Be like Vic: Embrace the Unknown and Discover Yourself in Thailand

Timeout! Why did you decide to leave your country of origin and come thousands of miles away to start over in a completely different setting—maybe even to teach in Thailand? This personal question can have infinite answers based on who you ask.

Some people may have done it because they were bored, some may have wanted to see the world, and others may have done so because they did not feel like they were compatible with their country’s societal demands. As distinct as the reasons may be, they will lead one to become an explorer of their deeper self.

Answering the Call to Adventure

For me, a deeper self-exploration occurred in several areas of my life. Whether this was done with some sort of direction or was a random series of happenings, I couldn’t speculate.

However, despite that, I definitely feel grateful for those moments and where they have led me. I would like to share with you some of my adventures, and hopefully, it will inspire you to take some unexpected detours in your life.

The Beauty and Bravery of Solo Travel

How many people enjoy traveling alone? How many people like traveling alone in a foreign country where their native language is spoken sparsely? I’m not 100% certain, but I’m pretty sure the majority of people would not opt to travel alone, and more than likely, even less in a country not of their native tongue. You probably guessed it. I’m one of those people who can travel alone and do it in a foreign country without my native tongue.

One reason I like traveling alone is the freedom to do what I want when I want. The other reason, which I found inadvertently, is the space it gives you to get to know yourself. Who are you when you are in unfamiliar spaces? Do you notice what may be going on in your head? What are the things you are saying to yourself? Are you open to meeting new people? Are you too shy or insecure to approach new people or have them approach you? Can you calm yourself in situations that may rock your comfort zone?

These are questions that can be answered, and more so when traveling alone. I admit that I get nervous when I travel alone to a new place. It is a combination of excitement and a touch of “I hope I don’t come into any problems.”

Koh Muk: The Trip That Changed Me

Koh Muk has been a prime example of one solo trip that went horribly amazing. This trip was a test of my solo traveling abilities. It required a flight, a van transfer to a pier, and a boat ride. It tested my ability to speak Thai alone with people who do not speak English; it tested my responsibility to myself, making sure that I was getting the information I needed; and it required me to face my insecurities.

I’m sure you can imagine the insecurities that come with traveling alone. This trip showed me I can be by myself and navigate unfamiliar territory and circumstances. It demonstrated my aptitude for socializing in Thai and highlighted my penchant for making friends easily. Now, years later, I have a friendly relationship with the owners of the lodging where I stayed.

Unlocking Your Hidden Talents Abroad

Do we all know the talents and latent skills we have that may be lying dormant as we live on autopilot? I’m sure many of us have special abilities just waiting for the right moment to present themselves. Why not use this mystery of discovering your new home and peg it to discovering yourself?

Many teachers in Thailand often find themselves exploring hobbies or talents they never had time to nurture before. Have there been activities you have always wanted to try, but could never disengage from your single-track life? I know you perform or practice a skill or a pastime, but you don’t feel entirely comfortable sharing it with others. This is a valid feeling. We don’t know if what we have created or can do is actually something others would enjoy. At least that is what we tell ourselves.

I know I have, second-guessing and doubting over things that we actually appreciate engaging in. Well, why not say “so what! I’ll do it.” You are in a different country, and no one “knows” you. Maybe someone might like your artwork, your poem, your song, and your style of comedy. Maybe that someone leads to a connection with others with the same interests. Look at that, now you have a network in your area of interest, which can lead to innovation and socialization. 

Stepping Up and Owning the Mic

The first time I freestyle rapped in front of an audience, I was feeling those butterflies. The butterflies started before I even grabbed the mic. When the DJ opened the floor up to anyone who wanted to freestyle, I felt the lump in my throat, and I hadn’t even decided if I was going to spit that fire yet. Somehow unconsciously, I knew I was going up there despite my body’s physiological response screaming, “Danger, Will Robinson!”.

Not to sound like a fairy tale and all, but yes, I went up there and I killed it. It was also the stepping stone to meeting one of Bangkok’s most talented above-ground and underground hip-hop artists, Réjizz. This connection has led me to connect with other artists and beat makers in Bangkok, expanding and deepening my connection to music. Up until that point, freestyling was reserved for me on most occasions. I had thought I was decent, but I didn’t know if it was good. For all I know, I was in a vacuum just patting myself on the back.

What Freestyling Taught Me About Growth

As the previous story had a fairy-tale ending with a successful performance, I’ve also had a few occasions where my performances in front of an audience weren’t so good. Oh, did that feel uncomfortable! Those moments may seem like they’re incredibly crappy, but they were the perfect opportunities to learn how to be comfortable when you’re uncomfortable.

Mistake after mistake, yet instead of being critical of those errors, I eventually learned to provide myself with comforting and soothing self-talk. That kind of self-talk now supports me in many areas of life where insecurities used to get the better of me. In many ways, teaching in Thailand has been part of this growth too—every class, every challenge, every new student is another step in self-discovery.

And hey, did I mention BFITS Thailand has its own platform where teachers can showcase their talents beyond the classroom? Cliché as it sounds, it’s called BFITS All-Stars, and yes—I submitted my freestyle performance! It was fun, freeing, and honestly, that’s what I love about being here. It’s not just about teaching in Thailand. It’s about embracing you—your voice, your style, your creative spirit. You can check it out and follow along on Instagram and TikTok. Who knows, you might be next 😎

Get Cozy with the Uncomfortable

Is this inspiring you to escape your comfort zone and discover what it is about yourself that’s been hidden? It could be showing you a way to get past some roadblocks. I hope it is holding the door open so you can decide to enter at your leisure. Honestly, I feel like the reward is much greater than the risk in this process of self-discovery.

Things can seem intimidating, and emotions and physiological responses can be uncomfortable as hell, yet if you can find your way to get more cozy with the uncomfortable, you will be able to see yourself doing things you never imagined. For those looking to teach English in Thailand, these lessons extend far beyond the classroom. Just ask the many teachers in Thailand who’ve found growth not only in their profession, but in themselves.

So if you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone and discover who you truly are—know that you won’t be doing it alone. BFITS has been with me through it all, not just in the classroom, but in every part of this journey—personally, professionally, and everything in between.