So I have been teaching high school biology in a New York City high school now for two months. I can compare between New York and Thailand.

It's kind of funny because when I taught in Thailand, the farang teachers and I always laughed how we had so many days off in Thailand, so many times when classes were canceled from some odd reasons. Well, in the month of October we really did not have a full week of school for some holiday or other event landed mid-week. Whether it was a religious holiday, a national holiday, or a shortened day for report cards, much of the same thing happened as it did in Thailand.

The students are similar too in many ways. You have the students who are very motivated, and the ones who don't care. Of course in Thailand, they are all the same race. In New York, there are obviously many cultures, but it is similar how the kids generally want structure and to learn, but they aren't so serious about it.

Being on the teaching staff in Thailand, we are always annoyed about having to go to meetings. Well the meetings that we go to in Thailand are usually in Thai. Meaning... we don't really have to participate much. Just show face basically. Here in the US, we have as many if not more meetings... AND we are expected to participate and make a difference.

In terms of results, as a teacher in Thailand we teach English. If the kids don't become fluent, at least they've had the experience and got some English out of it. Ultimately, they should get the same material in their Thai science class. Here in the NY, we have a Regents Examination in which they must pass to move on. So as teachers we are expected that kids learn the material.

In Thailand, I maybe had 2 people come to observe my class. I never really had someone tell me how to teach and how to improve. Here in NY on a daily basis, I expect someone to come in my classroom to observe me. So far I have had 4 people come observe me about 5 times in two months. Having people visit your class has it's positives and negatives.

My salary in Thailand was about 5x more than the average Thai salary. My new salary as a teacher is about half the salary as an average New Yorker.

If you yell at Thai students, they are quiet for some time as they are generally scared of you. If you yell at New York kids, some yell back.

So for the teachers in Thailand who complain about things (includes me last year)..... Close the mouth please! You've got it made over there! And I am wishing I was there right now! Ya heard?