Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to Thailand in 2013, lived in Pinklao for 13 months and then moved back to the south coast of England on the 23rd March 2014.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Whilst I lived in Thailand for 13 months I only spent about 5 of them working. Despite what people say, it's not actually that easy to get a job in Thailand. Not one where you can do so legally anyway.

But in July 2013 I took a TESOL course at "Chichester College" and found a well paid part-time teaching job at a language school which supplemented the income I generated from freelance writing in Thailand.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I had a variety of reasons for moving back to England. First and foremost was my sister was due to give birth, and as family is vastly important to me I knew it was something I didn't want to miss.

Secondly, it was the visa system in Thailand. Don't get my wrong, I never had a huge problem with the system, but because I do not have a degree it meant that it took over 5 months for me to get my non-immigrant B visa and work permit.

Also, not having a degree can slash your job opportunities by more than half as not only do most employers like their teachers to have a degree, but (most of the time) you need a degree to get your work permit approved.

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

Better weather and lower living costs. HAHA. Obviously I'm kidding. England has neither. But it does have advantages, and for me those are being surrounded by family and friends whilst earning a much higher wage and being able to progress in my new career. (I never wanted to be a teacher long term).

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I get asked this question a lot, and my immediate answers are; cha nom yen, laab moo, khao soy gai, mango sticky rice and the weather. But honestly, I miss the entire place. Thailand is backwards, frustrating and confusing but that isn't half of it. Thailand is fun and is filled not only with contagious energy, but with incredibly diverse people, beautiful scenery and constant surprises - and for that it will always have a special place in my heart.

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

It depends whether or not they are serious about a career in teaching.

You can find incredible and serious jobs teaching in Thailand that only want the best of the best teaching there. But, for the majority you don't have to be good to teach English in Thailand (trust me, I have seen some AWFUL teachers). You mostly just need to be young, reasonably attractive and have the ability to speak English.

England is completely different. You're not discriminated against based on your age, looks or skin colour, you are judged on your qualifications and natural ability to engage a classroom of students in the learning topic. But you also have to study hard and gain teaching qualifications before you step foot into a classroom as a teacher.

If they know that teaching is what they want to do and they're looking for a long and fulfilling career, then I suggest England. But if they're looking to try teaching then I suggest Thailand, because there's more opportunities available for those without teaching qualifications.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Yes. I have friends over there, and although I travelled a great deal of Thailand whilst I was living there, there are still a few faces and places that I'd like to revisit.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Travel often and spend time volunteering. Foreigners may have a great life in Thailand, but the animals do not. Elephants are abused so that tourists can ride them, soi dogs are forgotten about and beaten, and wild animals are caged for tourists to have a nice profile picture.

Spend your time looking beneath the surface of Thailand and you'll see it's a country that needs help. Be somebody who helps make it better.

Thailand is a country that has it all, whether you want to be see jungles or beaches, be respected or be ripped off - there's a place in that country that has everything you're looking for.