Be Like Heather: Fall in Love with Teaching in Thailand and Make It Home—How 6 Months Became 3 Years Already

What was intended to be a brief chapter of adventure has turned into something much more meaningful. Thailand feels like home in a way I never thought possible in those initial weeks and months. There are a million and one reasons to love life here.

From the kind-hearted people, to the exciting work culture, the tropical weather, and all the little things in between – these are just some of the reasons I fell in love with Thailand and why I happily continue to call it home. When you teach in Thailand, you discover not just a workplace—but a life that’s full of adventure, growth, and connection.

Falling in Love with Thailand: What’s Kept Me Here for 3 years?

Falling in love with Bangkok is my greatest love story. Bangkok and I went through the awkward dating stage – the initial uncomfortable few months and the gut feeling that “this is never going to work long term.”

Six months in, despite hiccups and persistent uncertainty, I decided to keep going for one more school term, to see what could happen if I gave Thailand a real chance. Somewhere between early morning classes, weekends spent exploring, and the everyday rhythm of Bangkok life, I began to fall for Thailand.

And somehow, three years down the line, I’m head over heels in love with this country.

The People Who Make Thailand Home

The people in Thailand are, without question, the number one reason that I’m still living here. Before leaving for Thailand, I imagined that I’d meet some cool people, make a handful of short-term friends, and then return to my ‘real’ life back home. Three years on, I have friends here who are family.

I work at Prathom (Primary-level) in the Saint Joseph Convent (SJC) School, alongside five other foreign teachers and our incredible BFITS coordinator. Over the course of the past few years, we’ve gone from strangers to best friends. There are few better things than getting to work with people who not only make you laugh every day, but who also always have your best interests at heart.

Despite spending hours a day with them at work, we choose to spend time together at the weekends. Whether it’s going for a picnic in one of Thailand’s breathtaking parks, hanging out at a cute bar in Chinatown, or having a movie night at one of our apartments, it’s never lost on me how special it is to have your co-workers also be your true friends.

The Kindness and Spirit of Thai People

The warmth and spirit of Thai people have played a huge part in why I’ve grown to love living here. Thai people are fundamentally kind in a way that is evident in everyday interactions. They exude generosity, gentleness, and a quiet kind of joy that makes living here so easy. Our BFITS office co-ordinator has become one of my truest friends here because she’s loving, funny, deeply caring, and considerate. I think her traits epitomise the values that Thais stand for.

Teaching in a Thai school gives you experience of working alongside and getting to know Thai people far more than would ever be possible as a tourist here. You don’t just observe life here, but really become part of it. The Thai teachers at school are funny, warm, and welcoming. Respect is mutually earned here; if you show it, you’ll receive it in return.

One Thai teacher brings me a different piece of fruit every Monday morning, and another teacher once asked about my favourite colours, then at Christmas surprised me with a hand-knitted hat in those exact shades. When you’re surrounded by people who constantly demonstrate kindness and thoughtfulness in small everyday ways, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love with the place!

Growth and Purpose While Teaching in Thailand

Friends and colleagues have been so important in my time in Thailand, but one thing I never expected to fall quite so in love with was teaching itself. Before moving here, I had never led a class, never written a lesson plan, and had huge impostor syndrome in the classroom.

Over time, supported by coworkers and BFITS Thailand, I gradually learned how to lead a class, interact with and communicate with my students, and design lessons that are both productive and enjoyable. I’ve always felt like I had someone to turn to with questions, and there’s always been something to learn from the people around me.

BFITS and Thailand have afforded me the opportunity to grow from a hesitant first-time teacher into the kind of person who feels confident and entirely at home when leading a class. For many teachers in Thailand, this journey of growth and confidence begins with a simple decision to try something new.

If you’re thinking about making the leap to teach English in Thailand, know that you’re not alone. Many of us came here unsure—and found purpose, passion, and professional fulfillment in the classroom.

My Lovely Students in Thailand

Every teaching day is different, but there isn’t a lesson that goes by where my students don’t make me laugh. Getting to watch the same group of students grow throughout their Prathom (primary) years is incredibly special and is what’s kept me in the same job for the past three years.

The shyest, most nervous students on day one are the same kids who now yell “TEACHER HEATHER!” across the playground just so they can share what they’ve eaten for breakfast. Of course, teaching days are not always perfect – printers break, classes turn up late or are cancelled due to unplanned activities, and sometimes students are too hyped up on ice cream to concentrate on grammar.

However, once you’ve gained the trust of your students and built a meaningful classroom culture, teaching becomes an endlessly rewarding experience. These are the moments that show why teaching in Thailand offers something truly unique—you don’t just teach, you connect, and you grow with your students.

Reflecting on Three Years, Deep Personal Connection

Reflecting on how my relationship with Thailand has changed and grown in the past three years is difficult to articulate succinctly. Mostly, I’m grateful to my past self for sticking with it through the initial stages of uncertainty. Starting a new life in an unfamiliar country is always going to be daunting and a little uncomfortable at first.

However, like any worthwhile relationship, success is a matter of give and take. If you approach Thailand with an open mind, put yourself out there, embrace local traditions, and give it a genuine chance, you’ll find growth, connection, and a true sense of belonging.

If you’re looking for more than just a job—if you’re seeking a life of meaning, community, and adventure—then choosing to teach in Thailand might be your next best decision. For me, it started as a six-month plan, but here I am, still in love, still growing, and still grateful.