Let the Adventure Begin
Authored By:
Because of COVID-19, my journey to Thailand was more difficult than I could have ever anticipated. The visa process was full of paperwork and consistently submitting documents. Within 72 hours of my departure, I also had to get a negative test result for COVID-19 and visit a doctor for my fit-to-fly and medical certificates. It all felt overwhelming at times, but in the end, everything was worth it. Staying organized and prepared with my paperwork made everything go smoother. Maintaining a flexible mindset also helped. I am naturally a planner, but throughout these last few months, I had to let go and accept the fact that a lot of things were outside of my control.
After a bittersweet goodbye to my family, I flew from DC to Doha, then from Doha to Bangkok, on flights that were roomier than normal. After a total of 20 hours in the air, I got through the organized chaos of COVID-19 customs in Bangkok. My temperature was checked twice, and all of my paperwork was checked at least three different times at the airport before I grabbed my bags and was driven to the quarantine hotel that will be my home for 16 days.
Throughout these last few months, there have been many days where I've asked myself, what am I doing?? I feel anxious and nervous, but at the same time, I couldn't be more confident or excited for the journey ahead. I hope that sharing my thoughts and photos through blogging will keep everyone at home updated on my teach abroad adventure and provide prospective teach abroad applicants with an inside view of my experience. At the very least, it'll be a record for me look back on later and remember this year abroad.
Related Posts
Tapas to Pad Thai: My Experiences Teaching Abroad in Spain and Thailand with CIEE
CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL Alum Spotlight: Meet Meghan! I have totally become the annoying friend that won’t stop talking about their time abroad. In my defense, it was one... keep reading
Vol. 2: Letters to The World From a Thai Classroom - Beyond Stereotypes: The Real Thailand
What makes a country more than just a place on a map or on a TikTok post? In Volume 2, a group of thoughtful Thai students — Chanisa Kumnerdruang, Amarnkarn Yenwatthana, Wachiravit Kobsantie, Gam, Sarunporn Saen-gundee, Pimchanok Jampathong, Thiraphat Huaisai, Chotiua Pilahom, and Sukollawat Inkham — boldly push back against tired stereotypes. With clarity and heart, they shine a light on the Thailand that is often overlooked: one of modern cities, strong values, mutual respect, family, gratitude, and inner peace. They challenge foreign misrepresentations, reminding us that true understanding comes not from filtered images and social media influencers, but from listening to the real voices of proud students and citizens.
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.