Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved back to my home country, Holland, in May 2015 (very recently)

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I was there for two semesters (just under a year) at a government school in North Thailand.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I got really tired of the heat and humidity. At first, I enjoyed being in a warmer climate but after a few months, I found myself longing for some cooler days. I'm one of those people who sweats very easily and honestly, some days I would stand in that classroom with a little puddle at my feet. Even though the classrooms had air conditioning, the machines were old and in bad condition. They were virtually a waste of time.

I had also had enough of the whole government school system. I worked with a great bunch of teachers and we were constantly coming up with ideas on how to improve things at our particular school. We particularly wanted to implement some school competitions and just get the students to face more challenges. The Thai management listened politely but never acted upon our ideas. We were constantly banging our heads against a brick wall. Thailand is one of those societies that looks for the easy way out. Let's carry on doing things the way we've always done things - even though there is no end result or the end result is not successful. A foreign teacher can change nothing here.

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

I have only been back in Holland for a month so I haven't started to look for any jobs yet. However, it's fantastic to be back into the Dutch way of life. I didn't realize just how much I had missed home. Just going for a long bike ride and feeling the cool air around me has revitalized my spirit.

Maybe I would like to carry on doing some English teaching now I have a bit more confidence as a teacher - and look for some private students. I am interested also in teaching on-line because it sounds like a fast-growing market.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I really enjoyed living in the north of Thailand (apart from the scorching temperatures) and I thought the people were very helpful and friendly. Some of the scenery is very beautiful too. I suppose most of all I will miss the cheaper cost of living. I am already noticing how much more expensive it is to have a night out in Amsterdam compared to rural Thailand!

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

Not for long-term. I think those teachers who volunteer to work for just one semester have got the plan about right. They can get some experience as a teacher in the classroom and also sample the delights of Thai culture at the same time. Then you can go back home to your country and look for a better job with a decent wage. To be honest, I cannot imagine why anyone would choose 'teaching in Thailand' as a long-term career option. I cannot see how you can make it work. The salaries are too low and you cannot save anything.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

I am not sure. I would love to travel around Asia at some point in the future but not sure whether Thailand would be on the list. Perhaps it's a case of I have been there and done that. I have fantastic memories though.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

I worried for a long time that because I am classed as a 'non-native' English speaker, I would find it difficult to get a job but this was not the case. Most schools can't really differentiate between a good 'non-native' speaker and an average native-speaking one. When you are teaching simple present tense to low level learners, what does it matter? So if you are not a native-speaker, don't automatically think you are at a disadvantage in Thailand. I found it easy to secure a teaching position.