Teacher Carla’s adventures through the Land of Thailand

We sat down with Teacher Carla to talk about her adventures teaching English in Thailand.

If you had to sum up your experience in Thailand in one word, what would it be?

Lively!

What is the craziest thing you did Teaching English in Thailand?

I attended plenty of strip clubs during my time in Bangkok. I was not a regular in any of them – but I had plenty of noodle soups on Soi Cowboy.

But that’s not the craziest thing I did.

The craziest thing might have been: standing in front of 300 faces and singing Merry Christmas. I was terrified! The craziest thing I did wasn’t by any means crazy, I just taught without lesson plans, sang karaoke at teacher parties, danced on one foot while doing the Gangnam style and was carted around in cars, motorbikes and buses, and sent off to places I didn’t know exist.

The craziest thing I did while in Thailand was making friends with complete strangers and trusting that there is good in this world.

What part of Thailand would you like to revisit?

I would love to revisit Koh Chang. The name means Elephant Island, and yes, you will find plenty of elephants!

Now that you are back home, what did you gain the most from your experience?

Now that I am able to reflect on my journey, I look back with a huge smile plastered on my face. My experience has made me a better and more well-rounded person. I made wonderful friends on the road.

I made plenty of mistakes. I gained confidence and courage. I took chances. I hopped on elephants. I listened to my gut and let it guide me. When I close my eyes, I see places. I see faces. I met the world. I witnessed the world come together at 22. That has to be one of the most amazing feelings out there.

As a 20-something girl who moved to Thailand alone and has travelled to other foreign destinations, I can say that Thailand is a remarkably safe country. Unfortunately, there is danger everywhere – BUT – it should never stop a girl from pursuing her dream to travel solo. Fortunately for all of us, these situations can be avoided.

I took precautions every time I went out, for example, I learned enough Thai to talk to the cab driver. I could hear my grandmother’s voice in my head telling me: Don’t accept drinks from strangers. Word of advice: If you accept a drink from a stranger, make sure it’s a bottled or canned beer that you see opened.

Every person has a gut feeling, learn to trust it.

Solo travel is probably one of the most enriching things we can do for ourselves. When you go back home, you are a different person, and you are more than ready to embark on another journey. Do it, it will change your life!

About Stu Brown

Stu has always carried with him a passion for exploring the world through work and travel experiences.

After a year-long adventure working at a school in London and travelling throughout Europe, Stu began his tertiary studies at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Social Dynamics.

He also holds a 120-Hour internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate and understands what it takes to teach and travel responsibly. As TravelBud CEO he understands that truly exciting and life-changing adventures only happen when you step outside your comfort zone; and not a day goes by when he doesn’t challenge the team to do the same!

Filed under Teacher Diaries

With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your life-changing experience.
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Available programs for EU Nationals

Teach English in Thailand (degree holders only)

Online TEFL Course (degree holders only)

Teach English in Myanmar
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- Teach English in Thailand
- Teach English in Vietnam
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- Teach English in Myanmar
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- Teach English in Costa Rica
- Teach English in Indonesia
- Teach English in Cambodia
- Teach English in Poland
- Teach English in Spain
Do you have an English Language Proficiency Certificate?*
Our partner schools require either:

Level C1 and above for the Common European Framework (CEF) or

96 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) or

At least 700 and above on the Test Of English Language Proficiency (TOEIC)
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TEFL Extension Program

For teachers that already have extensive experience in the teaching field, as well as an existing online/in-class 120-hour TESOL/TEFL/CELTA, we offer the 2 week TEFL Extension course.

Ultimately this encompasses a 2 week practical learning course that attaches to your existing TEFL to qualify it to be an “in-class” certificate.

All those applying for the Extension Course will be required to follow and submit special documentation to be approved by the course director prior to acceptance onto the program. Your co-ordinator will guide you through this specialised application process.
Placement Only Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

As long as your certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.

It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our in-class course in Hua Hin, Thailand.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee.
Placement Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

As long as your certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.

It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our in-class course in Hua Hin.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee.

You follow the same start dates listed for the in-class course to start the 1st week of Cultural immersive orientation with activities that include:
- About 8 hours of basic Thai language lessons
- A traditional cooking class
- Muay Thai lessons (Thai traditional martial arts)
- Temple excursion and afternoon class with a Buddhist monk who will explain the origins and philosophies of the Buddhist faith and how it comes into play in Thailand overall and in the classroom specifically
- A Beach barbeque - there will fellow Summer Teach participants, as well as those doing the Thailand full program and those doing the TESOL course, so you will have opportunities to build a support network of fellow teachers and make friends from all nationalities and backgrounds
- Learn cultural etiquette classes, history, religion and politics classes from experts
- Setting up of a SIM card and Bank account
- Please click here to see a video on the cultural orientation
Placement Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

As long as your certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.

For Vietnam you need to sign at least a 6 month contract.

It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our in-class course in Ho Chi Minh City.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee.

You follow the same start dates listed for the in-class course to start the 1st week of Cultural immersive orientation with activities that include:
- Vietnamese Language Lessons
- A cooking class
- Excursions to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum
- Cultural etiquette classes
- A welcome dinner
- Set up a SIM card and other logistics
- Martial Arts Classes
- History Lessons
- Politics Classes
Placement Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL already we have a special offering program just for you! As long as your certificate is atleast 120 hours and accredited and you hold a Bachelor’s degree, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.

If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree but hold a TEFL, the final decision of the Placement program being an option for you would be up to the discretion of our Placement and Admissions team once you have applied.

It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our in-class course in Yangon.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee.

You follow the same start dates listed for the in-class course to start the 1st week of Cultural immersive orientation with activities that include:
- Burmese Language Lessons
- A cooking class
- Excursions to the Shwedagon Pagoda
- Cultural etiquette classes
- A welcome dinner
- Set up a SIM card and other logistics
- Martial Arts Classes
- History Lessons
- Politics Classes
Placement Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

As long as your certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.
It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our in-class course in Seoul.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes: all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee.

It also includes 3 weekends of our cultural immersive orientation in Seoul once you arrive that includes activities such as:
- Korean Language Lessons
- A cooking class
- Excursions to the the Gyeongbuk Palace
- A traditional tea tasting in Insadong
- Cultural etiquette classes
- Set up a SIM card and other logistics
- Martial Arts Classes
- History Lessons
- Politics Classes
Placement Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

As long as your certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.

It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our in-class course.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes: all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee. It also includes a 40 hour immersive cultural integration certificate online before your departure.
Placement Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

As long as your certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.

It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our in-class course.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes: all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee.
Placement Program

Since you already have a TESOL/TEFL certificate we have a special offering program just for you!

As long as your certificate is at least 120 hours and accredited, you would qualify to apply for the Placement Program.

It includes all the services of TravelBud but without the obligation of doing our online TEFL course.

It has special reduced pricing without the certificate and the package includes: all the pre-departure support before you leave your home country, guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools and language centers, 24/7 in-country support and the Lifetime Placement Guarantee.

It also includes the week long cultural orientation once you arrive!
Please Note

At this time we unfortunately do not have a Placement Only Program for our new Costa Rica Program for those that already hold a TEFL certification.

Those with a TEFL certification are more than welcome to complete the in-country course with us in San Ramon and head to guaranteed placement thereafter.

For options that facilitate those that already hold a TEFL and are looking to secure the guaranteed teaching placement and in-country immersive course, please feel free to enquire about Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. We will be expanding the program in the future to accommodate a Placement Program but for now we offer the full in-class TTESOL and placement option.
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If your spouse/partner will also be enrolling for any of our Teach Abroad Programs, we can facilitate your placement together. However, if your spouse or partner will not be teaching but will be traveling with you, we cannot assist them with visas and living arrangements.
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Please look out for a call from us, if the timing doesn't suit you we'll send you a link to schedule a time to chat!
We want to hear your story.

Everyone's story is different and we want to hear yours and help you take your first step towards teaching abroad.

Lookout for an email and a call from one of our experienced enrollments coordinators who have all taught abroad. We'll answer all of your questions and guide you through the process.

Please look out for a call from us, if the timing doesn't suit you we'll send you a link to schedule a time to chat!
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← 5 Videos which will make you want to Travel

Tales of a Travelling Teacher - A Taste For Adventure →

Expert advice and guidance

Teacher Carla’s adventures through the Land of Thailand

About Stu Brown

Expert advice and guidance

TEFL Extension Program

Placement Only Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

We want to hear your story.

We want to hear your story.

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TEACH ABROAD

ABOUT

TEFL CERTIFICATION

Expert advice and guidance

Teacher Carla’s adventures through the Land of Thailand

About Stu Brown

Expert advice and guidance

Expert guidance and support

Nationality SA hide all fields within section

TEFL Extension Program

Placement Only Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

We want to hear your story.

We want to hear your story.

Previous Article

Next Article

0 Comments

Submit a Comment Cancel reply