Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved back to my home in Greece in February this year

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I worked for eight months in Thailand, although I had a three year contract.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The international demonstration school I worked at did not keep the promises it made to me. They promised to pay for my Master's degree but they took back the promise. My qualifications were ignored so I was not paid for my years of experience or extra qualification. They kept changing my working hours and days and would suddenly tell us we were working at weekends and during holidays, to make up for time lost due to the political situation.

One of the main administration people was American and he kept applying crazy rules that were impossible to stick to in Thailand. He seemed unable to do his job, which is not surprising since he had no experience of administration. Many complaints were made to the main university about him but little was done.

The school had also promised to insure my partner but they then refused to cover him with health insurance. When my partner became ill we thought it best to return home . I had also had enough of the stress caused by the ineffective administrator.

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

I work from home now and I can spend more time with my partner. The long hours working in Thailand in the heat were sometimes exhausting, but the pointless hours spent at staff meetings when nothing actually changed was worse! It is lovely that I no longer have a vindictive administrator making my life a misery with pointless emails sent late at night or over the weekend.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I miss the Thai people , who were wonderful. I miss the other staff at the school, particularly the Thai staff. I miss the street markets and the street food. I also miss the amazing temples as I became a Buddhist while I lived in Thailand.

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

There are very few jobs teaching in Greece where I live and you are expected to have a qualification in the Greek language before you can get a teaching permit here. Thailand can be good experience for a new teacher.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

I will go back one day, but as a tourist.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

The visa situation in Thailand is very confusing. I had to report at immigration every 90 days, which is difficult when you are working such long hours. My husband, who had a year long multi entry visa was made to report every 30 days and every ninety days they made him leave the country! It made life more stressful and difficult for us both.

I loved the Thai people and it was an amazing experience in many ways. I brought lots of good things back from Thailand, including my belief in Buddhism. The Thai people were very welcoming and they have an amazing mentality that I loved. I left a piece of my heart with the Thai people when I left the country. I wish them peace and happiness in the future and hope the political situation is sorted out soon. Namaste.