Yes, there IS life after Thailand - Ajarn Forum

MikeS · 3rd July 2008, 14:25

Just thought I'd let you know there is life after Thailand teaching English. We've started this week at a large language school in Brisbane, after also doing some casual at two other large language schools here. We went for the one which was the first to offer us five day a week work, as we wanted some regular income. In our case, this means 20 hours a week of teaching and we're getting about $37 an hour, which sounds a lot by Thai standards, but isn't special by Aussie standards; however, it's the same rate being paid by all the schools we had contact with here. It will do for the moment.

One thing I did notice is how highly organised the language schools are here. Its all planned and when you walk in its just sitting there in a box and you just read through it, copy anything required, grab the CD and you're away. And they all have shelves loaded with extra activities all packaged and labelled and ready to go. Very organised.

Another thing I must comment on is the weather - its ruddy cold after LOS. The other night it was 2 degrees overnight!!!!! It is winbter here of course, so we expected it, but its a shcok after the temperature rarely dropping below 25 where we were in Thailand. We've gone from aircon to sleep to actually needing blankets to snuggle under.

A final observation is how great hte public transport system is here in Brisbane. The bus takes us to the city from the suburbs in 30 minutes. Its fast (onw bus lanes separate from the cars) and very efficient. We even have GoCards, which are stored value cards we reload and just swipe when getting on and off the buses. Very efficient.

We're currently literally camped in our empty house, which was left vacant after the tenants moved out, but that's OK as we like camping. We're preparing the house to put up for sale and intend to downsize to a smaller townhouse and cut our debt.

There are many things I miss about Thailand (the people, the food, the relaxed lifestyle etc) and our three years there were great. We hope to visit again in October and repeatedly after that. Who knows, once we sell the house and replace it with something whose mortgage can be paid by the rent, we might take off again. Meanwhile, we're enjoying being back in Oz.

Anyway, that's enough for now. Just thought I'd pop up and say there is life after Thailand. Stay well,

Mike

natalie8 · 3rd July 2008, 14:49

Nice update, Mike. Sounds like things are going well for both you and your wife. Keep us posted on your house situation and the weather, culture shock etc.

Matthew · 3rd July 2008, 15:05

Great post, Mike.

Very encouraging. Someday I may end up back in Boston and, though it's insanely expensive and TEFL/TESL jobs don't pay nearly enough, there are TONS of language schools there of the type you're describing.

So if I 'survive' Thai, maybe I'll be in kind of the same boat, workwise at least.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeS

In our case, this means 20 hours a week of teaching and we're getting about $37 an hour, which sounds a lot by Thai standards, but isn't special by Aussie standards; however, it's the same rate being paid by all the schools we had contact with here. It will do for the moment.

37 (USD) would be the minimum to live sort of comfortably only in certain neighborhoods in the greater Boston area.

That's without the missus pulling in any kind of real bucks...which is a much longer term goal.

ANyway, thanks for the great post mate.

Mr. Hales · 3rd July 2008, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeS

Just thought I'd pop up and say there is life after Thailand.

most definitely!

glad you're doing well, thanks for the post.

keegan · 3rd July 2008, 15:41

good to see that it has worked out mate.......pretty much a city job if you want to teach english as a 2nd language though.......don't think coffs would be viable for me though.urunga actually

Capricious · 3rd July 2008, 20:46

Congrats Mike, glad to see things are working out for you. As long as you have the skill of language there will be work to be found in the world. That's why I want to continue my mastery of Thai. Good luck with the new job.

Jon · 4th July 2008, 03:26

Another positive post. Good stuff and well done.

Lor Ling · 4th July 2008, 05:30

Kudos, Mike!

i1der · 4th July 2008, 06:55

glad to hear you're doing well, and thanks for the positive out look and feed back on life after Thailand.

ben bradley · 4th July 2008, 09:30

"ruddy" ?

zehner · 4th July 2008, 09:34

^convict slang for "bloody"

good to hear are going well mike.

Eric C · 4th July 2008, 11:58

Thanks for the update Mike, was wondering when you'd return to the board

Great to hear you and the Mrs. are doing well, it couldn't have happened to a nicer couple of people! Hope the same goes for your family as well.

Do look me up when you get back here for a visit, would be happy to sort out the spare bedroom for you.

Umbuku · 4th July 2008, 19:52

Onya Mike!

Wondered what had happened to you.

There is some reverse culture shock but I think the benefits outweigh the shortcomings.

SageAndOnion · 4th July 2008, 22:49

I don't mean to be a wanker (well that's not strictly true), but wouldn't only people who had no life before teaching in Thailand need to be told that there was life after it?

Matthew · 4th July 2008, 22:51

hey

leave me out of this