Alumni Interview with Nicole Lang

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

My career was starting to become very draining, and I didn't want to lose passion for my work as a Speech Language Pathologist, so I knew I needed a break. I also knew I wanted to travel and have many adventures. I wasn't financially stable enough to go on a lengthy trip. Working abroad seemed like the perfect combination of both maintaining an income and opportunities for travel. 

Why did you choose Greenheart Travel? 

I had a friend that suggested the program, Greenheart Travel, as she moved to Thailand to work as an English teacher with them a couple of years prior. She spoke very highly of them and their process both before, during, and after her program. I researched and found Greenheart Travel to have an excellent procedure for the TESOL and visa process. I also liked that they had an online community which is designed to support future and current applicants. 

What was your favorite part about Thailand? 

I live in Thailand, so to be honest, one of the best parts is the food. I live in the northern part of Thailand, and the food is some of the best food I've tasted. But, my all-time favorite part of Thailand is the people. They're so kind and welcoming. They are generous and so passionate about their country. They are never in too big of a hurry to help out. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

Once I arrived at my school placement, I immediately got connected with the volleyball program with the help of one of my co-teachers. I found out I was the first foreign teacher to get involved outside of the classroom. The volleyball players and coaches took me in as one of their own, and it's been such a personal experience getting to build relationships with students outside of the classroom. You learn so much for the kids in class, but even more when you hang out with them doing something you both love. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

I never felt unsupported for a minute with Greenheart Travel. They provided me with so many opportunities to ask questions face-to-face through video conferences, sent out loads of documents containing information about Thailand, and continuously checked-in with me throughout the program. Their sister company here in Thailand, XploreAsia, were also supportive throughout the program. Probably one of the reason's I've extended my stay. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I don't think I would change anything I've done. I love my placement city, placement school, agency, recruitment agency, and TESOL course. Everything I've done has helped me make the most of my time abroad, and again, it’s probably why I have extended my contract an entire year. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

A typical weekday for me starts with waking up and showering. I have hot water, so it's an excellent way to start the day. Sometimes, I'll cook breakfast, but cooking in my apartment is more work than it's worth, so I'll usually eat fruit or hard-boiled eggs. I'll get ready for work, and I'm out the door around 7:30 am. I jump on my motor scooter and head into work. I'm at work from 7:40 am until 4:20 pm. Then, I take my scooter and park it next to the volleyball court. I play/coach three days a week from 4:30 until about 6:15 pm. Two days a week, I drive to a student's house where I tutor from 5:00-6:30 pm. Once those events finish, I will drive to the other side of town and meet two of my friends for Muay Thai boxing class. Afterward, we will head to a local market and grab dinner before heading home to go to sleep. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

Much of my free time was spent playing volleyball with my students, or relaxing in my apartment, or wandering the local markets. Occasionally, my friends and I would see a movie, but only when English movies were playing. It's not as easy to get around to other places as I thought it would be, and quite frankly, on the weekends I'm exhausted from teaching, so I don't normally travel on the weekends. It becomes more work than I want it to be for a simple two-day getaway. I'll hang around my placement city, do some work on my blog or YouTube channel, find local coffee shops, drive around to random temples, or just relax. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

I live in a small studio apartment with a bed, shower, toilet, and fridge. I have a small bathroom sink but it's not big enough to do dishes. I have a small shelving unit that I use as my "kitchen" and a small, floor-style table. It's small but cozy. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about Greenheart Travel before their program begins? 

Not so much about my program, but Thailand in general: You will likely be the last to know. Be ready to never really understand or know what's going on around you. Get ready to listen to all types of pop music and watch cover dances galore. 

Would you recommend Greenheart Travel to others? Why? 

I would absolutely recommend my program. I felt that Greenheart Travel provided me with so much valuable information that made the move abroad seamless. You become more than just a number with them—you become part of the family. They set you up immediately with their sister company in Asia called XploreAsia, and together they made the visa process and TESOL course process a breeze. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

I think one of the most significant benefits of traveling or living abroad is learning how to expect the unexpected and do things you normally might not do in the comfort of your home bubble. You gain valuable lessons by experiencing other cultures. You learn how different, yet similar, people live, work, and socialize around the world.

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

In regards to my experience as an English Teacher, "Meaningful Travel" means being mindful of your surroundings. Understand that you aren't going to change things, but you can make an impact on your students’ lives. You are an example to them.