@Bonnie ********

embracing means being able to talk about differences and everything that makes each culture it’s own. You’re not embracing other cultures by telling me Thailand isn’t for me bc I wonder about how other people feel about certain things when they move there. Do you not see the hypocrisy in your comment? I’m embracing LEARNING! I’m asking questions. I’m curious. Why be in this group if you don’t like people talking about cultural differences? That’s what it’s for.

@Henning *********

THANK YOU! One person here actually acknowledging what I’m talking about 🙄. Seriously…. People saying, “why care what others do?” etc. I DON’T! I asked if other people used to Midwest life feel guilty about not COMPLETELY cooking and cleaning for themselves? That’s it! I brought up the cultural differences and everyone lost their Damn minds! Isn’t that what makes travel, int’l living so great?! Experiencing the differences?

@Danny ******

I learned they eat out bc it’s so affordable there, and use laundry services bc it’s so affordable there, by asking why there were no kitchens and laundry facilities in apartments! I asked HERE actually, and I asked Thai realtors. I am very aware of the traditional Thai outdoor kitchens. I am also aware you can start fires inside apartments. There are clearly differences in rural and urban life. Their are clearly cultural differences. But my point and question are valid, and don’t need nitpicked. I’m excited to get there! I’m don’t dislike Thai people or their culture. We should be able to have conversations about these types of things without finger pointing. Good day.

@Danny ******

I specifically said ‘I don’t think Thais are lazy.’ Read. Please. Before responding. Also, I can cook over an open fire and hand wash my clothes too. I’d find that hard though (the cooking part) in a high rise apartment. That’s what I’m talking about. It was made clear in my post when I wrote about differences in urban and rural settings.

@Terary *********

thanks for the encouragement! Some say I need more planning in advance, but it makes more sense that being there in person is the way to go. Especially since we can stay at a VERY inexpensive hostel till we find what we need. It seems affordable to do that there- not like here with hotels or even AirBnB’s being at least $89-$100/ night. And I’ve been warned that I definitely SHOULD SEE things first hand bc SE Asian ideas of a ‘kitchen’ for instance, aren’t the same as Westerners expectations. I’m easy! I’d be okay with a traditional outdoor kitchen! But, ya, gotta have one ☝️

@Terary *********

awesome! I grew up on a farm and we had motocross bikes, so I know how to ride 👍 More worried about getting the hang of the Left side of the road, and watching out for other drivers! I REALLY don’t want to be in a busy area, but I’ll need to take what I get that first year (job/ inexpensive accommodations) and learn my way around and which areas I really like, and then have more/better options that 2nd year 😊

@Henning *********

thank you!

@Terary *********

thanks for that advice bc I felt that way (read some great articles by expat teachers about the advantages of job shopping in country, AND the agency thing just seems like a money grab to me) but good to know it’s not just me! I’ve had some people say ‘definitely have a job lined up before you go!’, but then I’ve read so much that says there’s many schools that will not hire you unless you are in country already. I feel like I’d be more comfortable actually seeing the school I was going to teach at and making decisions after meeting some of the other staff 👍

@Terary *********

oh there are so many places I think about moving to! I AM thinking maybe Krabi now; however a teaching job is necessary as the Social Security income I have is not a lot. Am I correct that scooters are an inexpensive, albeit kinda dangerous, way to go??

@Henning *********

I don’t need a TEFL bc I have a teaching certificate in the state of Missouri. My degree is actually in Elementary Education. A TEFL is a course to certify you as an English teacher in a foreign country with any Bachelors degree, and it’s just for teaching English language classes. * this is the info I’ve gotten from several TEFL websites