The Great Escape

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I went back to the United States in March of 2012

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

A little over 10 years. I arrived in Bangkok 7 days before 9/11 on September 4, 2001

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Ten years just seemed like enough to me. My mother was 60 when I left the states and 70 when I returned. I wanted to spend time with her, and I also wanted to get back in touch with my friends and with what it meant to be an American living IN America.

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

It's been nice getting back into the groove of being in America. It's great spending time with family and friends. I found a nice job (not teaching), a great house to rent and a great group of old and new friends. It really is nice being back into being part of a culture that I completely understand. And things are just easier here in many ways.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

The weather, the food.... the excitement of being on an adventure and learning something new every day.

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

If you want to have fun, go to Thailand. If you are a teacher who is passionate about improving the lives of your students long-term, then steer clear of Thailand. They know exactly how they want their educational system to be. For the most part, if you try to suggest improvements or changes of any kind, you only end up frustrating yourself and giving yourself the reputation of being a "boat rocker".

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

To visit, certainly. Thailand was my home for a decade. But I don't think I'd want to work there again.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Not really.