center
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
9 months.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
I couldn't make financial ends meet. My student loan debt responsibilities were consuming about 40% of my Bangkok University salary. Hence, my quality of life was quite low. Also the pollution was overwhelming.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Salary, benefits package including transportation, housing, and meals. Vacation time is generous, 35 days paid not including local holidays. Excellent work environment, supportive staff and government officials that support the process!
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The Thai people! The food! The Architecture. The traditions, The Royal Family, in particular the King. The passion and international feel of Bangkok!
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Thailand if they have no debt. Korea in particular Samsung's Human Resource Department if they are looking for a structured environment.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Always have plans and dreams. Once my debt is retired, I would love to relocate permanently in Thailand.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Keeping in mind the three fundamentals of Thai culture - Sabaii, Suway and Sanuk! - a guest living and working in Thailand can have the experience of a lifetime. My first trip to Thailand was in July 1988. A retired vet was on the plane-ride over sitting next to me. With my Lonely Planet guide-book in hand frantically reading....approaching the 11.30pm arrival without a reservation or real plan...we began talking. He told me that Thailand is like the Eagles song, "Hotel California," and that comment has stuck with me to this day. This may be heaven or this may be hell. Moreover, you can check out any time you want, but you may never leave!
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In Thailand the government has set 2012 as English Speaking Year with a goal of encouraging students to converse in English every Monday. Such policies are useful but the major leap of enacting legislation to make English an official language for Thailand is also needed
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The integration of internet and computers with education and English learning is something students find normal, and classrooms without some access to educational software may seem quaint. Some students may even feel they can get more ‘professional' teaching from the numerous online ELT sites if a school is behind in IT.
About Ajarn.com
Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.
Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.
