Those who long for escapism are increasingly heading to Thailand, whether for a vacation, or, more frequently these days, to live. Cities like Chiang Mai have proved to be popular with digital nomads thanks to their beautiful surroundings, low living expenses, and pleasant climate.
For English teachers, there’s another added benefit to relocating to the Land of Smiles – the huge demand for their services. The country’s thriving tourist sector means there’s a greater need for a workforce that is skilled in the English language. With that in mind, there’s never been a better time for TEFL professionals to enjoy a taste of the Thai lifestyle.
Whether you relish the hustle and bustle of Bangkok city, or prefer the peace and tranquillity of one of Isan’s rural villages, you can be confident that there’s nothing quite like living and working in this amazing country. So, are you ready to discover all the reasons why you’ll love to relocate? Then read this beginner’s guide to teaching English in Thailand and find out all you need to know!
Why Choose Thailand?
Whether you’re considering getting your TEFL qualification, or you’re already qualified and just trying to choose your next destination, Thailand is one of the top choices amongst English teachers. Consistently ranked among the world’s best places to teach English overseas, it’s right up there on many professionals’ wish lists. But is Thailand right for you? What can you expect if you head to the Land of Smiles as an English teacher? Here are eight reasons why we think you’ll love to relocate here!
You’ll Enjoy Amazing Food
They say that the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and when it comes to Thai food, it isn’t too hard to see why the country is so loved. Spicy or sweet, you’re sure to find a dish that perfectly suits your palate, and even better, you’ll find every meal is incredibly affordable. You can find street food on virtually every corner to die for, but even if you decide to cook for yourself, you’ll find a wealth of fresh ingredients to inspire you and tantalise your tastebuds.
Surround Yourself With Friendly Locals
They call Thailand the Land of Smiles for a reason. Almost everyone you meet during your stay here will be friendly, warm, welcoming and hospitable. It’s so easy to feel right at home here, even though you’re many miles away from your own home country.
Excellent Quality Of Life
When you relocate to Thailand as an English teacher, you’re sure to be surprised by how low the cost of living actually is. The exchange rate is strong, and the price of everyday essentials is well below those at home. That means you’ll be able to buy yourself some fantastic souvenirs or spend some time travelling to discover the country’s different regions in style.
A Laidback Lifestyle
Perhaps one of the best things about living and working in Thailand is the more relaxed and laidback pace of life. While things can be more hectic in the cities, in most places, you’ll find that there’s simply less anxiety and tension. There’s a far slower way of living here, and once you settle in, you’ll be sure to relish it.
Spectacular Surroundings
Whether you base yourself in a city, in the countryside, or by the sea, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery. Thailand is a truly stunning country, with spectacular mountains, gorgeous beaches, and amazing rural areas just waiting to welcome you with open arms. In your downtime, you’ll be free to explore at will, revelling in everything the nation has to offer.
A Positive Likeminded Community
As Thailand is one of the hotspots for digital nomads today, you’re sure to meet countless likeminded people on your travels. You’ll be able to forge new networks that could help you in your long-term career and make lots of friends to socialise and explore with along the way. Even better, not only will you find other ex-pat workers like yourself, but you’ll also find yourself at the heart of a friendly local community, especially if you’re working at an established educational institution or language school. Your students and colleagues alike will play a major role in your life and will ensure that you take many amazing memories home with you.
A Perfect Position
Thanks to its proximity to so many other fascinating destinations, Thailand is the perfect base for explorers. Teaching English here gives you the opportunity to take time out to discover the neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar – bucket list destinations that have a wealth of experiences to offer. As there are many long weekends and holidays as part of the Thai curriculum, you’ll find yourself with enough time to take short breaks away and to really make the most of your tome in Southeast Asia.
A Fascinating Culture
Most travellers will agree that it’s the culture of a nation that truly makes the experience worthwhile, and the Thai culture is especially fascinating. As the only Southeast Asian country to never have been colonised, Thailand has a particularly unique cultural environment, and there are many holidays, celebrations, and festivals that will immerse you in the country’s lifestyle. There’s nothing quite like living and working in a country to really understand its differences and nuances – something that Thailand has no shortage of!
Can I Teach English In Thailand?
Now that you know all the benefits of being an English teacher in Thailand, the next question is whether or not your dream is possible. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as you might think to become a TEFL professional in Thailand. In fact, you don’t even necessarily need to have a degree. While some jobs, such as working in schools, are only available to those who have attended university, as long as you’re TEFL qualified, you’ll find that you can work as a tutor, teaching assistant, or, of course, an online English teacher in Thailand. So, are you ready to embark on your Thai adventure? Then what are you waiting for?
