4 Tips for Living in Thailand as a Teacher: Friends, Activities, and Budgeting
Teaching abroad is one of the more memorable, fulfilling and character-building experiences you can make for yourself. But let’s face it, you have taken a leap of faith to immerse yourself in a country and culture foreign to you! There will be the obvious challenges as you transition, but that’s okay!
Almost every member of staff in SINE has worked as a teacher before moving up in the company, so we have all been there and completely empathise. As a result, SINE has built a strong support system that will tailor to your needs. So, remember, you are never alone on this journey! In addition to that, I wanted to offer you 5 ideas that you could implement that has personally worked for me in my current experience teaching here in Thailand with SINE.
Tip 1 - Join a Club
For me, I joined a Muay Thai and a standard commercial gym. They’re also a lot cheaper since I live outside of a city. Surrounding yourself with people you’ll see often and with similar interests to you is the best way to meet people from all walks of life whilst teaching abroad. A language barrier is the last thing preventing you from connecting with others, especially in those environments. To find these clubs in your local area is surprisingly simple. You could always ask your colleagues or even students if they know of any. I like to search online; I searched for “Muay Thai” plus my location on the Instagram search function, and that’s how I found my gym. You can do the same on Google and Google Maps!
You could also use apps like nomadtable, which for me, is the main app I use to find events to attend and meet people. Luckily, Thailand is a central hub for many travellers which increases the opportunities to meet people. Everyone wants to meet new people here, so don’t be afraid to take those first steps. Attend them alone as I have – things tend to go your way when you step into the unknown with courage! I can attest from my own personal experience that it works out just fine, hence why I recommend you do the same. I went to an event where I met people to watch Muay Thai live at Rajadamnern Stadium!
Tip 2 - Build Relationships and Networks
I would recommend doing your best to keep in contact with the fellow teachers you meet in training, despite the distance. It’s easy to move around in Thailand. Especially because of all the frequent public holidays you are given (which is another reason to try teaching abroad!) Visiting new places with your friends is a very simple process. They can introduce you to their friends and so on and so forth and before you know it you have your own teacher clique! Also, the students here in Thailand love to get to know their teachers and will ask you about your life, experiences and hobbies, so don’t underestimate the impact that can have on your mental wellbeing when establishing rapports with them too!
Small tip: Become a regular in some of the restaurants or market stalls you visit. In my experience, you will tend to get discounts and even freebies! Establishing a rapport with the workers there is also another great way to meet more people who can also advise you on the hidden gems and activities to do! Also, the Thai know how to party and if that’s your thing, I’d highly recommend going to the karaoke spots!
Tip 3 - Take Yourself on More Solo Dates
I personally love Mookata, which is a Thai buffet where you’re given a hotpot and heaps of ingredients to do your own thing with. I have taken myself there more times than I care to admit. The one near me is only 150baht, so you can’t blame me! You’d be surprised at how accommodating the Thai people are, especially when visiting alone as people tend to come and speak to you! Sometimes you just need that time to yourself because as rewarding as teaching can be, it can get exhausting too. It’s always good to be kind and reward yourself for your courage and efforts in what you’re doing.
Tip 4 - Save Money With Home Cooking
I am a saver. As much as I agree that the food is affordable and absolutely amazing here, there is still a part of me that needs to save a little every month. In case the reader is also a saver, this one is for you. My solution to that was to invest in a rice cooker! I have found that it is much cheaper to buy groceries and prepare meals at home, (especially as a Teacher-Athlete). I would highly recommend going to Big-C or Lotus supermarkets to get all your groceries as they tend to have cheaper prices. Rice cookers are surprisingly versatile as you can make a variety of meals in one go! Life while teaching abroad can be busy, so having quick meals ready at home is a life saver.
Written by Teacher Stefan