Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I headed to the Middle East in September 2013 - specifically, Saudi Arabia.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I stayed at my first school for two years then moved on and stayed a further three years at my second.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The three main reasons were: salary, salary and salary! My schools were great and I was the highest paid foreigner at both of them. I lived comfortably and didn't have to compromise my out-of-school lifestyle. However, I needed to make some long-term saving plans and for that, I needed a seriously good salary. In addition, I became increasingly frustrated with my native-speaking co-workers. I won't go into details but incompetent, lazy, unprofessional and unqualified are a few words I could use to describe them.

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

Three main things: salary, salary and salary! Many aspects of the lifestyle here in Saudi Arabia are similar to Thailand: crazy driving, frustrating visa rules, crazy driving, hot weather, strange food and crazy driving. A lot of teachers in SA don't survive much more than a year before they have to move on but luckily, I have generous holidays and regular (paid) flights home so I can reduce my time here to bite-size portions.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Everything - the crazy driving, hot weather, strange food but especially my students and Thai co-workers. I miss every day that I am not in Thailand but my current short-term 'pain' is for a greater good and I will return financially stable and able to help in areas that I previously couldn't.

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

Saudi Arabia sets high standards for the best teachers. I was one of five out of several hundred applicants that passed the selection process. They can afford to be choosy when they pay such high salaries. You are not even considered without a BA, Masters, TEFL and at least four years teaching experience post-qualification. Thailand is great for a newbie but you need to be dedicated and professional. I saw too many amateurs that were seemingly there to earn beer money and it wasn't fair on the students.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Of course! I consider Thailand my home now. I have many Thai friends there and both of my former schools have asked me to return. I will see out my current assignment in SA for one more year. This will set me up financially so that I can officially retire! Any role that I subsequently take on in Thailand will be for intellectual stimulation only and on my terms with regards to hours, salary etc.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Those that can - teach!

Many that can't seem to head to Thailand :-(

I hope the new regulations and recent crackdown will lead to an improvement in foreign-teacher standards. The great Thai students deserve it. One more year in SA then I'll be heading back to resume where I left off :-)