Submit your own 'Great Escape' »
Paul Rogers
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Oman, Qatar, 2008
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
6 years
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
Three reasons: Firstly, I wanted to attain more experience of teaching nationalities other than Thais. Secondly, I became a father and suddenly realised that there wasn't only myself to think about anymore. Therefore, the far higher salary that I earn here would help secure some financial security for both myself and my child. Finally, after 6 years in Thailand, I started to go through a complacency stage, one which I never thought i would experience. On paper, I had a very good job teaching full-time at an international hospital. The pay was very reasonable by Thai standards, but I felt that 6 days holiday a year were not quite enough. Now I get full university holidays which enable me to spend all my holiday time back in Thailand, including a nine-week break in the summer. I was also starting to tire of the same old night spots. Coming here has helped me to appreciate my life in Thailand again.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Salary, holidays and nothing else.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Everything - the chilled way of life, MOST of the people, the students, my condo, the food, the beaches. The list goes on. However, I don't miss Songkran. That is something I am glad to be away from.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Well, I can only speak for myself, but as the old saying goes... if I had the chance to change the past, I wouldn't change one second of it. I will always love Thailand and have no regrets.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Definitely, though maybe not in a working capacity. I have done my time there and it would have to be a good job to tempt me. However, as I have previously stated, I come back about four times a year on my vacations.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Live the dream, but if the magic starts to fade, then don't just start whining like some folks. Do something about it. Thank you Thailand for opening my eyes. And a big thanks to Text and Talk for giving me a start.
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Ajarn Guests
Fear of change?
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
Software for student tests
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.
Whatever happened to the shopping mall teacher?
They are the shopping mall English teachers - gliding like pale, undernourished phantoms amid the hordes of weekend Thai shoppers. The main reason I empathize with the shopping mall teacher is because I was once one myself. I know how desperate and soul-destroying it can be.
Most recently answered question:
Are there any teaching agencies in Bangkok that I can just walk into?
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.
