Overcoming Culture Shock And Engaging With The Locals In Thailand

Jon Harman shares with us his incredible story about how he overcame culture shock and became a member of the local community where he lived and worked while teaching English in Thailand.

Jon came across a box of stray puppies one day on the way to work which he decided to feed and care for from that point onward.

It wasn’t soon after that members from the community started to drop by every day with food and supplies for the animals.

This was Jon’s most cherishable moment teaching in Thailand and a great example of how giving the Thai people are and how important the small things in life are.

Many teachers suffer from culture shock when first arriving at their accommodation and job placements in Thailand as the living conditions and local culture are so different to what one is used to back home.

But, quickly overtime it is this cross-cultural experience that becomes something that one will cherish and miss the most. The local Thai people are some of the most caring, giving and loving people to inhabit this beautiful world and do their very best to make those around them as happy as can be.

Jon soon discovered this and was fortunate to be given the opportunity to give back to his local community in some way.

This is just one of the reasons why Jon hasn’t left the “land of smiles” yet.

Jon is now teaching in Bangkok where he is ever-so happy and loving every minute of it. Thanks for sharing this moment with us Jon! It is great to hear about We wish you all the best for your future.

We hope that Jon’s story about overcoming culture shock and engaging with the locals in Thailand helps those of you beginning your teaching adventures in Thailand.

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 Thailand • 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.
Read more about us

Expert guidance and support

We’ll send you more info, explain the program and answer all your questions.

Your name*
First name Last name
Nationality*
Due to requirements from the schools we are partnered with abroad, we only accept passport holders from the countries listed below.
Please Note:

Our Partners Travel Anywhere are currently facilitating all South African applications.

Inquire here to start your application →
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Nationality SA hide all fields within section
State*
Select the state that you're in as of today
Province/Territory*
Please enter your nationality*
Your current age*
Enter just your age e.g 22
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Gender
We use this information only for assigning accommodation.
- Male
- Female
- Prefer not to say
Phone Number*
Please enter your number below. We'll send you more information and call you to arrange your free enrolment consultation.
Email*
What will your education level be at the time you want to travel?*
Which Teach Abroad program are you enquiring about?*
Do you have 2 years of teaching experience?*
- Yes
- No
Which Teach Abroad program are you enquiring about?*
Available programs for EU Nationals

Teach English in Thailand (degree holders only)

Online TEFL Course (degree holders only)

Teach English in Myanmar
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Select which additional programs you would like to enquire about if any
Optionally choose additional programs.
- Teach English in Thailand
- Teach English in Vietnam
- Teach English in South Korea
- Teach English in Myanmar
- 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)
Is your qualification in teaching?*
- Yes
- No
This field is hidden when viewing the form
When would you like to go over / start teaching abroad?
Do you have a TESOL/TEFL certificate?
- Yes
- No
Please upload an mp3 voice sample*
Please upload a short 20 second voice sample. You may use a free online service such as https://www.rev.com/onlinevoicerecorder to record and download an mp3 file. Then upload your file here.
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.
TravelBud Fees*
View program fees (opens in new tab)
- I understand that this program is not free and there are costs attached to the extensive service and certifications provided by TravelBud
Would you like to enroll with someone else?*
- Nope, just me
- Spouse
- Friend/s
- Partner
- I have children as dependents
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Do you have dependents you are looking to bring with you?
E.g children or spouses.
- Yes
- No
Please Note:

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.
Do you have any questions?
We’ll send you more information, explain the program and answer any questions.
Were you referred by a TravelBud alumni?
- Yes
- No
What is the name of the person who referred you?
Subscribe to our newsletter
You can always change your subscription settings later.
- Subscribe to newsletter
Privacy Policy*
- I agree to the Travelbud Privacy Policy
Please select your Nationality
Unfortunately our school partners abroad require certification with the correct level or score to prove your English proficiency.
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!
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!
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Quiz - no degree - kind of person
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Quiz - how long?
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Quiz - main aim?
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Quiz - kind of person?
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Quiz - food?
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Quiz - result
This field is hidden when viewing the form
EU national?
- Yes
This field is hidden when viewing the form
EU National and No Degree?
- Yes
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Sales Agent
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Sales Agent Grace
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Sales Agent James
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Nationality for lead split
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

← My First Time Teaching English In Thailand

The Ins And Outs Of Teaching English In South Korea →

Expert advice and guidance

Overcoming Culture Shock And Engaging With The Locals In 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.

Previous Article

Next Article

0 Comments

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

TEACH ABROAD

ABOUT

TEFL CERTIFICATION

Expert advice and guidance

Overcoming Culture Shock And Engaging With The Locals In 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