Spotlight on Teacher Lane
Lane is currently a Teacher and traveler in Thailand. She started her journey in April 2016 where she trained for 3 weeks on the beautiful Island of Koh Chang. We asked Lane some quick questions about her experiences so far and here’s how she answered…
You can also follow Lane’s journey by adding our TEFL Heaven Thailand Snapchat and Instagram accounts.
Instagram: @teflheaventhailand
Snapchat: teflheaven-tha
1. Describe yourself in 3 words
I would describe myself as outgoing, adventurous, and passionate.
2.What do you enjoy most about your job
My favorite part of my job is getting to know my kids on a personal level and actually connecting with them and learning about their lives.
Especially with my teenagers, it is really rewarding to hear about their future school / work / life plans and knowing that I am helping them get closer to achieving those goals through bettering their English skills.
Especially with my teenagers, it is really rewarding to hear about their future school / work / life plans and knowing that I am helping them get closer to achieving those goals through bettering their English skills.
3.Whats on your bucket list?
I am planning to fulfill 2 of my bucket list items when I am done teaching! (1) Volunteer on an organic farm in northern Thailand and (2) Explore Northern Vietnam, starting with an overnight trek in Sapa and ending with a boat trip in Ha Long Bay.
Also, at some point I would like to backpack through Central America.
4. Favourite travel spot
My favorite travel spot so far has been Chiang Mai. I love the lush green mountains that encapsulate Northern Thailand! I spent a weekend there trekking with elephants and bathing them in the jungle, cliff jumping off the Grand Canyon, and exploring the markets and nightlife of quirky Chiang Mai. It was an unforgettable weekend and I can’t wait to go back to the North.
5.What has being a TEFL teacher taught you so far
Being a TEFL teacher has taught me that communication is much more than what comes out of our mouths. Working with people who are learning English as a second language comes with difficulties and I have learned that sometimes a gesture, a nod, or a smile speaks volumes more than having perfect grammar or spelling.
6.What would people never guess you do in your role
People would never guess that as a TEFL teacher, I spend a lot of time singing to Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Maroon 5 songs. My teenage students ABSOLUTELY love this music and we jam out in almost every class. Their impressions are hilarious.
7.What aspect of living and teaching abroad do you enjoy most?
Living and teaching abroad has been such a learning experience and I have loved getting accustomed to a completely different culture and way of life. I have met so many like-minded friends who share my sense of adventure, and getting to travel to beautiful, exciting places on the weekends together is so much fun.
8.What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
One of my students wrote a role-play script about drinking whiskey in a bar to get over his ex-wife who left him to join a motorcycle gang and live life on the open road. He’s 12. Where do they come up with this stuff???
9.What are your 3 must have items when teaching and traveling?
For traveling, my 3 must have items:
1) a great book. for days when you’re just relaxing or for long train/bus journeys. My current read: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
2) wet wipes. For when you’re sweaty and need a refresher, for when you spill something on your shirt, for when there’s no toilet paper in the bathroom! Wet wipes have so many uses and have saved my life on endless occasions. I ALWAYS keep a packet in my purse!
3) a camera! to capture all of the memories you make along the way.
2) wet wipes. For when you’re sweaty and need a refresher, for when you spill something on your shirt, for when there’s no toilet paper in the bathroom! Wet wipes have so many uses and have saved my life on endless occasions. I ALWAYS keep a packet in my purse!
3) a camera! to capture all of the memories you make along the way.
For teaching, my 3 must have items:
1) a ball. Kids go absolutely insane when you toss them a ball, it keeps the class lively!
2) the trusty red pen for grading which I use in every class
3) stretchy, comfortable plants – because half the time I am running around or sitting cross legged on the floor with a million kids jumping on me! Comfort is key
2) the trusty red pen for grading which I use in every class
3) stretchy, comfortable plants – because half the time I am running around or sitting cross legged on the floor with a million kids jumping on me! Comfort is key
10.Do you have any advice for someone who wants to teach abroad?
Just do it. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made and even though the thought of leaving home can be scary and daunting, once you get to Thailand, you realize that it is so worth it. Take the leap and live your adventure because you will never regret it!
