Teaching English in Thailand: Micah’s Story

Teaching English in Thailand gave Micah the chance to build on his love of travel and turn it into something more immersive and meaningful. After discovering TEFL Heaven through a friend, he joined the Thailand program and found that the experience shaped his confidence, perspective, and future plans.

In this TEFL Heaven interview, Micah shares how teaching English in Thailand compared to his earlier travels, what drew him to the program, and why life abroad became such a rewarding chapter for him.

Who is Micah Bank and how did he find TEFL Heaven?

We recently caught up with Micah Bank, 24, who was on our Paid Internships Thailand Program from October 2016 - March 2017. Micah found out about TEFL Heaven when one of his friends recommended the program, and Micah alongside another 20 or so Semester at Sea alumni decided to do various TEFL Heaven programs around the world.

What was Semester-at-Sea and why did you choose that program?

Semester at Sea is a study abroad program based out of Colorado State University. The program takes place on a ship and travels to 10-13 countries each semester. I chose this program because, what sounds better than studying abroad on a cruise ship exploring the world and absorbing new cultures for 4 months?

Semester at Sea & teaching English in Thailand were the two best decisions I have made this far in my life. If I didn’t do Semester at Sea, I probably wouldn’t have taught in Thailand.

What influenced you to take the TEFL Heaven Thailand program?

The training at a paradise location! Would you rather train in a stuffy office or a beach resort?

Since being here in Thailand, I can now say that the people I have met and the Thai food are my favorite things about Thailand.

Did you experience any culture shock? If so, how?

I had spent a considerable amount in SE Asia on Semester at Sea, so I wasn’t really “culture-shocked”. I guess I just needed a normal amount of time breaking myself into the Thai lifestyle.

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

Besides the obvious rewards of traveling such as relaxation, happiness, and personal enlightenment, teaching has helped me with my confidence across the board.

Teaching has truly enriched me. When you begin to absorb new places completely unfamiliar, you not only become a more well rounded person, you feel like a better human in general. With this new confidence traveling can give you, it makes you more comfortable interacting and approaching people; 'putting yourself out there' becomes less of a fear and more of a pleasure.

Its no question that everyone’s travels are different, but I can say with full confidence that every penny I have spent traveling was 100% worth it. Finally, if it wasn’t for TEFL Heaven facilitating everything for me to be successful, everything else wouldn’t have been as great!

What's next for you?

TEFL Heaven has actually hired me to train newbies to Thailand as an Assistant Trainer in the paradise island of Koh Chang this April, and then I will be moving to Los Angeles or New York City to follow more passions of mine!

What are two of the biggest tips you’d give people who are now considering teaching English in Thailand through TEFL Heaven?

No matter your situation in Thailand, absorb every day as something new and never stop exploring Thailand!

Interact with as many locals as possible! You will learn a lot more than you think.

Micah’s story is a strong example of how teaching English in Thailand can deepen a love of travel and turn it into real growth.

For anyone considering a TEFL Heaven program, this interview shows how teaching abroad in Thailand can open the door to confidence, connection, and exciting next steps.

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