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Peter

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I went back to the UK in early March of this year, spent a few nice weeks with my family in Derby and then caught a flight to Brazil. I'm currently bumming around South America until the money runs out. My plan is then to start doing some online teaching.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I was there for about 7 months at a government school just outside Chonburi. It was my original plan to teach in several SE Asian countries, maybe doing a year in Thailand and then moving on to maybe Vietnam and Cambodia. But plans change and in the end I wanted a complete change of scenery.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

After my initial short-term contract with the school expired, I got the impression that I was surplus to requirements. A couple of ex-teachers returned (an expat couple actually) and they seemed more popular with the Thai staff than I was. I didn't shed any tears because the school was a bit of a madhouse and I didn't get on all that well with the other foreign teaching staff.

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

As I said, I haven't actually started to do any work yet but funds are getting low so I guess I'll have to start doing some online teaching or find some hourly paid work in a backstreet language school in Bolivia or something. Failing that, I'll head back to Derby. Anyone else getting the impression that I need to sort my life out? I've just turned 28. How many more years can I spend bouncing around the world on the TEFL trail?

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I miss the warm weather, the Thai islands and I used to enjoy going into Bangkok for the weekend. I miss my Thai street-food as well.

I think Thailand is a pretty easy country to get on with. I managed to take short trips to both Vietnam and Malaysia while I was there and I know you shouldn't judge countries on being there just a few days, but Thailand had a much better vibe all round.

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

Go for it! I think it's a fantastic experience for a year or less but unless you're a proper qualified teacher, pulling in the megabucks, you'll hit a serious dead end at some stage.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

I haven't ruled it out.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

I've always considered TEFLing as an easy way to support yourself whilst you are travelling the world. I think it's a great way to live when you are young and carefree. And of course you have none of those horrible student loans to pay off.

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