Tips For Future CIEE Teachers: Backpacking Through Japan

Travel Before Starting CIEE Thailand Program

Just got your CIEE placement? Excited to get out into the world? Here’s one travel hack that could level up your experience before you even begin teaching.

My partner and I were placed in the Teach in Thailand program in mid-February. One of the reasons we were drawn to Thailand was its location — right in the heart of Southeast Asia. With so many nearby countries to explore, we realized: why not start the adventure early?

If you’re waiting on your official green light to fly to Thailand (which typically comes in early March), consider heading to another nearby country first. Not only will it add to your experience, it might actually save you some money and reduce travel stress.

Our Adventure through Japan

My partner and I chose Japan as our pre-CIEE destination because of the travel prices. A plane ticket to Thailand two months in advance would cost us around $700 one way, on the other hand a ticket to Japan was around $350 with one checked bag.

It is true, spending time in an extra country might lead to more spending, but why limit yourself to one destination when you have so many nearby. 

We went on a backpacking journey from Tokyo all the way to Osaka with nothing but a big backpack, specifically the Osprey Fairview 40. We stayed at hostels all under $30 US, which were easy to find, and tried to eat only at locations that were inexpensive, like small family owned shops or the infamous convenience stores. 

When it came to entertainment we tried to stick to free entertainment and public wonders. We also reached out to our friends Chanchitos Japan Tours to give us an amazing tour of local spots in Tokyo. It was a very authentic experience. 

Bonus tip: Make sure to book hotels and activities at least a month or two in advanced. For example, the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto was a hassle to book, so be aware of those early bookings. 

This has been a highlight in my journey, seeing Japan was one of the best decisions we made before coming to work in Thailand. Japan is a country full of uniqueness, respect, delicious hearty food and an incomparable transport system. Making it an ideal location if it's your first stop in Asia.

Pros of Visiting Another Country Before Thailand

• Cheaper Flights
  International flights to countries like Vietnam, Japan, or Malaysia are often more affordable than direct flights to Thailand from the U.S. (when booked in advance). Once you’re in the region, flying to Thailand is quick and cheap, it costs us around $70.
  Example: We flew into Japan first, then booked a budget flight to Thailand once we got the go-ahead from CIEE.
• No Work Yet, All Freedom
  You won’t have any job responsibilities yet. From experience, you can truly explore, relax, and adjust to the time zone at your own pace before having a tight work schedule.
• Get Acclimated to the Region
  Spending time in Asia before your placement starts helps reduce culture shock and gives you time to adjust to the heat, food, and pace of life.
• Extend Your Adventure
  You came all this way — why not make the most of it? Starting early means more stories, more memories, and more bang for your travel buck.
• Easier to Book Domestic Flights
  Once you’re in Asia, booking a flight to Thailand becomes easier and usually cheaper, since you’ll be using local budget airlines like AirAsia, AirChina or Thai-Vietjet.

Cons (Things to Consider)

• No Insurance Coverage
  Your CIEE insurance doesn’t kick in until your official program start date, so if you get sick or injured while abroad early, you’ll need your own travel insurance.
• Visa Rules
  Be careful not to enter Thailand too early as a tourist, or it could complicate your visa process. Stick to other countries before your scheduled arrival.
• No Support Yet
  If you run into any issues while abroad before your program begins, CIEE isn’t officially responsible for you yet.
• You’re On Your Own
  This can be a pro and a con. If you’re not used to solo travel, navigating a foreign country alone might feel overwhelming — but it’s also an amazing growth opportunity.

Final Thoughts

If you have the flexibility, traveling to a nearby country before starting your teaching contract is one of the best ways to ease into your new life abroad. Just make sure to plan it wisely — budget carefully, research your destinations, and don’t book your flight to Thailand until you’re officially cleared by CIEE.

For us, that pre-Thailand trip to Japan added more meaning and momentum to our journey, and we will never forget it. 

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IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT INSPIRED US TO TRAVEL MAKE SURE TO READ MY OTHER BLOGS!