Teaching English in Thailand: Jill’s Story

Teaching English in Thailand can open unexpected doors, from travel opportunities to long-term careers abroad. In this interview, Jill shares how TEFL Heaven helped her move to Thailand, build a teaching career, and create a life she never expected.

Jill’s experience of teaching English in Thailand gives a powerful insight into long-term growth, career progression, and life abroad.

PERSONAL PROFILE

What is your name, age and location?

Jill Allen, 25 years old, Bangkok, Thailand.

TEFL PROGRAM INFORMATION

What TEFL course did you complete and when?

I completed the TEFL Heaven Koh Chang course April 2015.

What influenced you to take a TEFL course abroad with TEFL Heaven?

After I graduated University I really wanted to travel abroad before settling into a job in America. I also wanted to work while I was travelling and I kept seeing a lot of TEFL jobs available, especially in SE Asia. I had volunteered at an orphanage in Cambodia during University and loved it, so I knew I would love teaching English to children as well.

So I did my research since there are so many TEFL programs out there and found that TEFL Heaven was the right fit for me. It not only seemed to offer the most support before, during and after the course, but it also ensured you would be placed in a school during the program or shortly after. I liked the reassurance of knowing TEFL Heaven will match you with a school rather than having to find one on your own. It is a big decision to move abroad to a foreign country and having them take care of finding a school helped ease some of my anxieties.

I also loved how TEFL Heaven was set up. I would be on a beautiful island for 3 weeks, with around 20 of the same like-minded people, who all had similar passions to travel and teach. It wasn’t one of those programs where you sat in an office all day being lectured or completing an online program. You are hands on, completing all the activities with peers, and even given a chance to visit a school and practice what we’ve learned. I also liked how the course is taught by people who have completed the course and are still teaching at schools in Thailand; it was nice to get advice and guidance from people who were once in our shoes.

What was one thing that could have been better in your time in Thailand?

One thing that could have been better would be my level of speaking and understanding Thai. It is something that is so useful here, especially in more rural areas. I found that the Thai people really appreciate when foreigners try and speak Thai with them. It shows we are making effort in their country and trying to learn their language while living here.

Did you experience culture shock in Thailand?

It has been a few years since I first arrived in Thailand and things here never cease to surprise me. It isn’t so much of a shock, but the culture here is very different and it can be a bit frustrating for many foreigners who are used to living in a western culture.

I have fallen in love with the culture here; the easy way of life, the ‘don’t worry’ attitude and the relaxed mindset the Thais have are all something I wish other cultures would copy. It isn’t as much of a shock, but more of an adjustment to how our minds work.

How has TEFL Heaven and teaching in Thailand influenced your life?

TEFL Heaven and my experience in Thailand have greatly influenced my life. Both have given me an even greater passion to travel and explore new places and cultures. I have found myself wanting to go to countries and cities I never even thought of before I moved to Thailand. This experience has opened my mind and enriched my life more than words can even describe. Especially being on the TEFL Heaven course, I was able to meet people from all around the world and learn about their cultures, which I never knew before when living in America. I had a whole different mindset before I came here and I had no idea I would learn and grow as much as I have.

After TEFL Heaven and teaching in a Thai School I was able to get a job at an International School in Bangkok, which I never thought I would be able to do. I thought I would be here 6 months in a Thai School and then go home. And here I am, two years later, a Year 6 Homeroom Teacher, teaching British curriculum Geography and Science. I have not only grown confidently as a teacher but I have grown as a person making a life for myself here in Bangkok. TEFL Heaven started my career as a teacher here in Thailand, and it will continue to be extremely useful in future opportunities.

What’s next for you after teaching in Thailand?

That is the question everyone loves to ask. And my honest answer is I have no idea. I have stayed in Thailand much longer than I ever thought I would, and I have made a life here that will be very hard to leave. For now, I will continue teaching at my school, and see where that takes me. I love SE Asia, especially Thailand, and I hope it will continue to be a part of my life in whatever I do next.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS

What are your top tips for teaching English in Thailand?

Be prepared for the way of teaching here and how Thai Schools are very different than Western Schools. Some days you may show up and classes are cancelled because of a ceremony going on that day and you had no idea. And other days you will think you have no classes, and all of a sudden you have 30 kids running into your room ready for English class. So always be prepared with games and activities that you can think of on top of your head just in case.

Another tip would be to be prepared for the level of English most Thais have. I naively came over thinking everyone would be fluent, yet I quickly learned I was wrong. A lot speak broken English, which you will find yourself probably speaking as well since it is easier for most to understand. When teaching you may find yourself having to repeat lessons or take weeks or months on topics for the students to understand, but that is normal, most need the repetition in order to grasp the concept. Stay patient, because when they do finally understand and you see it click in their eyes, it’s the best feeling in the world.

Teaching English in Thailand offers more than just a short-term experience. It can lead to long-term career opportunities, personal growth, and a completely new life abroad. Jill’s story shows how one decision to teach overseas can shape your future in ways you never expected.

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