We’d like to welcome TEFLer Emily Hiles to the TEFL Blog! Make her feel at home and give her a warm welcome everyone :)
Emily left the wet weather and gloominess of the UK nearly two years ago to teach English in Chachoengsao, Thailand and has never regretted it. During this time she fell in love with the laid back pace of life and taught amazing children like these dudes:
Emily was kind enough to complete our questionnaire from her new home in China, yes you heard us…China! More of that later…for now, we give you Emily’s journey:
Why did you decide to start teaching English?
I worked in England as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant and I knew I loved my job but I wanted to see the world and wanted to actually teach a class or two before I did a PGCE, and now I’m away I cannot imagine ever doing anything else!
Did you do a TEFL course before you started teaching?
I did my course with i-to-i before I left for Thailand, I’d been in classrooms and had experience working with children before but not as the teacher as such.
Where are you originally from?
England.
What attracted you to Thailand?
I always wanted to see Asia and Thailand seemed a good place to start!
What age kids/adults are you teaching?
In Thailand I taught secondary 1 and 2, they are around 11 to 14, I’m not sure of the exact age groups, there seems to be some interpretation!
What were they like?
Hilarious, lovely, and so much fun, Thai children are a pleasure to teach, sometimes frustrating and sometimes they drive you loony but they are absolute gems and you have to remember they are children regardless of nationality.
How did you finding the experience of teaching in Thailand?
I loved Thailand, I would genuinely say to anyone thinking about it, just do it, I was immensely happy there and I am seriously considering it as a place I settle down in the future ( I haven’t quit seen enough of the world yet!)
How would you rate the experience out of 10?
A 10/10 and beyond, it was by far the best thing I ever did, the best decision I ever made!
Why?
You truly realize who you are, your potential and what makes you happy.
What would be your advice for someone thinking of teaching in Thailand?
Do it!!!
