Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to China in early April of this year.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I was there for three years and worked at three different secondary schools.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I think there were two main reasons. Firstly, I got tired of changing schools at the end of every school year and moving apartments, etc. Secondly, I really wanted to give China a go. I have a good friend who has just completed his fourth year in China and his school were desperate for teachers, so I thought why not give it a go. The time just felt right to make a move.

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

Well, I've only been here for a couple of months so it's difficult to make any comprehensive judgments but I have to say 'so far, so good'. The students are generally polite and motivated. The school has paid on time and sorted out decent accommodation for me. In short, they've done everything they promised to help me settle in. Ask me the same question in a year's time and the answer might be very different though :)

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Nothing really at the moment. I suppose outside of school hours, life feels a lot more relaxed in Thailand, but inside the classroom, teaching English is teaching English. It doesn't really matter where you are.

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

Oh, I think Thailand is a great choice for a first-time, inexperienced teacher. The schools put very little pressure on you to perform to the highest standards and as long as you do a decent job and the students are smiling, everyone goes home happy. I don't think I was ever observed once in my whole time there. I would like to have been but school management didn't seem to care as long as there were no complaints coming in.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

I think I need to get a year in China under my belt first - and then I'll let you know.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

I think the fact that Thailand is a very 'easy' country to teach in is both its advantage and disadvantage. You can easily find yourself just drifting from day to day and not really getting anywhere, certainly in terms of professional development - but I suppose much depends on what school you work for.