Masako, who organizes the Teach in Thailand Internship in and around Lop Buri, was in the office last week, which was great as 1) she bought us crazy Thai treats and 2) we got chatting about what she loves about her home country. I’ll be honest – after about five minutes of listening to her I was ready to book onto the next flight to Bangkok. So if you’re not planning on teaching in Thailand, why the hell not?! Here’s what you’re missing out on:
That's Masako on the left there...spend five minutes with her and you'll want to go to Thailand too!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
The social hierarchy in Thailand goes a little something like this: the King, monks, teachers, everyone else. The only way to go any higher would be to become a Buddhist monk. So, unlike teachers in the Western world, you’ll be held in high regard by your students, colleagues and members of the public. Great for self-esteem and great for feeling like you’re doing something worthwhile.
Laid-back atmosphere
While Thailand obviously has huge, metropolitan cities with bustling hearts, the atmosphere almost everywhere is unbelievably laid-back. This is a nation where staying late at work is seen as a bit barmy – why slog your guts out when there’s fun to be had and friends to hang out with?
Food, glorious Thai food!
Food in Thailand is delicious, cheap and actually pretty good for you (ideal if you want to come home glowing with health). Most apartments in Thailand don’t actually have kitchens, as eating out and street food are so incredibly cheap. People often pick up food from night markets on their way home or join friends for a bite to eat at street-side cafés. Head to the stalls and restaurants that are really busy and you won’t be disappointed. Check out some of the food on offer at this night market in Chiang Mai:
Weekending
Thailand isn’t just a great place to live and work. It’s also a fabulous place to explore, with tropical, picture postcard islands, temples galore and stunning hill country all waiting to be discovered. Plus, internal transport is really cheap, so you can easily get around on your teachers’ salary. Check out these seven things you could be doing if you were a Teach in Thailand intern: http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/i-to-i/posts/941-seven-things-you-could-be-doing-if-you-were-a-teach-in-thailand-intern.
So, what do you reckon – why aren’t you teaching in Thailand?
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Wow... Thailand looks amazing! I would love to go!!
Phwoar... the food looks beauty, I'd love to try all the different foods on show! However! Anyone tried the 'Assorted Bugs' before? I wasn't too sure about that stand!
I CAN'T WAIT to go to Thailand!! Have to admit though that im a bit worried my addiction to Thai food may get a little bit worse after I have sampled the real deal!!
Couldn't agree more. I think back to the banana and nutella pancakes the street vendors used to make, several chang followed by a couple of those and I'd be a happy man. Heard the crab-eating macaques in Lop Buri can be quite daring, so be careful they don't snatch it from you!
Mmm.. imagine if... "Let's go for Thai food"... was just "Let's go for food!". Thai food all the time! Mmmm. :)
It's nearing lunch time... sorry.
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