Ready, Steady...Hello!

**CarmSA** · 29th April 2012 03:24

Hi All,

I'll be leaving my hometown of Port Elizabeth, South Africa on 16th May 2012.

I'm starting in Koh Samui, for a bit of a holiday and some diving before beginning the job hunt. (I am new to TEFL-ing)

I've been in Corporate for 18 years and decided to take a career-break. I'm an Occupationally Directed Training Facilitator.

There is so much information available, both good and bad, for those that have made the decision to teach abroad, however, I fear becoming completely overwhelmed.

I have familiarized myself with the basic need-to-know stuff, but have rather chosen the approach of simply 'arriving' and then taking each day as it comes.

Is this naive? Should I be concerned with absolutely every 'what if' situation?

I am 35 years old, well travelled and have a bit of life-experience.

My biggest concern at the moment is...what to pack?

**cluezo** · 29th April 2012 03:49

You didn't mention that you had a college degree. Do you?

**Jimmy Mulga** · 29th April 2012 04:38

When I fly up to Thailand I normally fill my suitcase with wine and cheese. Apparently there is still a tonic water shortage so that would be something to consider.

**happynz** · 29th April 2012 04:45

Originally Posted by CarmSA

I'm an Occupationally Directed Training Facilitator.

In layman's terms, what the hell is that?

**cluezo** · 29th April 2012 05:42

**WilliamBlake** · 29th April 2012 07:49

Originally Posted by CarmSA

I'm an Occupationally Directed Training Facilitator.

Originally Posted by happynz

In layman's terms, what the hell is that?

Train conductor.

**fred flintstone** · 29th April 2012 08:14

Originally Posted by CarmSA

Should I be concerned with absolutely every 'what if' situation

The way I see it , if you got $$ in the bank and a half way decent head on your shoulders you should be OK. Just double check what paperwork you need for working and make sure you have it. Everything else you will figure out once you're in Thailand.

If you're tall bring some extra clothes, they can be hard to find in Thailand.Especially shirts with tails.

**CarmSA** · 29th April 2012 14:23

Wine, Cheese, Shirts with Tails and a Train Conductor???

Well then...best not forget to pack in the Biltong, Vellies, Koeksisters and Mampoer...seems this 'Train Conductor' is in for a helluva ride!

**Bird71** · 29th April 2012 14:30

Originally Posted by CarmSA

Well then...best not forget to pack in the Biltong, Vellies, Koeksisters and Mampoer...seems this 'Train Conductor' is in for a helluva ride!

And some boeren worst . . .

**Jimmy Mulga** · 29th April 2012 15:16

To be serious, you'll need to take the original of your degree and transcripts.

Apart from that I wouldn't be too worried, you can get pretty much anything you need in Bangkok reasonably cheaply.

**Amanpour** · 29th April 2012 17:35

Come on over. You'll be fine

Originally Posted by CarmSA

My biggest concern at the moment is...what to pack?

As little as you can.

**Jimmy Mulga** · 29th April 2012 17:45

^ why? You've got your luggage allowance, why wouldn't you use it?

**Amanpour** · 29th April 2012 17:53

Most of what you need can be bought here relatively cheaply. I wouldn't want to drag my full luggage allowance around the country before getting an apartment somewhere.