My First Days in Thailand: New Smiles, New Lessons

Leaving your home country and stepping into the unknown is both exciting and scary.
When I first arrived in Thailand to begin my journey as an English teacher, I didn’t know what to expect. The language, the culture, the food — everything was different.
But from the very beginning, Thailand welcomed me with open arms and warm smiles.

Here’s a glimpse into my very first days in the Land of Smiles.

Arrival at the Airport: A Mix of Excitement and Nerves

The moment I stepped off the plane, I was hit by the heat and humidity — a big change from what I was used to.
At the airport, signs were in both Thai and English, but I still felt a little lost. Luckily, Thai people were kind and willing to help, even with limited English.

The first lesson I learned? A smile goes a long way.

Settling In: First Impressions of My Town

I was placed in a small town surrounded by rice fields, hills, and temples. It was peaceful and quiet — very different from the busy cities I had known.
The streets were filled with motorbikes, markets, and friendly faces. I quickly noticed how respectful and polite people were — especially students!

Even though I couldn’t speak Thai, neighbors smiled at me, offered food, or waved from across the road.

Trying Thai Food for the First Time

On my second day, I had my first real Thai meal — Pad Kra Pao (spicy basil chicken) with rice and a fried egg on top. It was spicy, but delicious!
I quickly learned that not all food stalls have English menus, but pointing and smiling helped a lot.
One kind vendor even taught me how to say “A little spicy” in Thai:
“Pet nit noy” (เผ็ดนิดหน่อย) – a phrase I still use today!

First Day at School: Meeting My Students

Walking into a classroom in a new country, surrounded by curious eyes, was a moment I’ll never forget.
Some students shouted “Hello, teacher!” while others were shy and giggled from behind their desks.
Even though I felt nervous, their energy made me feel at home.

I used basic games and gestures to break the ice — and it worked! We laughed, clapped, and began learning together.

Cultural Surprises

Some things really surprised me in the first few days:

Students greet teachers with a “wai” (palms together, bowing slightly).

There’s a school-wide morning assembly every day with national anthem.

People remove shoes before entering classrooms or homes.

These traditions were beautiful — and I did my best to show respect and adapt.

Learning to Let Go of Control

My biggest personal lesson in those first days?
Be flexible.
Plans will change, timetables may shift, communication won’t always be clear. But if you stay calm, open-minded, and positive, everything works out.

Final Thoughts

My first days in Thailand were filled with learning, laughter, and a little bit of confusion — and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Those early experiences helped shape who I am today: a more patient, understanding, and adaptable person.

If you’re thinking of teaching or traveling abroad, I encourage you to take that leap. You’ll discover a new world — and maybe even a new version of yourself.

Thanks for reading!
Have you ever had a culture shock experience or moved to a new country? Share your story in the comments — I’d love to hear it!

My next blog post will focus on my personal experiences and observations for those who are considering teaching abroad — including important things to keep in mind both inside and outside the classroom.

See you soon krubb.