Submit your own 'Great Escape' »
Tristan
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Back to the UK fairly recently.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Two years in several top universities, teaching art and literature, and academic English to post graduates.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
I have a great respect for the academy. I like what I do. I love art and literature. There is zero academic integrity in any of the institutions I encountered in Thailand. Particularly the so called, "best universities in the country." I taught academic English to graduates who knew nothing about their own field. Computer engineers who knew nothing about computers, and civil engineers who knew nothing about engineering. It became clear why the infrastructure in Thailand is such a shambles. It's such a shame.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
I get paid a lot more. I don't have to beg for my pay cheque. I don't have to be the only person in the staffroom properly qualified, and I don't have to explain the concept of gravity to graduates from the best university in the country (seriously)
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Fresh coconut, Chang mai and my secretary.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
It's a good experience in Thailand - but if you value your work, move on.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Holidays 
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Take it for what it is. Teaching in Thailand is a good excuse to try out new techniques. However, like I said, if you're serious about academic work, then Thailand isn't for you. Live the life you love.
Featured Teachers
-
Radhika
Diploma (1), Certificate (1)
Thai (female, 23 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Tyree
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
American (male, 55 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Kenneth
Certificate (2)
British (male, 62 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Fonkeng
BSc (1), Certificate (1)
Cameroonian (male, 27 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Dean
PGCE (1), Diploma (1), BA (1)
British (male, 42 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Nigel
BA (1), BSc (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 52 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Valmont
Certificate (1), Diploma (1)
American (male, 41 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Thomas
BA (1)
Filipino (male, 23 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Apple Joy
BSc (1), Certificate (1)
Filipino (female, 24 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Genevieve
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
Filipino (female, 34 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Most recently answered question:
Would employers consider hiring someone with a vision impairment disability?
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.
