How I Moved to Thailand at 22

When I told people I was moving to Thailand alone at 22 years old, some gushed and called me brave to my face, then scoffed and called me stupid behind my back. Others looked at me, stupefied, and jokingly call me stupid to my face, then mulled it over later and changed their opinion to bravery. I think whichever gut reaction you had says a lot about you. Most every single older adult looked me in the eye and said they wished they had done something like this when they were younger. Why didn’t they?

I noticed a lot of people immediately shut down and think to themselves “I could never do that” when talking about moving abroad. Why do people think that? Trust me, I’m not special. I had no connections in Thailand. But I kept going, I had resilience. I spent hours researching everything I could about this decision. I spent the six months leading up to my move thinking about it from every angle. I messaged people on Facebook, joined TEFL groups and Chiang Mai groups, talked on the phone to foreign teachers for hours. But I also had the rarity of no attachments. No serious boyfriend, no children, no important job. No sick relatives, no debt, nothing keeping me. I understand that I am extremely privileged to be in this position. I took advantage of it, I left.

How did I do it?

The first step is believing you are going to do it. I know what you’re thinking … What a load of BS. But honestly, the biggest hurdle is mental. Once you realize you can truly do anything, all that’s left is logistics. The world can seem like outer-space, far too wide and vast to make any sense of it. But once you break it down, you realize that the world is small and you are capable enough to travel it.

You will need two things to teach English abroad: a Bachelor’s degree & a TEFL certificate

I know there are exceptions in other countries, but in Thailand, most schools require a Bachelor’s degree to teach English. It does not have to be in education, it can be in anything. If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree, you will most likely have to look in other countries that do not require it.

I got my TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate from International TEFL Academy. They have a wealth of knowledge about countries you can teach in ALL over the world. I really enjoyed my experience with them because I talked to the counselors many times and they were actually super helpful. I did the online 11-week course that finished one month before I left for Thailand. If you end up choosing ITA, you should use my referral link because I get $100 / every person that uses the link. I’m not special, I believe everyone gets this referral link once you finish the course lol! The best part about this course was the required practicum where you practice teaching ESL students. I did mine online and learned a lot!

We are so privileged to be from a native English-speaking country. There are so many job opportunities abroad just because of this fact. If you dream of living abroad, you can EASILY do it.

How did I decide on Thailand?

I had never been to Asia before, and so I chose to teach in Asia for precisely that reason. I did a lot of research about different countries I could teach in. South Korea and Japan pay their English teachers higher salaries, but I felt like their culture and education system was too strict for the lifestyle I wanted. When I researched Thailand, I found a laid-back, Buddhist culture with kind locals and diverse landscapes and cities. I watched a million “Day in my Life as a Teacher in Thailand” Youtube videos and messaged people on Facebook. I had a gut feeling that Thailand was right for me. I chose Chiang Mai later as I applied for jobs. I dug deep and realized that I didn’t want to live in a crazy city like Bangkok. I wanted a smaller place where I could find real community. And I love the mountains. So to Chiang Mai I went (though Chiang Mai is still a pretty large city with lots to do!)

How did I find a legit job?

I applied for jobs starting in February 2022. I used Facebook groups and Ajarn.com to look for teaching jobs ~1.5 months before I wanted to move to Thailand. I know, the turn-around is quick! That’s how it works in Thailand. I knew that for private schools, the school year started in May. So peak hiring seasons is February/March. For a few weeks I scoured the Chiang Mai section of Ajarn and posted on Facebook groups, asking if anyone was hiring. I put in the work! You will have to send a photo of your Passport, Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate, and vaccine card to the hiring staff at schools. It’s customary.

IMPORTANT TIP: I did not use an agency because others urged me not to, as it is a waste of time and money. I applied for jobs directly through the school, and it worked out really well!

I immediately got two virtual interviews, and knew right-away that I wanted an offer from the first school. They were put-together, and I knew I would be supported there. There were 30 other foreign English teachers, so I knew I would have a community and would not feel isolated. Anddd they had their shit together. You could tell just from one interview. This school had been running for over 70 years, and they have an established English program. They also reassured me about how great Chiang Mai is and answered my million questions. I felt like this was the perfect fit. Thankfully, I got the job! I was immediately put into contact with staff who helped with my Visa requirements and who also answered my million questions about housing, insurance, etc. I am on a one-year contract, which is standard in Chiang Mai, although I do know some people on 6-month contracts.

Don’t be worried about finding a job. Schools are always hiring. Before covid, most schools in Thailand hired only in person. I don’t know if I would have felt comfortable doing that, so I’m glad I got a job beforehand.

How much did it cost?

The start-up costs to move abroad are a couple thousand USD. I worked two jobs before I moved and saved up a lot of money. So if you need to spend a couple months making money before you do this, that’s totally normal.

Main costs include TEFL certificate, plane ticket, Visa costs (which your school should reimburse you), general start-up items needed to move abroad (new suitcase, backpack, toiletries, clothes to fit a different climate, etc).

How was the adjustment?

The adjustment to life in Chiang Mai was hard, but not as hard as I thought. The culture here is different, more relaxed. “Mai pen rai” is the philosophy of Thailand. It means “no worries” which I take to mean lightheartedness. Will you mess up? Undoubtably. I did a million times over. But “mai pen rai.” It is okay. I made friends with fellow teachers in our early 20s, people from the UK and South Africa and the US. I rented a motorbike, and have autonomy to go where I want. I enjoy teaching and am forming good relationships to my students. I found a great studio apartment in a safe, modern building. I am building a life for myself here. I am not making a ton of money according to US standards, but it is more than enough for me to live a comfortable life and still travel to beautiful destinations on holidays. Life is really really good here. My leap of faith paid off big time.

I wanted to write this article to make moving abroad accessible to anyone who desires it. YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU WANT TO. And you should. Traveling and forming intercultural relationships is the best form of education. You will be a changed person, for the better. You will feel capable, and strong, and realize how small you really are in a world full of interesting people. And your problems will shrink when you watch how other people live.

I hope this gives you the boost you need to start your journey to move abroad. Once you realize someone normal out there has done it and succeeded, it breaks a huge barrier in your mind!

Mai pen rai. Just do it!

xx Gracie

If you enjoyed reading this article, you should check out my others.

Gracie’s Guide to a Long Weekend in Phuket, Thailand

One Month in Chiang Mai: Adjusting to Life in a New Continent

Two Months in Chiang Mai: The Highs were High, the Lows were Low