Teach English Abroad Blog
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What's it Like Teaching English in Ireland?
Read as Carolyn, a 2025 alum, shares her experience in CIEE’s Teach in Ireland program! This summer, I had the opportunity of teaching English at Maynooth University. My workweek ran... keep reading
Teaching in Thailand: Expecting the Unexpected and Redefining Productivity
One of the most magical (and, at times, frustrating) things about being an English teacher in Thailand is how chaotic and spontaneous everything is. Before I arrived, I had so... keep reading
Unexpected Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Thailand: The Ultimate Guide to Living in Thailand
I'm sure you've read enough big-picture descriptions of daily life as an American expat living in Thailand. Now, indulge in some of the quirks and seemingly small idiosyncrasies that define daily life here, based on my personal experience living right outside of Bangkok.
An American in Spain: Thanksgiving Edition
Where to find ingredients in Madrid for a classic Thanksgiving dinner!
One Month in Thailand: The Stages of Adjustment
Coming up on my one month of living and working in Thailand, here are some of my tips and tricks for adjusting to your new life here (based on my experience)
Curate the Perfect Commute
Whether your commute is a 15-minute walk, a two-hour bus, or a wild combination of walking, busing, and commuter train, you have an opportunity to curate the perfect commute routine.
Lost in Translation (and I'm loving It)
Hey everyone! It’s been a whirlwind since I landed in Spain — full of metro mishaps, classroom chaos, and a few “wait, what day is it?”moments. So, let’s do a... keep reading
From Teacher to Auxiliar
Teaching in Madrid as an Auxiliar de Conversación has been both exciting and eye-opening. From navigating paperwork and housing to adjusting to a new school system and culture, every step has been a lesson in patience and growth. The relaxed atmosphere, curious students, and welcoming teachers have made the transition rewarding — a true reminder to enjoy the journey and embrace new experiences with an open heart.
Part Three: 3 Things I Wasn’t Prepared for Teaching Abroad
Just when you think you’ve planned enough, there’s always something that unexpectedly comes up. This is a three-part blog – here’s the third thing that caught me by surprise with my move to Spain that can help you prepare for yours.
Part One: 3 Things I Wasn’t Prepared for Teaching Abroad
Just when you think you’ve planned enough, there’s always something that unexpectedly comes up. This is a three-part blog – here’s the first thing that caught me by surprise with my move to Spain that can help you prepare for yours.
10 of the best activities to do with visitors in Madrid
Since we don't start teaching until October 1st and my mom is semi-retired, she came to visit for a week and a half before life gets hectic! She had such... keep reading
Homework for today: slow down
Everyday, I’m fascinated to discover more ways that life in Spain is different than life at home. To put it simply, Spanish people seem so much more focused on truly... keep reading
Hola de Madrid!
What an incredible, busy, overwhelming, fascinating, exciting, taxing, and wonderful week it has been. After just six days of being in Spain, I feel like I already have so much... keep reading
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.