A story of nerves, lessons, and quiet breakthroughs.
A Stranger in a Familiar Dream
I arrived in Thailand in 2010 with hope tucked into my suitcase. It was my first time flying — both domestic and international — and I had no idea what to expect beyond what friends had shared.
It was midnight when I landed. The air felt warm, and the streets were alive even at that hour. As someone who grew up in the countryside, the city lights and energy of Bangkok felt surreal.
My friend and another Filipino picked me up from the airport. On the way to his apartment, they asked about my experience with immigration in the Philippines and mentioned they knew someone who had been offloaded. I felt relieved that I made it through.
His place was about an hour away from the city. Even that drive opened my eyes to a world so different from mine. I couldn’t believe I had finally arrived in Thailand.
Starting from Scratch with No Teaching Background
The very next day, while my friend went to work, he told me to create a profile on a local job platform — Ajarn.com. He also introduced me to a language center just below his apartment.
That center became my first real teaching job. I didn’t have any experience teaching Thai students, but I was willing to learn. I taught there for nearly two months, and it gave me the experience and confidence I needed.
💡 Lesson: Small beginnings can still be meaningful. Take every opportunity seriously — it might just be your first real step forward.
Navigating Job Hunting Alone
While my friend worked, I traveled alone to attend demo lessons and interviews. I met other Filipinos who gave me tips on how to pass teaching demos and navigate interviews. Slowly, I built up the courage to face the hiring season, which usually starts around March or April.
There were no guarantees. But every rejection became a lesson, and every day brought me closer to something better.
Racing Against My Visa Expiry
At that time, my main goal was to get hired before my 30-day visa-on-arrival expired. Unfortunately, I wasn’t hired in time, so I had to exit the country.
I went to Laos through a visa agency for a border run. There, I met fellow Filipinos — some had secured jobs, others were still searching. They encouraged me to keep going and reminded me that my time would come. Their stories gave me hope.
What My First Few Months Taught Me
Looking back, my first year in Thailand taught me more than any classroom ever could:
- Courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you move forward despite the fear.
- Help doesn’t always come from those closest to you, but from those willing to lend a hand.
- You grow the most when you’re uncomfortable.
- Faith, family, and friendship will carry you through the unknown.
If you’re reading this and feel stuck or scared to take the leap — I see you. I’ve been there.
Your first step doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be brave.
✨ Don’t let fear stop you. Sometimes, the most beautiful parts of life begin in the most uncertain moments.
