10 Teachers Reveal the Best Things About Living in Thailand

Teaching English in Thailand has to be one of the most enriching gap year experiences available to date however you only really can grasp how incredible the experience is once you have done it. We caught up with 10 current English teachers in Thailand who shared what it is they love the most about living in Thailand. We hope this gives all of you who are interested in embarking on this amazing experience in the future a better idea of what to expect.

Brett Robert Godber

It feels really good when you try your best in Thailand because the people actually take notice of it and show you the true best things about living in Thailand that cannot be described in words. Never before have I felt so appreciated and loved than when I walk into a classroom and get shouts of excitement and class wide hugs.

Rebecca Mole

The friendly people. Today I was carrying 10 sets of 18 text books and struggling on my walk from home to the school when one of the teachers from my school saw me barely leaving my apartment, got off the motorcycle taxi, ran over, took half of the text books and helped me carry them to my class! So generous and amazing!

Stephanie Warren

My favorite thing about living in Thailand – the people!

Jonathan Harman

Thailand. Where the notion of stranger doesn’t exist.

Thomas Jenkins

Being able to make someone smile just by saying “hello”

Kaila Lee Melvill-Smith

Thai tolerance, kindness and hospitality!!!

Ben Van Den Bergh

It’s difficult to say in words so here is a picture of how I feel. If this picture gives you a good feeling then that’s how it makes me feel living in Thailand.

Shirley Klopper Edmonds

I have only been here for a week and although the adjustment is huge, I loved the day spent at a temple, receiving a blessing from a Monk, the pineapple farm, feeding the ele’s at the rehab centre and the art market. Our beach barbeque was great fun and just floating in the sea made me feel like I was home. I know I will enjoy learning to speak Thai. It is challenging but so far worth every minute!

Gemma Moon Taylor

Being 5 minutes late and that’s okay because everyone else is actually 15 minutes late

Jemima Louise Pollitt

I love the markets and getting to know the Thai people there

If you would like to find out more about TravelBud’s Teach English in Thailand program, please watch the short explanatory interview with former Thailand English teacher and founder of TravelBud, Liam Kelly

About Liam Kelly

Liam is TravelBud’s co-founder and is the visionary driving force behind our team. He’s from Cape Town, South Africa but finds himself exploring the world and living in a variety of places, most recently Hua Hin, Thailand.

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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

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- Teach English in Thailand
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- Teach English in Japan
- 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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Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, TravelBud cannot facilitate traveling with children and we are therefore unable to process your inquiry or application. We thank you for your understanding.
Please Note:

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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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!
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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← Teaching English in Thailand - What's in it for you?

The Most Culturally Stimulating Gap Year Experience →

Expert advice and guidance

10 Teachers Reveal the Best Things About Living in Thailand

Brett Robert Godber

Rebecca Mole

Stephanie Warren

Jonathan Harman

Thomas Jenkins

Kaila Lee Melvill-Smith

Ben Van Den Bergh

Shirley Klopper Edmonds

Gemma Moon Taylor

Jemima Louise Pollitt

If you would like to find out more about TravelBud’s Teach English in Thailand program, please watch the short explanatory interview with former Thailand English teacher and founder of TravelBud, Liam Kelly

About Liam Kelly

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.

Previous Article

Next Article

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Submit a Comment Cancel reply

TEACH ABROAD

ABOUT

TEFL CERTIFICATION

Expert advice and guidance

10 Teachers Reveal the Best Things About Living in Thailand

Brett Robert Godber

Rebecca Mole

Stephanie Warren

Jonathan Harman

Thomas Jenkins

Kaila Lee Melvill-Smith

Ben Van Den Bergh

Shirley Klopper Edmonds

Gemma Moon Taylor

Jemima Louise Pollitt

If you would like to find out more about TravelBud’s Teach English in Thailand program, please watch the short explanatory interview with former Thailand English teacher and founder of TravelBud, Liam Kelly

About Liam Kelly

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