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David
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Cambodia, in 2002
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
About two and half years.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
The visa and work permit thing was always a pain. In my last job, I was asked to re-submit another copy of my academic transcript, together with a letter from my university. My employer already had these, but the government powers that be wanted me to go through the whole process again.
I started teaching at another school, and the Chinese owner promised to get my visa/work permit for me. She didn't. I had had enough.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Easy to get visas......and no work permits.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Decent healthcare at very affordable prices, people obeying the rules of the road, and Thai food.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I would advise them to seek work in Thailand first. See if you like it, and research your move thoroughly. Come for a holiday first, and visit some schools/ universities. Cambodia is not for beginners.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Definitely, but only for holidays as long as the archaic bureaucracy exists.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Cambodians are extremely friendly people, genuinely so. Accommodation is noticeably more expensive, and decent healthcare is ridiculously so. If you get seriously ill (and you will), you will need a decent healthcare plan with med-evac options. In addition, the traffic will stress you out.
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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.
