What inspired you to work for Kids English Thailand?
I was inspired to join Kids English Thailand by its mission to connect passionate educators with meaningful teaching opportunities in Thailand. Having previously taught English abroad, I was drawn to the comprehensive support offered, including visas, training, and cultural integration, which made the transition seamless. The chance to impact young learners’ lives while immersing myself in Thailand’s rich culture was a dream come true.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day starts at 7:30 AM with planning lessons for my 18 weekly teaching hours. I teach English to elementary students, using interactive methods to engage them. Mid-morning, I collaborate with Thai colleagues during breaks, sharing ideas over lunch. Afternoons involve classroom sessions, followed by grading and preparing materials for the next day. I help run the language school at KET.
Why do you do what you do?
I teach because I believe education opens doors to new opportunities, especially for young learners in Thailand. Seeing students gain confidence in English and connect with global cultures motivates me. Kids English Thailand’s emphasis on cultural exchange aligns with my values, allowing me to share my background while learning from others.
Another day teaching
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is watching students light up when they master a new phrase or concept. The cultural events, like Songkran celebrations at school, add joy and deepen my connection to Thailand. Working with a diverse team of educators and seeing their growth is also rewarding. The supportive environment at Kids English Thailand makes every success feel shared.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My Bachelor’s in History and TEFL certification shape my teaching at Kids English Thailand, where I adapt lessons to connect with students’ cultural contexts. Having lived in Japan, South Korea, and now Thailand, I bring diverse perspectives to the classroom, enriching discussions with examples from Osaka’s history, Busan’s markets, and Chiang Mai’s festivals.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
Language barriers and adapting to new teaching environments are common challenges. In Thailand, I sometimes struggle with the local dialects, but I overcome this with patience and the support of Thai colleagues. Cultural misunderstandings arise occasionally, which I address by asking questions and learning from the community. The 24/7 support from Kids English Thailand also helps me navigate logistical issues, such as obtaining work permits, ensuring I stay focused on teaching.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I’m currently developing a cross-cultural project with my elementary students, integrating Thai folklore with English storytelling to boost engagement. I’m also collaborating with the team to update our orientation curriculum, drawing from my past experiences in Japan and South Korea to enhance cultural training.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
I’d tell myself to embrace the uncertainty when moving to Thailand was daunting, but it’s been transformative. Learn basic phrases early to connect with locals, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from the Kids English Thailand team, as they’re a lifeline. Pack light but bring an open mind; the culture will teach you more than you expect. Trust the process, and enjoy every moment of this journey.
What makes Kids English Thailand special?
Kids English Thailand stands out with its comprehensive support for teachers, from visa processing to cultural training. The program offers a unique blend of professional growth and cultural immersion, placing educators in diverse Thai communities. Our over-a-week training in Sukhothai, combined with ongoing 24/7 support, creates a welcoming environment. It’s a place where teachers like me can make a real impact while building a global network.
Me teaching
Why should someone choose Kids English Thailand over competitors?
Choosing Kids English Thailand means accessing unrivaled support—full visa and work permit assistance, plus reimbursement for extension fees after a year. Our competitive salaries and affordable living costs in Thailand surpass those of many programs. The structured orientation, including a UNESCO site visit, and a tight-knit community of international educators set us apart.
What hopes do you have for the future of Kids English Thailand?
I hope Kids English Thailand expands to more provinces, offering teachers new cultural experiences while maintaining our high standards of support. I’d love to see enhanced online training modules to reach a broader audience. In the long term, I envision a stronger alumni network that connects past and present teachers, fostering ongoing collaboration and growth in the field of international education.
Are there any developments with Kids English Thailand that you would like to share with us?
We’re currently refining our orientation program, adding more interactive cultural workshops based on feedback from teachers like me. Starting in October 2025, we’ll offer a new mentorship initiative pairing new teachers with experienced staff. These updates aim to improve the transition for incoming educators and strengthen our community.
What makes Kids English Thailand easy to market to potential participants?
Our clear value proposition, affordable entry at $350, comprehensive support, and a vibrant teaching experience make marketing straightforward. Success stories from teachers like me, combined with stunning visuals of Sukhothai and testimonials, resonate with applicants. The structured program details on our website, along with partnerships like Go Abroad, simplify outreach to those seeking meaningful teaching roles.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Kids English Thailand’s mission is to empower educators to teach English in Thailand while fostering cultural exchange and professional growth. We aim to enhance students’ global perspectives through quality education. I contribute by delivering engaging lessons to elementary students that integrate Thai culture with English learning. I also participate in training new teachers during orientations, ensuring they’re equipped to uphold this mission. The 24/7 support team and structured programs keep us aligned with these goals daily.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants leave with strong teaching skills and a deep appreciation for Thai culture. They should gain confidence in the classroom, supported by our over a week-long training, and feel empowered to make a difference in students’ lives. I want them to form lasting connections with our international educator community and gain a broader global perspective, inspired by experiences like our UNESCO site visit in Sukhothai.
How do you help support participants?
I support participants by sharing my teaching insights from Japan, South Korea, and Thailand during orientation, helping them adapt to the classroom. I’m available for ongoing advice as they settle in, assisting with lesson planning or cultural adjustments. The Kids English Thailand team provides 24/7 support, handling visas and work permits, while I assist in finding accommodation and connecting them with colleagues to ensure a smooth transition.
Some of my students and I
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I’d choose a placement in Phuket to teach coastal communities. I’d focus on interactive English lessons using local marine life themes, blending education with cultural exploration. I’d spend my free time visiting temples and beaches, immersing myself in the island’s unique vibe, and sharing those experiences with students to enhance their learning.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants often ask about living costs and classroom challenges. I explain that Thailand’s affordable lifestyle, excluding rent and utilities, fits our 30,000–36,000 THB salaries, and I suggest some budgeting tips. For teaching, I share strategies from my experience, like using visuals for engagement, and reassure them that our training and support team are there to help them succeed.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures broadens perspectives, as I’ve seen living in Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. It fosters empathy and adaptability, which are key to personal growth. At Kids English Thailand, participants are immersed in Thai life, teaching English while learning from students and communities. This exchange, like exploring Sukhothai’s history, builds global awareness and resilience, enriching both teachers and learners.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language opens doors to communication and connection, which I’ve experienced firsthand while teaching English and picking up basic knowledge of Japanese, Korean, and Thai. It enhances cognitive skills and cultural understanding, vital for teaching at Kids English Thailand. For participants, mastering English empowers students, while basic Thai helps teachers integrate, strengthening classroom bonds and professional opportunities.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Start by researching your destination, Thailand's culture, and affordable living, which is an excellent fit with Kids English Thailand’s support. Connect with past participants for insights, and learn basic Thai phrases to ease your transition. Be open to challenges; my moves to Japan and South Korea taught me resilience. Plan financially, but trust the program’s visa and accommodation help. It’s a rewarding step if you’re ready to take the next step in your growth.
Me at work!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is about cultural exchange and personal impact, like teaching in Chiang Mai while learning from Thai festivals. At Kids English Thailand, we share English skills with students and gain insights from their lives, enhanced by experiences like our Sukhothai orientation. It’s not just about visiting; it’s about building connections that last beyond the trip, shaping both the teacher and the community.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between programs and the communities in which they are located?
I’m concerned about programs that prioritize profit over community benefit, such as those with minimal local engagement or unfair teacher compensation. At Kids English Thailand, I value our focus on supporting Thai students and reimbursing visa costs, but some programs exploit communities without giving back. I expect mutual respect and education, not one-sided gains, which drives my commitment to ethical teaching.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement means fostering respectful, reciprocal relationships, such as those I’ve built while teaching in Thailand. It ensures that Kids English Thailand’s programs benefit students and communities through quality education and cultural sharing, while fairly compensating teachers. It’s about leaving a positive impact, not just taking, and aligning actions with local needs and values.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope international education evolves to prioritize equitable partnerships, ensuring programs like Kids English Thailand benefit both teachers and host communities. I envision more accessible training, possibly including virtual options, to reach a diverse range of educators by 2026. I’d love to see standardized support for visas and fair pay become the norm, thereby fostering sustainable global learning networks.
What qualities in program & host community relations are essential to you? (And your organization?)
Mutual respect, open communication, and cultural exchange are key to me and Kids English Thailand. I value programs that listen to community needs, like our Sukhothai orientation, which reflects local heritage. Our organization prioritizes support, including visa assistance, 24/7 help, and ensuring that teachers and communities thrive together. Trust and collaboration, built through shared goals, are essential for meaningful relationships.
