First Flight to Final Class: My Life Teaching English in Thailand

Hi there! I’m Kelsey Aycock, a 35-year-old originally from Georgia, most recently calling Tennessee home. My background is in Child and Family Development—I graduated from San Diego State University—and before I ever stepped foot into a Thai classroom, I was teaching yoga and managing a studio. But in 2024, I swapped yoga mats for whiteboards when I earned my TEFL certification through CIEE and joined their Teach in Thailand program. What followed was a life-changing experience I won’t soon forget.

From Nerves to Confidence: My First Days in Thailand

Landing in Thailand was surreal. It was my first time in the country—and my first time teaching abroad—so yes, I was nervous. But CIEE and OEG made the transition smooth. Their orientation was a game changer. Not only did we get additional in-person training before stepping into the classroom, but I also met people who would become my close friends and co-workers. By the end of that first week, I felt confident, supported, and ready to teach.

The Unexpected Superpower: Always Have a Plan B (or C)

One of the best things I took away from CIEE’s 150-hour TEFL course? Always have games and backup activities ready. Seriously. There were days I’d walk into class and find half the students missing, or we’d wrap up early, or—let’s be honest—my lesson just wasn’t landing. But thanks to what I learned in the course, I never panicked. I always had something up my sleeve, whether it was a quick review game or a creative filler activity. I still look back at those course resources for inspiration—they’ve been absolute lifesavers.

The Highs and the Hiccups

Some of the most rewarding moments came when my students told me how much they’d learned. One student, in particular, told me my public speaking class helped them ace their university interviews and get accepted into their dream school. Moments like that? Pure magic.

But not every day was smooth sailing. I had one student who constantly disrupted class—talking, using their phone, the usual distractions. Instead of calling them out (which I learned can be very embarrassing in Thai culture), I used a quieter approach. I’d gently tap their desk as I walked by, just enough to signal, “Hey, time to refocus.” I also worked closely with my co-teacher to make sure we were on the same page. The cultural awareness I gained from the TEFL course really helped me handle situations like this with empathy and effectiveness.

A Reality Check—and a Pleasant Surprise

If you’ve seen Thailand on Instagram or in travel documentaries, you probably imagine sparkling beaches and lush jungles. Same here. So, I was a little surprised to be placed in a small town in central Thailand—far from the coast and not exactly a tourist hotspot.

At first, it felt like a big adjustment. But once I got the hang of local transportation, exploring nearby areas became easier. And to my surprise, I grew to love the slower pace and tight-knit community of my town. It ended up being the perfect place to start this chapter of my teaching journey.

Final Thoughts: Do It for the Right Reasons

If you're considering a program like this, my biggest piece of advice is simple: make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. Yes, you’ll get to travel and explore a beautiful country—but at the heart of it, this is a teaching job. Your students, your school, and your commitment come first. The travel is a bonus.

Now that my time in Thailand has wrapped up, I’m looking ahead. I’ll be applying for CIEE’s Teach in South Korea program next. My experience with CIEE has been so positive that I’m excited to continue working with them as I explore new countries and classrooms.