Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I returned to The USA at the end of the last school semester in March 2014.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I was there for about five years but I was lucky enough to find a great school to work for in Southern Thailand. It was the only school I taught at. Great students! Great staff! Couldn't say a bad word about the place.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I just felt that five years was enough. I arrived in Thailand when I was in my mid-20's and I turned thirty and thought I don't want to be teaching English for the rest of my life. My passion has always been graphic design and I wanted to get back into that field in The US, even though I'm no youngster anymore.

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

Well it's been a roller-coaster couple of months getting settled back in my native land. In fact I haven't even started a serious job hunt yet. It's taken me all of my time to find a decent apartment (I didn't want to move back in with my family) and to re-connect with old friends. I hadn't even been home for a short vacation during my five years in Thailand so I still feel a bit like a stranger in a strange land. The environment hasn't changed that much - but I guess I have!

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Honest answer? All of it. Sometimes Thailand feels like living and working in the craziest country on earth but in a strange way, that's part of the appeal. Every day brings a new experience. I suppose I miss my teaching colleagues most of all. As I said earlier, I worked in a great school and we really were 'one, big happy family'. I forged some terrific friendships and even now, I miss them terribly.

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

If you're just looking for a short-term adventure - definitely! You'll have the time of your life. Everyone should experience Thailand. If you're looking for something long-term (say three to four years) I would only come if you're qualified. We had a few unqualified teachers at our school, and while they were great teachers in the classroom, the school was constantly having to go that extra mile to keep them in employment. Luckily, we had some good admin staff who knew the ropes. From what I'm reading in the media - and I'm still keeping in touch with Thai news - it doesn't look like it's going to get any easier for unqualified teachers anytime soon.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Oh, I would love to come back for a vacation but not to teach though. That time has passed. I had a fantastic five years and I'll always be grateful for the experience but it's in the past.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

There are so many great places to travel in Thailand. I spent a fantastic week motorbiking around the north of Thailand with some other foreign teachers and there are some great beaches in the south. But it was only when I got to the final two years of my stay in Thailand, that I got out and saw some of the country. I wish I had spent more time travelling because there's so much to see. Don't stay stuck in your own little town like I tended to do far too often.