

Ricardo D.
Ricardo's Program
Ricardo Dollero is a lifelong traveler with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from UCLA, teaching in Thailand with his significant other. Having explored six continents, he approaches each journey with curiosity, empathy, and a deep interest in cultural exchange. His storytelling blends personal reflection with human connection, offering a grounded perspective on the richness of life abroad. With roots in the performing arts and a passion for learning through genuine human connections and experiences, he hopes to inspire others—especially young people—to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the world with open minds and intention. Follow Ricardo's journey through his CIEE Blogs.
Follow and reach out to me on Instagram @toastytech or LinkedIn to receive my program referral discount link
Posts
Vol. 1: Letters to The World From a Thai Classroom - Thailand Through Thai Eyes: Our Culture & Our Pride
What do you want the world to know about Thailand? Volume 1 offers a moving portrait of Thailand through the voices of eight Thai high school students: Panyawee R., Nattakorn Auykhiphan, Noey, Benyapa Polyiam, Chalisa Rodto, Doungkamon Chimtabtim, Chanidapa Charoen, and Napapron Attapan. Together, they reveal a Thailand deeply rooted in compassion, spirituality, artistic expression, and pride in tradition. From the open-hearted acceptance of LGBTQ+ people to the reverence for karma. These young voices speak of a nation that values harmony, family, humility, and cultural richness. Their stories remind us that to know Thailand, one must look beyond instagram and into the hearts of its people.
Orientation for Teaching in Thailand: A Day-by-Day Breakdown/ What its Really Like
What REALLY Happens at Orientation Week in Thailand: My CIEE Experience From jet lag and jungle curry to temples and teaching prep—orientation week in Bangkok is a wild ride of nerves, excitement, and unforgettable firsts. If you’re about to teach abroad with CIEE or OEG and wondering what those first few days in Thailand actually feel like… this is your sneak peek. I’ll walk you through each day of the June 2025 orientation—what we did, what I wish I knew, and why this week shaped everything that followed. Let’s rewind to the moment I landed in Bangkok, backpack in hand, heart racing. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Tips For Future CIEE Teachers: Backpacking Through Japan
Want to Make the Most of CIEE Thailand? Start Your Adventure Before It Begins! Why fly straight to Thailand when you can explore another country first—and maybe even save money doing it? In this blog, I share how my partner and I backpacked through Japan before our CIEE Teach in Thailand placement started. We found $350 flights, stayed in hostels under $30, and made unforgettable memories — all before our first day of work. Learn why a pre-program trip can reduce stress, ease culture shock, and extend your adventure. Plus, I break down the pros, cons, and insider tips to help you do it smart. Don’t miss this travel hack!
You Don’t Need a Big Bank Account to Travel — You Just Need to Decide
Everyone thinks travel is only for the wealthy, but I proved that wrong while living out of my car and saving every dollar I could. In this blog, I break down exactly how I turned sacrifice into a plane ticket—sharing the mindset shifts, budgeting tools, and step-by-step plan that helped me go from surviving in L.A. to traveling the world teaching abroad in Thailand. If you’ve ever dreamed of living overseas but thought you couldn’t afford it, this step by step guide is for you!
Meet the Author: How Travel Became the Most Honest Education of My Life
The hardest part is starting. I get it. Here’s how I turned my fear into my greatest teacher — and why your journey starts with just one step. From UCLA to 30+ countries by 24. I left home searching for more than a career — I was chasing lessons the classroom couldn’t teach. This is the story of how travel became the most honest education of my life.
Not getting Hired After College? Heres Why I Left the U.S. to Teach Abroad
I thought a degree from a top university would be my golden ticket, until no one wanted to hire me. After graduating from UCLA and applying to over 100 jobs with no success, I realized the U.S. job market wasn’t built for recent college grads like me. That’s when I decided to take a leap and teach abroad with CIEE’s Teach in Thailand program. From rejection emails to global educator in a Thai classroom, I found purpose, fulfillment, and adventure in a place I never expected. In this blog post, I share why teaching abroad changed my life, how much it cost, and how you can do it too.