Dave's Journey
Updated 8th April 2008

Inspired by Julia's Journey, ajarn.com was contacted by Dave Montgomery, a middle-aged gentleman living in sunny Florida in the USA. Dave was also planning the move to Thailand at the end of 2007, so we thought it would be a great idea to contrast Dave's journey with that of Julia's. Let's begin with the introductions and see how we get along.

9th November 2007
My name is Dave. I am 45, I live in Melbourne Florida, USA, and I'm on the verge of making a life-changing event to live in Thailand. I met my beautiful wife here in the US and found out afterwards that she was half-Thai and half-American and her father had lived in Udon Thani for the past 30 years -  and he was an English teacher.
Ever since I was a very young child I knew I wanted to live in a SE Asian country. We own a small farm with a simple Thai style house just outside Udon that I find quite relaxing and comfortable.

I have been to Udon and the surrounding area twice in the last six years. Luckily for me, my wife and in-laws have prepared me for this huge step in my life. I am nervous about doing a TEFL course as I do not really know to expect. I have read about how intense these courses can be and hope I am up to the challenge but I will approach it with the same passion I have for wanting to live in the kingdom.
Visas are the one thing that makes me worry some, as we will be coming over on one-way tickets and having read on the internet forums on how the mood of the immigration officer can make or break you on entering the county. We are planning to make the trip over sometime in mid-December so the countdown is on. We do have an escape plan in the event that everything goes sour in Thailand but I feel very optimistic.

9th November 2007
Well Dave. The countdown is well and truly on. Your story should make a very interesting contrast with Julia's. She's a British lady; you're an American guy. She plans to work in Bangkok, whereas you've obviously got your heart set on working out in the sticks.
I think many new arrivals would envy you from a distance because you've already got something of a support network set up. Even though you'll probably be living in the middle of nowhere, you haven't got to worry about ordering meals or getting your ironing done (that's assuming your wife is one of those rare domesticated types)
I think having a Thai support network can be something of a double-edged sword though. Thai family members and Thai friends can sometimes be full of well-meaning advice but I've found from experience they don't always get it right. I'd always advise you to go with your instincts and seek out people that have been there and done it. I can't think of specific examples right now but I know this way of thinking has always stood me in good stead. I'm not imploring you to rock the boat and disrupt the family harmony but think about what's best for Dave Montgomery from time to time.

I get a lot of questions from people worried about entering Thailand on one-way visas, and reading some of the popular Thailand forums you would think that people get turned away in droves. It simply isn't the case. I don't personally know a single person who's had a problem with the Thai immigration - certainly not at the airport. If there's a problem with your visa, it's usually the airline company that'll raise a red flag at the check-in counter. I presume at some stage you'll be going for the marriage visa anyway so what type of visa are you planning to arrive on. Also what TEFL course have you decided to take and what influenced your decision? I look forward to your questions. Who knows, we might have someone in Udon Thani offer their help along the way.

19th November 2007
Hi Phillip, Here is another installment of my up coming journey. So far, things here in the US are going smoothly with regard to the move but there is a little snag. Thanksgiving is just a few short days away and I am feeling a bit of family pressure to stay for the winter holidays. Seems the family would like to have both my wife and I around for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day and then have us leave. With this in mind, we will postpone our departure from the US until the middle of January when the airfares drop in price.

Getting ready to leave for a foreign country and a new life has had an interesting affect on people, along with me. One thing I have noticed is I seem to be looking at the local area with a different perspective and trying to commit the sites, sounds, smells, and experiences to memory. Living here in Florida has seen some of the best days of my life like meeting my wife, learning to fly an airplane, seeing the many launches of the Space Shuttle and other rockets, living only seven miles from the Atlantic Ocean, building my high performance VW Bug, and working for my family’s business just to name a few. As far as family and friends have been, let's just say - a little different. I have noticed that they are starting to distance themselves from me. I see it as a self-defense mechanism against having there feelings hurt by my departure but it does feel odd. For the most part our friends have expressed everything from sadness to joy and even envy from a few.

I would like to thank you Phil for forwarding the letters you have received on behalf of my story as I will write back to everyone who takes the time to write with an offer to help or ask questions. I have been talking to another teacher who has taught in Udon. He has emailed me quite a few documents on TEFL and will be a great help. I also have talked to an administrator of a school in Udon to ask from what TEFL schools he would hire someone.

In closing, I would like to thank both Phillip and you the reader for watching my story unfold before your eyes. I would like to end this letter with a quote from the song (Eminem: Lose Yourself)
“Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity, To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment, Would you capture it or just let it slip?”

7th December 2007
I have cast the first die and tempted the Gods of fate as I have enrolled in a TEFL course in Thailand. After many hours of writing and speaking with as many people that I could find to ask about different schools I have made my decision. The school that came to the top of the crowd is a sponsor of this web site. Text and Talk Academy is the winner of my hard-earned money. I feel there are two things that caused me to pick T&T over the multitude of other schools. One is the people I talked with that attended T&T and the other was speaking with Mr. Leigh Richards that works at T&T. In keeping with my desire to live and work in Isaan, I will attend T&T in Khon Kaen.

Now starts the visa processes and tying up loose ends here in the USA. Mr. Richards has been very helpful with the information on visas and I see little problems there. I am having a slight problem with importing our family parrot. So far, all I have gotten from the Royal Thai Consulate General is information on importing dogs and cats. If anyone would have any information on this, would you please forward me their letters?

I took a short trip to Tennessee to visit a favorite Aunt of mine and I was quite surprised to find she was very happy to see me start this new life on the other side of the planet. As fate would have it, we went to a Thai restaurant in Tennessee and the owner had gotten his PhD. in Khon Kaen University and agreed to help in any way he can with the contacts he still has there. My Aunt felt as though I was supposed to meet this gentleman and the path I have chosen is the correct one.

As I write this letter I can see the suitcases, my wife has packed in anticipation of our departure from the US. Many of the things one collects as time goes by are now sold, given away, or thrown away and the house is slowly emptying. It appears as that both cars will be sold along with the furniture. We are now waiting to get the visas once we have them then I shall cast the second die and buy our plane tickets and pass the point of no return. It looks like January 8 is D-Day if no major problems have to be faced.

11th December 2007
Hi Phillip, As the time is starting to wind down I have a question on what I should bring from my home country. This question should hopefully help others thinking of changing there life's and moving to Thailand.
So if you had it to do all over again what would you bring from your home country? I would like to hear about what you will need, what you should have, and what you would have liked to have brought.
So far I have warm weather clothes and a few cool weather things packed. I will bring my laptop computer, external hard drive, wireless router and wireless music bridge. The few other things I will pack are family pictures and a few core RPG gaming books. This is an appeal to both you and your readers as I will be bringing my pet Eclectus parrot to Thailand. I have been searching the Internet, talking with the Thai Consulate, and have been posting to forums with little success. I hope you or your readers may be able to help with this problem.

11th December 2007
Hi Dave. Hopefully one of our readers might be able to help you on the parrot dilemma because frankly speaking, I haven't got a clue. There's really nothing from the UK that I can't get here apart from maybe powdered cooking sauces (I always stock up on those when I go back home). Years ago in the days before the internet, I used to buy up lots of videos of my favorite TV programs but now there's hardly anything that you can't download for free. Not only is it more convenient but you can save a ton of money into the bargain. There are computer shops everywhere you look in Thailand so you needn't worry about computer hardware / software, etc. I bought a 200 GB external hard-drive just the other week and also had a fan replaced for about five dollars. Sometimes it seems like everyone has a computer here so a computer repair shop can be a very lucrative business.

11th January 2008
Hello Phillip, I have just cast my second and final die as I just received my visa and ordered my plane tickets. I would like to publicly thank Text & Talk Academy for there help in getting my visa and making the whole process simple. I feel as though I made a good choice in schools but only time will tell. If only the process of importing my parrot to Thailand could be as easy. This is where the story turns sad as due to the bird flu problem in Asia Thailand is not allowing the import of any birds. I have been lucky to have my friends watch him until one day Thailand lifts the ban on the importation of birds.

I have just talked to my father in-law and he has been informing a few of the schools in the area of my arrival and of my desire to teach English. He has told me that more than just a few are willing to take me in right off the plane but I’m sticking to my guns and going to T&T to get my TEFL and only then I feel I “might “ be ready to step into a classroom but inside I can’t wait to get started.

We will be arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12:10am local time and then I guess we will get a taxi and drive over to Don Mueang airport to catch the early flight up to Udon Thani. Suvarnabhumi is going to be a new experience for me where as going to back to Don Mueang is going to be like seeing an old friend I haven’t seen for a few years. Another experience will be dealing with Bangkok taxis and traffic but I’ve been told not to worry at this hour of the morning.

I would like to ask once I get settled in what should I try to do to get my new life started in Thailand. I will have about one month before I head off to Khon Kaen and start my classes at Text & Talk. One thing my Father in-law mentioned was getting my Thai drivers license for both car and motorcycle. I would like to hear your advice on a new resident to the land of smiles and if you may have a check list of “must do’s” to go by?

With any luck I will try to give both you and the readers a running report of my progress across the planet as I land in the different airports on my way to my new home. From what I have read on the “net” there are quite a few free Internet “hot spots” for wireless laptop users and I will try to use these to relay my reports.

I was hoping to spend a few days in Bangkok if for nothing else to meet you personally but my wife is very anxious to get back to Udon Thani and I can not blame her. Therefore I would like to extend my invention to you that if the hustle and bustle of Bangkok starts to wear on you come up to Isaan and I’ll show you around Udon. Here you will enjoy an Isaan favorite “gai yang” or a marinated and roasted chicken that is to die for. Also an Udon favorite and hoarded by the local expats is Beer Lao and golden nectar that on rare occasion I can get here in the US. I truly love to see and experience Bangkok one day maybe during a school holiday and then you can give me a few pointers on how to enjoy the “Big City” life.

11th January 2008
Hi Dave. Glad to hear that things have gone smoothly on most fronts - the exception being of course the saga with your beloved pet parrot. I can't say I'm surprised that Thailand won't allow you to bring it in with all the bird flu scares we've had over the past few years, but it was worth a try. I'm sure you have someone back home who'll take very good care of it.

I've got my parents coming to visit me on Sunday for a month and like you, even though they've used the old Don Muang airport many times, the modern Suwanabhum airport will be a totally new experience. I've flown out of Suwanabhum about three or four times now and I still can't make my mind up. It's nearer to my house than Don Muang so it's a little quicker to get to, but I liked the old airport. I knew where everything was and it was never too far to walk anywhere. The place never seemed crowded either despite being quite small by international airport standards. The moment you get dropped off at Suwanabhum and go through the automatic doors, you're overpowered by sheer numbers of people. Everywhere seems too far to walk, and I'm already bored with the choice of restaurants. One thing I did hope for when they opened the new airport was good riddance to the taxi mafia who hassle you the moment you come through the arrival gate. If anything, the new airport is worse! They really do need to sort that out. It's always a pain in the butt having to wave away those folks when you've just had a long, often sleepless flight.

I think your plan to 'take things as they come and not rush into any old job offer' is a very good one. I'm sure your father-in-law means well, but you're going to be the one working there - not him. Get the TEFL certificate under your belt, apply for some jobs in person and have a good look around each school. Decide whether you'd be happy working there. Some schools are sure to be more appealing than others. But at least you know the job opportunities are already there.

I've never lived in rural Thailand so I'm probably not the best person to ask on how to kick-start your life in Udon. However, you've got your wife, your Thai family, and once you start work, you'll make more friends - Thais and foreigners alike. I would just let life take its course and see where it leads. It's not like you're going to be Mr Lonely up there.

Thanks for the invite. I do like my 'grilled chicken and sticky rice' :) Who knows, I might get up there one day. Good luck with the journey and keep us all posted on your first few months in Thailand.

23rd January 2008
Hello Philip, I am very happy to inform both you and the readers that I am now in country and I could not be happier. I was planning on giving a running account of my travel across the globe but my email was crashing and I did not find out until today that my email server would not except email from outside the network, oh well live and learn.

We left Melbourne early in the morning and on time with calm winds and dark skies. We flew in what we call a small “puddle jumper” jet aircraft and it seems my wife's carry-on bag was a bit to large so it had to be put in the belly of the aircraft, no problem. The problem occurred when we landed in Atlanta Georgia and had to retrieve the bag outside, and by outside I mean standing in 37*F with a stiff wind blowing. By the time we got back into the terminal I was shaking for at least 10 minutes until I warmed up. Atlanta was a nice airport and well laid-out and the prices were not too expensive.

Our flight to Korea left on time and we flew in a Boeing 777 and what a great aircraft - smooth, nice seats, and every seat had a personal entertainment system that made the 15 hour flight bearable. Landing in Korea my wife got to see snow for the first time in her life from the aircraft window. Incheon International Airport again I thought was a very nice airport but the prices for food and beer were expensive to say the least.

The last leg of the journey, we left Korea on Korean Airlines on a Boeing 777-300 and although this aircraft did not have the personal entertainment systems the seat were large and comfortable and the service was top notch and I would recommend them to anyone flying. Again we left on time and had a smooth flight all the way to Bangkok.

Landing in Bangkok the first thing I notice is it’s the first time I have been warm since leaving Florida and it was a welcome feeling. Exiting the plane I get my first look at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and it was not what I was expecting. The whole place is an industrial minimalist look of steel, glass, and poured concrete. Being the Thailand I know and love so much one could see you could not hide the little blemishes on the ultra modern monster that makes Thailand, Thailand.

Standing in line I was nervous as I have been hearing horror stories about immigration. My fears where heightened when a pair of young French girls were turned back for some problem with their paperwork I think but I can not be sure. I step up to the counter and produce my passport and cross my fingers. The lady looks at my passport then asks to see my plane tickets and I think to myself “oh God what” and hold my breath. At that time my lovely wife comes bouncing up to the other lady officer next to me and informs both that I am her husband. Their attitude changed just like that and the officer stamps my passport and sends us on through. Getting our four large bags we make our way out to the taxis but the story doesn’t stop yet. Passing through customs my wife is a few people ahead of me and the customs officer want to see my luggage. I have no fear as I do not have anything to worry about but I just think about the hassle of having my luggage checked. Again my wife comes up and again a change of attitude and they just put it through the x-ray machine and give us both a salute.

I am happy to inform everyone that if they miss the taxi mafias from Don Muang then do not worry because they're at Suvarnabhumi in force - and larger than ever. Sadly due to the size and number of our bags the regular taxis wound not hold both us and the baggage so we had to use a mini van to go to Don Muang.

Driving through the outskirts of Bangkok I started to get the feeling of coming home. Arriving at Don Muang was like seeing an old friend again after being away for too long. We went inside and waited for six hours for our flight to Udon. Next time I will fly Nok Air as they leave for Udon Thani at 7:30am. As it was we flew on Thai Airlines and left for Udon at 9:00am. Well we were supposed to board at 8:55am but we did not board until 9:15 and again another reason to fly Nok.

Flying to Udon only takes 45 minutes, which was nothing after all the flying hours we had logged. Coming in over Udon I can make out landmarks and see our soi where I will be living as it is not too far from the airport. Pulling up to the gate I get another shock. Udon has ramps that attach to the plane now and we don’t have to walk down the stairs and across the tarmac and enter the terminal anymore. After getting our bags we find that the family isn’t here which is better because of all the bags we have. We hire a local man with a pick-up truck and make our way home.

Traveling out of the airport I see all the familiar sites and my heart starts to race. I can not believe how happy I am to be here. Pulling into our soi and stopping in front of the house the girl that owns a small store stares at the truck trying to figure out who this is? I wish I had a camera ready for the look on Id’s face when she sees me coming out of the truck and she screams and runs over to give both me and my wife a big hug. We walk into to the courtyard of the family estate and announce our arrival. Again the family is happy to see us once again and we are shown to our new apartment. The apartment is perfect for us as it has two large rooms, air-conditioning and a nice bathroom with hot water.

I have been here in Udon since Sunday and so far both my wife and I have our new cell phones. She has gotten her new Thai ID, and I have got a new wireless router working and did some maintenance on both my father in-law's and sister in-law's computers. Next on the list is to get my Thai drivers license and contact Text and Talk and go to Khon Kaen to meet the staff and get my books. I will be looking for a set of wheels to get around on and have already put “feelers” out looking for a 400cc+ bike.

Tonight we have had what I call a typical Isaan style dinner. To start cast iron charcoal burners are lighted and a cone shaped aluminum cooking device is placed on top. Out comes two pots of marinated meat, fresh vegetables and soup broth. We all seat outside on plastic mats talk, laugh, and drink and cook our meal. After the meal we all retire to different parts of the house to play cards, watch TV, drink more and for myself write this report.

With this latest report I hope I have given you a both a ride across the globe along with a little slice of Isaan life. Only after a few days of being here I believe I made the right decision of coming here. I do miss both my family and my beloved parrot but I have gotten emails from the family and they are both sad to see us go but happy for me as they see my new life starting. My parrot’s foster family says he is happy and doing well and I will be checking weekly in any change in a chance of him joining me in LOS. Best regards, Dave

23rd January 2008
Glad to hear that you made it to Thailand safely Dave. It's quite a journey isn't it? I'm sure I echo the thoughts of many ajarn readers by saying we look forward to hearing how things unfold for you - the TEFL course, the job hunt, those first teaching weeks, etc, etc. Keep us posted.

23rd March 2008
Hi Phil, seems like it's been forever since I last wrote to you with my ongoing story, so here is a mini update. As you know I am in the Text & Talk TEFL course here in Khon Kaen and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will be having my final exam this Tuesday and then graduation on Thursday. I would like to inform both you and your readers at the present time I am very happy with the course but it has been quite challenging to say the least. The work load of this course is very heavy and leaves little time for entertainment and just enough time to decompress before classes start again.

In this course you will teach six classes of students - and this has been an eye-opening experience. You will have many of your preconceived ideas of teaching destroyed only to be replaced with methods that help you to teach in Thailand. I must admit I enjoyed teaching the Thai kids much more than I though I would but it was also a very humbling event. We are evaluated by professional TEFL teachers and graded the same as experienced teachers so the bar has been set very high. I am happy to report that my evaluations have been in the 'very good' to excellent range. Speaking of evaluators I was evaluated by a Thai lady (and I use the term "lady" very loosely) that works in the Thai school system and at the first meeting I could see she had nothing but disdain and contempt for me. The lesson was not much fun either as the lesson I was to teach was for a pre-intermediate class but the students that came to class were beginners at best. Thinking fast I adapted the lesson as best as I could but in the end I was disappointed. The Thai woman did her best, in perfect grammar but poorly pronounced English, to tell me how awful the lesson was and she asked me why was I taking the TEFL course. She also went on to say how ALL TEFL courses are worthless here in Thailand. She came back to evaluate another student in the class I'm in and again a very poor review but this time another person listened in and the opinions were exact opposites. This 'devil woman' was told she would not be welcomed back as an evaluator anymore. I have been warned of these people working in the Thai school system - those that hate farang teachers - and now I've seen it first hand. The education I have received at T&T has gone far beyond just grammar and teaching methodology but a good primer of what to expect both good and bad in the Thai school system.

After next week I will graduate and be ready for the job hunt to start. I believe if I have timed it right doesn't the new school year start the first week of May? If this is true, is there any advice you would like to pass on in the face of all the trouble I have been reading about? I have read about this new program that the government wants all teachers to take along with news of funding being cut to schools and English programs being scrapped due to no money to pay foreign teachers. Text & Talk offers employment assistance and I will use it but I would like to hear where you think I should start or focus my efforts on looking for employment. I'll be checking again after graduation and I look forward to seeing what you have to say.
Best regards, Dave

23rd March 2008
Hi Dave. Yes it's been a while. I'm glad to hear that your TEFL course has gone well. You say that it's been tough, but these courses are not cheap. You wouldn't expect it to be an easy ride. And what's most valuable is the experience you are getting in a Thai classroom. Cometh the first day of your new job (wherever that may be) at least you'll walk into the classroom with half an idea what to expect. It's a great shame though that you met the Thai 'farang-hater'. Don't let the experience put you off teaching, because these people are definitely in the small minority.

You've certainly timed your job hunt perfectly Dave. The months of April and May are easily the busiest hiring months in Thailand, and last year, June was very busy as well. A lot of schools start back in May for the new term. It's then they find out their 'new teacher' hasn't turned up for work because he / she got a better offer at the last minute, or one week into the new term, they discover the new guy is a chronic alcoholic who can't get up in the morning (seen that happen many times). As a result, you get a lot of schools pressing the panic button in June. It certainly happened last year.

There's still a lot of confusion over this new cultural program for teachers Dave. Some schools are insisting their foreign teachers take it while other institutes are blissfully unaware of the whole thing. I would play it by ear and bring up the topic at the interview. If your new employer insists you take it then ask if they will foot the bill (if you don't ask you don't get)

When the job hunt starts in earnest, fix up as many interviews as you feel comfortable with but remember - it's a teacher's market out there. Don't even waste your time traveling to attend interviews if you're not 100% comfortable with the sound of the job. Get as much information about the position before you go. If the employer isn't willing to give you enough answers on the phone then give it a wide berth. Why don't you see what Text and Talk can offer you with their job finding service and then get back to me.

8th April 2008
Hi Phil. Here is the latest news from the sticks. I began the job search on Monday and on the short list of places I wanted to teach at were a private language school and a large government high school here in town.

I dropped in to the private language school and met with the manager. After a short interview he said he didn't have any openings at this time but he would have a few teachers going on vacation and wanted to know if I would like some part-time work. Of course I said yes. He said if he had a stream of students coming to the office saying they had enjoyed my classes, we might talk about something more permanent.

The big government high school is number one on my list simply because I have been told it's a great school to work for and I talked with a few of the falang teachers there and they seemed very happy. They told me the students are great and the hours are good. I went for my first interview and must have impressed the head of foreign teachers as he asked me to come back at the end of the week to meet the Thai English teachers. That interview went very well and they asked me to do a "sample" lesson for the Thai teachers as students last Saturday. Again I felt my "lesson" went well and I had the charm turned up to kill and my attire was sharp, clean, and I smelled good too. I was told they wanted to discuss what they thought of me and would get back to me later.

So this is where I am now. Should I wait for an answer or go out and start pounding the pavement again? My father in-law (a retired Ajarn here) feels I have a good chance of the job at the school along with other falang teachers I have met. My question is how long does it take these schools to make up there minds? So what I'm asking is 'to wait or not to wait', that is the question?

I would like to say that the training I took at Text and Talk in Khon Kaen really helped in the interview at the Thai high school as I knew what to expect and was able to avoid a few well placed land-mines that the Thai teachers set during the lesson. I am sure without the training I would not have made it this far. This is just my feelings about T&T and I'm not being compensated for this review in anyway. If anyone has any questions about T&T, Phil you can just forward the emails to me.

8th April 2008
Hi Dave. Good to see that you've wasted no time in getting your resume out there and knocking on a few doors. Now is certainly the time of year for door-knocking. I think out of the two choices, the government high school sounds like the best bet, if only for the reason it's a full-time position. No disrespect to the private language school, but their offer sounds like a 'bits and pieces' deal - that's if it ever comes off. If you find yourself doing a few hours here and there, then you seriously limit your options as regards proper full-time employment. In your shoes I would go all out for a full-time job first and fit any part-time work into a few evenings a week, when private language schools are busiest (I'm presuming the language school follows the business model of the main branch in Bangkok)

He said if he had a stream of students coming to the office saying they had enjoyed my classes, we might talk about something more permanent.

Frankly that sentence worries me. You're there to teach - not win a popularity contest. OK, no teacher wants students marching up to the reception desk and lodging complaints, but to judge a teacher - especially a new teacher who's just finished his training - on the number of students who sing his praises, well that's just plain daft. No teacher - new or otherwise - should be put under that kind of 'pressure' or judged on that criteria. It's simply unfair.

When is that high school going to get back to you? It could be tomorrow, it could be after Songkran, it might be never. It depends how badly they need a teacher and how good or terrible their communication is. In your position, always end an interview by thanking the interviewer, telling them you are interested in the position, but tell them you have quite a few other interviews to attend (even if you haven't). Create a sense of urgency on their part. You might even say "could you let me know your decision by...........". It's perfectly acceptable in this day and age. Keep on interviewing at other places Dave. It's a teacher's market. You don't owe it to yourself to sit by the phone waiting for one school to give you the nod simply because 'they like you'. Thais are good at 'liking' people and saying all the right things to your face. Don't let that lull you into a false sense of security, despite what your father-in-law might say.