The Great Escape

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

From Bangkok to China in August 2004.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

5 years (1997-2002)

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Visa Run and Money. I got tired of going in and out of Thailand for visa plus the salary was not enough to live a decent life.

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

Definitely, the salary is much, much better. I am not a native speaker of English but they pay me like a native speaker because my qualifications and teaching experiences are more important with my present employer. I've been here for 3 years now and will be here as long as they want me. Teaching load is nothing compared to Thailand. I teach 4 days, 16 hours a week. I only have to be in school during my class time. I can go anywhere I want to when my classes are over. On top of that, I have a free single fully-furnished apartment (inside the campus which is good for my security) with a computer and 24 - hour internet connection, and even my drinking water is free. Air tickets are reimbursed at the end of a year contract. My university gives us travelling allowance, which is good enough to travel around China), a bicycle to go around the place and a year-end bonus. So many paid holidays like 7 days in October (for National Day), 40 days in January or February (for Spring Festival) and 7 days in May (for Labor Day). What more can I ask for?

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Thai Food

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

I would say new teachers must seek work in their home country first before they explore other countries.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Yes...but just for traveling.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

All I can say is that there's life after Thailand. To all my fellow Filipinos out there, don't lose heart in finding jobs in other countries. We are not native speakers of English but there are many employers who want to hire us because we are hardworking, shrewd, and ingenious people. Mabuhay tayong mga Filipinos!!!