She Strengthens

The Cost of Living Abroad: An Insider’s Perspective

Dreaming of a Life Overseas

Have you ever fantasized about leaving your mundane routine behind and starting anew in a foreign land? For many, moving abroad seems like an unattainable goal, reserved only for those with deep pockets. But what if we told you that it’s possible to fund your worldwide dreams without breaking the bank?

Meet Emily Dougherty: An American Teacher in Thailand

Emily Dougherty, an American teacher, took the plunge and moved to Lom Sak, a small town in northern central Thailand, in May 2014. She shared her experiences with us, providing valuable insights into the cost of living in Thailand and what it takes to make the move.

Getting Started: Finding a Job and Funding the Move

Emily’s journey began with researching TESOL companies that offered teaching placement benefits. She chose Greenheart Travel, which provided her with a TESOL certification, cultural and language lessons, and a placement guarantee. This comprehensive program cost around $2,000, including her flight to Thailand. To afford the program, Emily saved aggressively, cutting down on unnecessary expenses and suspending her phone plan and car insurance.

Monthly Expenses: A Breakdown

Emily’s monthly expenses were relatively low, thanks to her teaching contract, which included rent. Her main expenses were food, electricity, and phone minutes. She could cook in her kitchen or enjoy street food at a affordable price of 20-25 baht ($0.50-$0.60) per meal. Electricity costs were around 2,000 baht ($55) per month, depending on her air conditioner usage. She also avoided motorbike rental fees by purchasing a bicycle for 2,000 baht.

Cultural Immersion: The Good and the Challenging

Emily loved the friendly people and laid-back atmosphere of Lom Sak. She appreciated the opportunity to use her basic Thai language skills and enjoyed exploring the local markets. However, she faced challenges adapting to the slower pace of life in Thailand, where “mai pen rai” (don’t worry about it) is a common attitude. Despite the initial culture shock, Emily found that this mindset helped her re-evaluate her own habits and priorities.

Overcoming Obstacles and Offering Advice

One of Emily’s main obstacles was deciding what to do with her car while she was away. She eventually left it on her uncle’s property and surrendered her license plates to reduce insurance costs. Her advice to those considering a move to Thailand is to learn basic Thai phrases, research local customs, and be prepared for cultural differences.

Visa Process and Acquiring a Non-Immigrant B Visa

Emily applied for a non-immigrant B visa through a Thai consulate, which took only a few weeks to process. The multi-entry visa cost $200, but it allowed her to leave and return to the country without any issues.

Surprising Expenses and Final Thoughts

Emily was pleasantly surprised by the low cost of living in Thailand, where her teaching salary went a long way. While comfort foods from home were pricey, she found that constantly purchasing bottled water was the most frustrating expense. Overall, Emily’s experience in Thailand was a valuable learning opportunity that allowed her to grow both personally and professionally.