Teach English Abroad Blog

So much has happened since my last blog, and I can’t wait to catch you up! I applied for my visa at the BLS office in Chicago, and after eight... keep reading

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.

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.

How you say goodbye to Madrid is in many ways how you say hello. You walk the streets, you drink in plazas, and you realize you did something right to wind up here.

During my time living abroad in Madrid, I visited 14 countries and 24 cities. (Check out this post for my recap of all the places I visited). So, I have... keep reading

During my semester in Madrid, I looked forward to and loved when friends from the States came in to town. Having a visitor stay with you is a great excuse... keep reading

I am so grateful to have had the chance to travel during my year living abroad. I solo traveled to a lot of places, which taught me a lot about... keep reading

I thought a degree from a top university would be my golden ticket, until no one wanted to hire me. After graduating from UCLA and applying to over 100 jobs with no success, I realized the U.S. job market wasn’t built for recent college grads like me. That’s when I decided to take a leap and teach abroad with CIEE’s Teach in Thailand program. From rejection emails to global educator in a Thai classroom, I found purpose, fulfillment, and adventure in a place I never expected. In this blog post, I share why teaching abroad changed my life, how much it cost, and how you can do it too.

Trust me, age definitely ain’t nothin’ but a number. Go after what you want no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.

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... keep reading

Making a change is scary but don’t let it stop you from exploring something new. Hi! I’m Marissa and this is how I transitioned to a life abroad in my 30s.

In Thailand, Songkran is one of the most exciting times of the year. It's the Thai New Year and marks the passing of one year on the solar calendar. Everywhere... keep reading

Hey there—Welcome! I'm so glad you’re here. My name is Morgan Deravil, and I’m getting ready to take a huge leap: I’m moving abroad! Destination? Spain! Right now, I’m in... keep reading

Why travel solo? One traveler shares how a life-changing solo trip after graduation sparked deep self-discovery, freedom, and meaningful connection. Discover why going alone might be the best decision you'll ever make.

I rated all the hostels I stayed in while in Europe!