Orientation for Teaching in Thailand: A Day-by-Day Breakdown/ What its Really Like

You just arrived in Thailand for orientation week! You’re excited, nervous, and eager to explore your new home and meet fellow teachers. This was me. And this is how my orientation week went.

For anyone wondering what those first few days with CIEE in Thailand are really like, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the June 2025 Orientation.

Day 0 – Early Arrival & First Glimpse of Bangkok

My partner and I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport—the airport CIEE specifically asks participants to arrive at. We landed a day early (pre-approved by CIEE), so we had to make our own way to the hotel. And honestly, it was super easy.

We took the Airport Rail Link (ARL)—just look for the blue train sign on floor B of the airport. We paid 70 baht (about $2.17 USD for two) and arrived in the heart of Bangkok within the hour. The city’s public transportation system is impressive, affordable, and very beginner-friendly.

The hotel provided by CIEE was the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, and wow—this might’ve been one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The included breakfast buffet ranged from Western favorites to Thai classics like tom yum soup and jungle curry. It felt like a soft landing before a big adventure.

Day 1 – Meet & Greet 

Where: Suvarnabhumi Airport → Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam

While most participants arrived this day, we had the morning to explore. We spent the day visiting the busy street markets and food halls.

By 5 PM, the excitement was contagious. The CIEE Meet & Greet brought everyone together for the first time. We received a short orientation and took a tour of the local area—including the bustling shopping centers nearby. That first night, it all started to sink in—this is really happening, we are really moving to Thailand.

Day 2 – Temples, Thai Food & Teaching 101 

The Grand Palace, NapLab, and local venues

Our first full day began with an early cultural deep dive. Along with the fellow CIEE teachers we went to visit The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the famous Emerald Buddha. Surrounded by intricate golden spires and quiet reverence, it was the perfect way to be introduced to Thailand’s rich culture. We had our own private van and tour guide that spoke perfect English.

After lunch, we headed to NapLab, our main orientation hub, and dove into key sessions:

• Welcome & Icebreakers
• Teaching in Thailand: What to Expect
• Health & Safety Overview
• Thai Language Basics

The sessions were engaging and practical, blending laughs with serious prep. The day wrapped up with a delicious welcome dinner—our first full group meal and a crash course in Thai cuisine. 

Day 3 – Tourist to Teacher 

Where: NapLab & nearby restaurant

This was the most useful day for us future teachers. We covered:

• Thai school & student culture
• Classroom management
• Lesson planning
• Practice teaching

We even role-played short lessons with peers, which helped build confidence fast. Seeing how other new teachers adapted and taught was incredibly encouraging.

That afternoon, we had a Thai Yadom (herbal inhaler) workshop, where we made our own and learned its cultural significance. SIM card registration was also available for those needing to get connected, like myself. 

(Helpful tip: Make sure your phone is not SIM locked by your network provider in the US. I learned that the hard way.) 

Thai etiquette and language were emphasized throughout the day—making sure we had the tools to respectfully integrate into our new communities.

Day 4 – Send-Off & New Beginning

We gathered for a panel talk with current teachers. To me, this had to be one of the most useful days of them all. Hearing how teachers went from rookies to international school teachers in less than a few years was super inspiring. Hearing firsthand what the job is like, was like a breath of fresh air. The honest stories—some hilarious, some heartfelt—made the experience feel real.

We shared lunch and participated in a Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony, a traditional Thai blessing. It was deeply moving, a meaningful way to start this new chapter with intention and warmth.

Finally, we met our school placement reps and headed off to our new homes across Thailand. Nerves turned into excitement. A new life was just beginning.

Final Thoughts

OEG and CIEE’s orientation isn’t just a bunch of logistical meetings—it’s an emotional, cultural, and professional sendoff into a life-changing experience. It gave me structure, friendships, and the courage to step into a classroom in a foreign country with confidence.

From visiting ancient temples to planning mock lessons to bonding over delicious food—those four days shaped the start of something unforgettable.

If you’re thinking of teaching in Thailand, let orientation be your launchpad.

This was mine.

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