First Flight to Final Class: My Life Teaching English in Thailand

Hi there! I슬롯사이트�m Kelsey Aycock, a 35-year-old originally from Georgia, most recently calling Tennessee home. My background is in Child and Family Development슬롯사이트�I graduated from San Diego State University슬롯사이트�and before I ever stepped foot into a Thai classroom, I was teaching yoga and managing a studio. But in 2024, I swapped yoga mats for whiteboards when I earned my TEFL certification through 슬롯머신 and joined their Teach in Thailand program. What followed was a life-changing experience I won슬롯사이트�t soon forget.

From Nerves to Confidence: My First Days in Thailand

Landing in Thailand was surreal. It was my first time in the country슬롯사이트�and my first time teaching abroad슬롯사이트�so yes, I was nervous. But 슬롯머신 and OEG made the transition smooth. Their orientation was a game changer. Not only did we get additional in-person training before stepping into the classroom, but I also met people who would become my close friends and co-workers. By the end of that first week, I felt confident, supported, and ready to teach.

The Unexpected Superpower: Always Have a Plan B (or C)

One of the best things I took away from 슬롯머신슬롯사이트�s 150-hour TEFL course? Always have games and backup activities ready. Seriously. There were days I슬롯사이트�d walk into class and find half the students missing, or we슬롯사이트�d wrap up early, or슬롯사이트�let슬롯사이트�s be honest슬롯사이트�my lesson just wasn슬롯사이트�t landing. But thanks to what I learned in the course, I never panicked. I always had something up my sleeve, whether it was a quick review game or a creative filler activity. I still look back at those course resources for inspiration슬롯사이트�they슬롯사이트�ve been absolute lifesavers.

The Highs and the Hiccups

Some of the most rewarding moments came when my students told me how much they슬롯사이트�d learned. One student, in particular, told me my public speaking class helped them ace their university interviews and get accepted into their dream school. Moments like that? Pure magic.

But not every day was smooth sailing. I had one student who constantly disrupted class슬롯사이트�talking, using their phone, the usual distractions. Instead of calling them out (which I learned can be very embarrassing in Thai culture), I used a quieter approach. I슬롯사이트�d gently tap their desk as I walked by, just enough to signal, 슬롯사이트�Hey, time to refocus.슬롯사이트� I also worked closely with my co-teacher to make sure we were on the same page. The cultural awareness I gained from the TEFL course really helped me handle situations like this with empathy and effectiveness.

A Reality Check슬롯사이트�and a Pleasant Surprise

If you슬롯사이트�ve seen Thailand on Instagram or in travel documentaries, you probably imagine sparkling beaches and lush jungles. Same here. So, I was a little surprised to be placed in a small town in central Thailand슬롯사이트�far from the coast and not exactly a tourist hotspot.

At first, it felt like a big adjustment. But once I got the hang of local transportation, exploring nearby areas became easier. And to my surprise, I grew to love the slower pace and tight-knit community of my town. It ended up being the perfect place to start this chapter of my teaching journey.

Final Thoughts: Do It for the Right Reasons

If you're considering a program like this, my biggest piece of advice is simple: make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. Yes, you슬롯사이트�ll get to travel and explore a beautiful country슬롯사이트�but at the heart of it, this is a teaching job. Your students, your school, and your commitment come first. The travel is a bonus.

Now that my time in Thailand has wrapped up, I슬롯사이트�m looking ahead. I슬롯사이트�ll be applying for 슬롯머신슬롯사이트�s Teach in South Korea program next. My experience with 슬롯머신 has been so positive that I슬롯사이트�m excited to continue working with them as I explore new countries and classrooms.