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!
Interested in Teaching English in Thailand? We’ll send you more info!
Or learn more about our Teach English in Thailand program
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