Thread: I'm new, and my finger is hovering over send! Advice!

**Trants1** · 4th October 2012 22:06

Greetings all!

im new to this forum and the idea of teaching in Thailand. I've been working hard to complete an application for a celta for a well known training establishment in Chiangmai. Having travelled previously around SE Asia I'm not too worried about the prospect of landing in a new country. However, there are a few things which are worrying me.

After completion of the celta I'll have approximately 6000 pounds (uk) in my account. Would this be enough to tide me by for a reasonable amount of time whilst job hunting? Also, my girlfriend who was due to come with me has decided against it. Is it reasonably possible to make and meet a good expat social circle? And finally, the classic, which everybody seems to ask; is it possible to make and save enough money to live comfortably and save a little to possibly do the delta or move to another country at a later date?

Thanks in advance,
chris

ps I'm a degree holder (BA 2:1 in American studies) and have previously worked as learning support in a college and as therepeutic behavioural management worker in specialist schools and residential settings.

**Amanda0** · 4th October 2012 23:35

Hey Chris

I'm super new to this.. but I'll give you my mini opinion. From my understanding..... Id be super optimistic if I were you!
Degree, check.
Celta, soon to be check.
Chiang Mai, popular city - so I think an ex pat community would be likely.
6000 pounds is over 9000 something USD ,if google can be trusted? I think this is above and beyond what youd need. Though I've seen wide ranges in prices for apartments / condos. Estimate a large rent charge, like 10,000 bhat. Still only about 200 pounds - still totally trusting of google. So still tons lets for play. Via ajarn I've read that chiang mai mightttt not have the largest abundance of jobs or the best salaries. Saving money I guess is all dependent on your life style.

Amanda

**Trants1** · 4th October 2012 23:41

Thanks for the reply! Just to clarify, I'd be doing my celta in Chiangmai but going back down to bkk afterwards to find work. Just a bit nervous about 10000 baht for an appartment when I've read 30,000 thb seems the average wage of a teacher. Gulp!

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 5th October 2012 09:04

Originally Posted by Trants1

Just a bit nervous about 10000 baht for an appartment when I've read 30,000 thb seems the average wage of a teacher. Gulp!

Don't be nervous! Be excited! This is the experience of a lifetime! Find a roomie (fellow teacher), also, I have ever heard of the schools providing an apartments or room of sorts, look into it. I am taking the same leap as soon as I graduate in a little over a year! I am completely ready to go!

**cluezo** · 5th October 2012 09:12

Originally Posted by Victoria Carolyn Vida

I have ever heard

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 5th October 2012 09:15

even..........

**Stamp** · 5th October 2012 10:37

Originally Posted by Trants1

Greetings all!

**GreggsH** · 5th October 2012 10:57

Hi Chris,

6k is more than enough, if you have to delve into those savings too much I would be very surprised. I turned up to Thailand with 600 quid and it lasted me quite comfortably until my first pay check 6 weeks later.

Socialising is easy, especially if you're into sport. I personally am a member of a big Bangkok sports club that has hundreds of members - they organise socials, tournaments, balls and random events as well as just getting together if there's a big match on. Easiest way to meet a large group of people that are here for longer than a holiday and generally everybody is of the same mindset - very easy going, here for more than just the girls and the booze, and a huge network of support (and professional contacts!) Even if you don't play sport they have social membership too. I very highly recommend getting involved!

Organised things like this are quite common in Bangkok though if you did decide to move to a smaller city you would by no means be alone. In places like Nakon Sri Tammarat, Hat Yai, Surat or Rayong the majority of foreigners there are all working as opposed to tourists, so the locals will soon recognise a new face in town and it's easy to integrate yourself. I can personally vouch for the social scene in HY and Nakon - very young bubbly crowd into music, sport, art and generally having a good time. They're also all very active in visiting new places and seeing and doing new things - often spending weekends on the islands or the holidays travelling Asia so if you're planning on exploring while you're here you will immediately find travel buddies.

And finally-you can save money here no problem. I've sent back 5k in the last 7 months and I'm on a very average salary. Even when I was on 30k still saved around half of that without sacrificing the social side or travel (though maybe not quite as many western treats) so bearing in mind you won't spend much of your savings and you can save quite easily, if/when you decide to do the delta or more on you will have no problem!

**Trants1** · 5th October 2012 17:20

Thanks for the replies! Thank you Victoria for bit of a pep talk! And many thanks to greggsh for that thorough and informative post! Looks like I should send the application then!