Be like Richard: Manage Expectations and Adjust to Realities When Teaching in Bangkok, Thailand

After arriving in Bangkok for the first time a year ago, I carried a bag of assumptions stemming from travel blogs, YouTube videos, and word of mouth. I knew that there would be an intense adjustment period and possibly some culture shock, but what I experienced during my first week of teaching was quite different from what I had imagined. Some surprises caught me off guard, but there were also moments of clarity that helped me put things into perspective.

This blog offers a glimpse into the differences between what I expected to experience and the realities of my first week of teaching. If you are considering teaching in Thailand—particularly in Bangkok—I hope that my experiences will help you prepare for your adventure.

As you will observe, reality often brings many rewards that you can experience much differently from simply reading a blog. And if you’re planning to teach in Thailand, your first impressions might surprise you in the best way possible.

The Land of Smiles: Expectation vs. Reality

Expectation: I imagined something unadorned—perhaps a lack of textbooks and funding, modern infrastructure, air conditioning, or visual appeal. Considering the lower costs of living and education in the Land of Smiles, I expected something very different from reality. I expected a lot of concrete, perhaps some chipped paint, and little to no plants, especially considering that Bangkok is a vast city and the capital of Thailand.

Reality: The first thing that was very noticeable upon walking into the school was how vibrant the campus is, with student-made posters, portraits of significant figures, murals featuring many colors, angiosperm plants, and a warm, festive atmosphere. There is a deep sense of pride in the landscape presentation, perfectly arranged shoes outside of classrooms (as students do not wear shoes in classrooms), bright and neat uniforms, and the respectful nature of the students. It turned out to be not only a place for education, but a central cultural hub.

Reflection: One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard is the Thai national anthem that literally stops you in your tracks; and this anthem is played twice a day (once in the morning at every school in the country) not only at schools, but also at public parks, government buildings, train stations, bus stations, markets, some malls and cinemas at 8 AM and 6 PM. Upon hearing the anthem, everyone stops what they are doing out of respect, which is not required by law, but a widely followed cultural norm. If you’re planning to teach English in Thailand, these kinds of moments really highlight how immersive the cultural experience can be.

Inside My Thai Classroom

Expectation: When I was crossing the Pacific Ocean after flying out of Miami and en route to Thailand, my imagination ran wild. I expected a chaotic classroom environment where students may give a foreign teacher a hard time, and that there would be limited resources. I braced myself for noisy teenagers, overly shy students, and standoffish people.

Reality: The students turned out to be very respectful, helpful, energetic, warm, loving, and harmonic. Every Thai school places a huge emphasis on respect for authority—teachers, in particular, who are held in very high regard by everyone in the country. The classrooms are simple (as they should be), but state-of-the-art and highly functional. Each student has a desk, and things are extremely organized, as students ‘wai’ (palms together with a bow) is a respectful greeting to adults and the like.

Reflection: A major take-home lesson from the classroom is the students’ willingness and eagerness to remain engaged academically and socially. They are very curious about who I am, where I am from, and even what I eat for lunch. Building rapport has been much easier than I thought, and the warmth has put me at ease. It became apparent that the biggest challenge would not be managing their behavior, but rather keeping up with their enthusiasm and energy. For anyone thinking about teaching in Thailand, this level of mutual curiosity and respect is an absolute gift.

What My Teacher’s Desk Really Looked Like

Expectation: I imagined being given a large pile of books and ‘thrown to the wolves,’ where I would become mentally prepared to spend my nights creating the actual curriculum, worksheets, and complex lesson plans, navigating things on my own. I had the impression that I would be tested on how well I could perform on my toes.

Reality: I found myself pleasantly supported by a strong support system, including Thai teaching assistants who are also very proactive and efficient. They guided me through class schedules, helped translate the material to the students (if needed), and offered strategies based on what had worked for prior teachers. A basic syllabus with textbooks to work from, which provided me with a stable and reliable foundation, has been extremely helpful.

Reflection: Although every educator should bring their creativity and energy to the classroom, an expat educator here in Thailand will never be abandoned. Thai schools want you to succeed, as you can see, this is reflected in the support provided. The framework provides me with the flexibility to experiment with multimedia, hands-on activities, games, worksheets, and relevant videos that cater to my strengths and enable me to connect with the students. This is what makes it especially exciting to teach in Thailand—you’re never alone on the journey.

School Lunch Was a Pleasant Surprise

Expectation: I expected to have to pack my own lunch on a daily basis and scavenge for nearby street food, while also being concerned about allergies, excessive spice, and the logistics of eating between class periods. I also assumed that I would skip lunch or nibble on snacks in the teachers’ staff room.

Reality: Thai school lunches are actually a hidden gem, where meals are provided free of charge and usually include rice, vegetables, chicken or tofu (a protein source), and a savory soup. With authentic and rich flavors that are authentically Thai, often with a bit of manageable spice. The heat of the spice initially caught me off guard, but it became more palatable over time. The reality is that school lunch is something I look forward to every day.

Reflection: As I share meals with Thai staff and faculty, I progressively connect in a great way with my counterparts. The canteen (cafeteria) is where we have had some of the best conversations about language, festivals, holidays, and food. There is something inherently magical about bonding over a meal, with shared moments that help me integrate more quickly into the community. These small moments help teachers in Thailand feel more at home, both in and outside the classroom.

Morning Assembly and Student Behavior

Expectation: I was under the assumption that morning assemblies would be brief and procedural, with very few pertinent announcements, perhaps followed by a national anthem and a quick trek to class. Regarding student behavior, I expected a blend of issues regarding discipline and attention struggles seen in many schools around the world (especially where I am from).

Reality: The morning assembly turned out to be a cultural ceremony where students lined up in perfect rows, recited Buddhist chants, and sang the national anthem. In terms of behavior, students display a very high level of respect, particularly in formal settings. Disruptions are very rare where there is a collective understanding of decorum during daily gatherings.

Reflection: Routines foster a sense of unity and pride among students, starting the day grounded in discipline, mindfulness, and values. My school, in particular, recites Buddhist chants during morning assemblies, where I can actually feel the vibration in my energy field. I am deeply impressed by how different the approach to school is here compared to Western school cultures (which I also love). When I was in school, I loved the pep rallies, cafeteria card games, after-school activities, and field trips. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever envision coming to Thailand to experience the beauty of their school culture. If you’re hoping to teach English in Thailand, being part of these cultural traditions is an unforgettable perk.

My Takeaways and Emotions After Week One

Expectation: I was under the impression that I would feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, culture shocked, and isolated by the end of the first week. The beginnings of a new job can always be daunting, especially in a new country, culture, and with a new language (one that has nuances); in addition to bracing myself for homesickness.

Reality: It turns out that I have been feeling very energized, even though each day brought new challenges and new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. More than I expected, I have laughed and connected more than I anticipated; I have felt more supported than I had hoped for, especially now that I’m with BFITS Thailand. I have been surprised at how quickly I have found my stride and rhythm, and I have left each day feeling more excited to return the next day.

Reflection: Being an educator in Thailand has not been just about disseminating information, but also about cultural exchange, personal transformation, and community building. The first week has reminded me that personal growth comes from leaning into the unknown with an open mind, open heart, and open arms.

Final Thoughts: A Fulfilling Life in Southeast Asia

If you are considering teaching in Thailand, you may have expectations that don’t align with reality, and this is precisely where you will find the magic. The point is to land here open-minded, with a willingness to adapt, and a readiness to observe.

The first week may feel intense, but with presence, patience, and perseverance, you will find yourself in a place that offers professional fulfillment, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. For anyone hoping to teach in Thailand, there’s more waiting here than you might expect.