Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I left Thailand for the UK in September 2017.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I just did the one semester from May to September.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

My TEFL course internship came to an end and after considering my options I concluded that I much preferred returning to the UK than remain as a teacher in Thailand.

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

Teaching English as a foreign language is not my career. I did it first in Greece for 18 months and then in Thailand as part of a career break. However, I always knew that I would probably return to the UK. I appreciate my work and life there much more now having experienced the struggle of a TEFL teacher in an economic crisis (Greece) and of what I consider to be the mental poverty of the educational environment in Thailand.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Not so much overall, but there is much to like. The happy demeanor of most people there and their humility and simplicity of life are dear to me. I miss the company of friends I made there, and the ease (when not having to work!) of my life there.

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

That of course depends on that teacher's goals and priorities. In general terms I'd say a new professional teacher, i.e one who has undergone prolonged training, should focus on finding a professional environment where he or she will learn the craft of teaching and develop solid skills. From my perspective I'd say that Thailand affords limited prospects...but I'd also advise against that teacher remaining in the UK since TEFL is better done, in my view, when the teacher has experienced living and working in a foreign culture.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

No.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

My time in Thailand was successful in that I achieved the goals I had set. I am not a good fit for the TEFL scene there in particular and the struggles I experienced were within normal expectations (as I now know!) as a mature professional educated in the UK who was looking for job satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose at work.

On the positive side, I'd say that Thailand has much to offer if you are able and willing to learn the language and adapt - not just politely tolerate at an emotional distance - to the very different ways there. If you are going to remain, you had better face them and work at accepting them. Otherwise you are likely to become one of the numerous Westerners I met there or heard about whose resistance was marked by depression, alcoholism or general bitterness.

Set specific goals and force yourself to review them periodically. Don't drift and avoid facing important stuff, such as whether you've reached the time to leave or to do something different. Good luck.