Submit your own Great Escape


David

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Cambodia, in 2002

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

About two and half years.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The visa and work permit thing was always a pain. In my last job, I was asked to re-submit another copy of my academic transcript, together with a letter from my university. My employer already had these, but the government powers that be wanted me to go through the whole process again.
I started teaching at another school, and the Chinese owner promised to get my visa/work permit for me. She didn't. I had had enough.

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

Easy to get visas......and no work permits.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Decent healthcare at very affordable prices, people obeying the rules of the road, and Thai food.

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

I would advise them to seek work in Thailand first. See if you like it, and research your move thoroughly. Come for a holiday first, and visit some schools/ universities. Cambodia is not for beginners.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Definitely, but only for holidays as long as the archaic bureaucracy exists.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Cambodians are extremely friendly people, genuinely so. Accommodation is noticeably more expensive, and decent healthcare is ridiculously so. If you get seriously ill (and you will), you will need a decent healthcare plan with med-evac options. In addition, the traffic will stress you out.

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