Teaching English in Thailand: Tristan’s Story

Teaching English in Thailand gave Tristan valuable classroom experience, international perspective, and a strong foundation for the teaching career he went on to build in the UK. In this TEFL Heaven interview, he reflects on how the experience shaped his confidence and opened new doors.

For anyone considering teaching English in Thailand, Tristan’s story shows how time spent abroad can influence both your personal growth and your long-term professional path.

We recently caught up with Tristan Otten, 25, who was on our Paid Internships Thailand Program from October 2012 - March 2013. Tristan is now a Geography Teacher in the UK.

How Has TEFL Heaven Helped You?

Being on the Paid Internships Thailand Program in turn led to my first teaching job in the UK. With the experience of teaching 40+ size classes in Thailand with no air conditioning in the classrooms, I was convinced that I could teach anywhere and tackle any problem!

How Did You Discover the TEFL Heaven Thailand Program?

As I was coming to the end of my studies, I started considering what paths I could feasibly take to start my post university life. I was studying Geography with International Relations and because of the nature of this course I wanted to gain experience working abroad.

The TEFL Heaven [marketing] team came to Plymouth University in 2012 where I was studying at the time. Their lively [TEFL taster] session helped me see that you can indeed teach English without using any Thai.

Why TEFL Heaven? How Did This Program Benefit You?

The online support [by email] before leaving for Thailand was fantastic. I remember being able to communicate with most of the TEFL trainees before we left the UK, which meant we could arrange flights together and discuss any concerns we had. The TEFL Heaven team were also very ready to answer any questions we had.

Finally, what could be better than training on a tropical beach and having a [paid teaching] job waiting for you after the training!

I am still in contact with a number of the people I trained and worked with in Thailand. I'm hoping to visit them again next year, and hopefully meet up again with the people I trained with. It is true that the people you train and work with become your support network throughout the experience. Some might even call it similar to a family.

What Was One Thing That Could Have Been Better in Your Time in Thailand?

I think I should've stayed longer. I left at the end of March 2013 having completed my teaching contract in Thailand. The main reason for leaving was that I started to miss home. I also started to miss Geography!

I really did like the Thai school I was teaching in, and the staff were amazing, extremely friendly and I still miss them now. The idea of teaching Geography in the UK began to cross my mind more and more, and despite having regrets about leaving Thailand the move home did start my career as a qualified teacher in the UK. This now means that I can teach Geography and English as a Foreign Language almost anywhere in the world!

Did You Experience Any Culture Shock in Thailand?

I think at the time I probably did, but this only made the experience better. Moreover, I left the UK in order to get an education in a different culture! It has helped me immeasurably in my Geography lessons to be able to speak about work experience in a different country.

Now That You Are Home, How Has TEFL Heaven and Your Experience in Thailand Influenced Your Life?

As a secondary Geography teacher in the UK, I still use many of the teaching and learning skills I gained from TEFL Heaven. I still cook Thai food, although it remains a mystery to me how they make it taste so much better in Thailand! I occasionally still put ice in my beer, and carve pineapple the Thai way. Finally, teaching in Thailand has left me with an urge to return and to also teach in other countries...

What's Next for You?

In September this year I am moving to the United Arab Emirates to teach Geography secondary school age. Undoubtedly I will be able to use my TEFL experience here as well. Furthermore, I'm also hoping to set up a Dutch club using my skills learnt as a TEFL teacher. Is TDFL (Teaching Dutch as a Foreign Language) a thing?!

Anyway, thank you TEFL Heaven!

Teaching English in Thailand gave Tristan skills and experiences that stayed with him long after returning home.

His story shows how teaching abroad in Thailand can shape your confidence, strengthen your teaching ability, and influence where your career goes next.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tristan was inspired to come to Thailand when we visited his university back in 2012. Watch this video which has us interviewing Tristan at the University of Plymouth before he even decided to choose teaching abroad through TEFL Heaven!