Thailand

If we can rightly put it… it is a kingdom that can have profound spiritual influence on you and at the same time seduce you with irresistible culinary pleasures. Thailand possesses the power to attract the biggest chunk of tourists who are traveling to Southeast Asia, every year. A civilization which is presumably 4,500 years old is a winning combination of pleasure, fun, beauty and history.

Thailand is rife with breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms, cultural diversities, robust cuisine and most definitely hospitality that run the country’s economy. From the serene stupas to the nightclubs that pulsate round the clock; past the bewitching beaches to the night markets that brim over with handicrafts – Thailand fulfills every desire.

Thailand is typically tropical with a hot and sticky summer followed by the wet monsoon months from July through September. Therefore, the peak season for tourists is from November till late March, when the breeze is cool and the beaches are at their very best. July and August, on the contrary, are less crowded and the best months for availing the low off-season rate.

Thailand comprises of 76 provinces which are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages – Bangkok being the political, commercial, industrial and cultural capital. It is where the Royal Family dwells.

It isn’t difficult to spend a couple of years in Thailand, simply by trekking its highlands, combing through its national parks, lazing on its islands, and examining the temple architecture, traditional crafts and ancient cities in between.

The country is divided into 4 natural regions – the mountainous north with its profusion of orchids, strawberries and peaches that thrive in the cool temperate climate; the elevated Northeast Plateau houses the archaeological and anthropological treasures; the Central Plain is colorful with tradition and culture and the vibrant beaches; the Peninsular South once again display the fascinating beaches and the numerous picturesque islands that are hot travel destinations.

A wanderer would find solace in the country’s Buddhist faith combined with the centuries-old culture across the World Heritage sites at Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram and Sisaket. Temples, buildings murals in a dazzling array of colours and textures are samples of Thai architectural splendour that are worth viewing.

If the temples are an integral part of one aspect of Thai-life then the life-source of Thailand from the other aspect is its throbbing nightlife. The kingdom sports some of the best night clubs, cabaret shows and Go-Go centers. Bangkok and Pattaya rules the roost among the whole gamut of entertainment destinations in Thailand.

But what allure the most are its beaches with white or golden sand. The country flaunts a couple of most exotic beaches on earth. The beaches are its natural marvels and also the highest revenue earners for the country. Thailand’s coasts are on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Phuket is an international resort destination, Pattaya tantalizes whereas Samui sports a rather laid back attitude – just to name a few among hundred such beaches. There is a whole lot of beach-based activities that can be enjoyed like scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing.

Across the different provinces of Thailand, the islands are the most scenic and beautiful pieces of land offering unparalleled experience of exploring as well as holidaying. Some of the leading islands are Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Phi Phi, James Bond Island and Surin Island.

No matter how global and progressive Thailand might be, it finds pride in preserving its culture and tradition. Therefore the traditional dance, theatre, music and art forms of Thailand are never detached from its mainstream life. Thai art and creations are much influenced by its religious and spiritual lineage. The traditional products are mostly handmade by local artisans like weavers of cotton and silk, wood carvers, potters working in local clay, silversmith, basket-makers and many more blessed with creative dexterity. Thailand is thus unarguably a shopper’s paradise where night markets burst with handicrafts at giveaway prices.

Thai cuisine deserves special mention, owing to its finger-licking properties. It is a profusion of fresh produce, fresh haul of fish and seafood with a balanced complement of aromatic herbs and spices, wok-fried or grilled and bursting with flavor.

If a truly wholesome Asian experience could be availed within the boundaries of a single country, it is incontestably in Thailand. Its tourist –appeal is perhaps the strongest among the Asian countries. But besides being the most preferred travel-destination in Asia, Thailand has proven to be equally attractive and lucrative for teachers interested in making a career in ESL/TEFL industry, traveling in from worldwide.

American TESOL Institute – the internationally recognized and globally accredited TEFL teachers training organization which also happens to be the pioneer in the world of TEFL course providers thus offers the best deal in TESOL certificate program amidst the cultural and natural opulence of Thailand.
 

China

China is the cultural treasure-house of East Asia. It is one of the world’s greatest travel destinations. China is full of history and legend; the Great Wall, Xian’s Terracotta Army, the Forbidden Palace are the names which reverberate with legend.

The country is set to become the world’s major economic power within the next 20 years or so. Beijing also underwent a huge investment program for the Beijing Olympics 2008. But growth has come at a great environment cost. Beijing is also facing severe environmental problems including pollution. Keeping these aside, China is also famous for Yangtze River, the Silk Road, the bamboo shoots of the giant Panda and the 33 World Heritage sites.

The official language of the country is Mandarin Chinese. Translator and interpreter services are good. Most of the big hotels speak English but no so widely spoken by the taxi drivers. The country is officially Atheistic but the stated religions are Buddhism and Daoism.

There are certain cultural differences which must be kept in mind. Hotels and restaurants often ask for suggestions and these are taken very seriously. In China, the family name is always mentioned first. It is expected that you arrive a little bit early if invited out socially. Conservative casual wear is generally accepted everywhere and revealing clothes should be avoided at all places. It is better not to express any political or religious opinions.

Outside main centers, all water used for drinking, brushing teeth or freezing should be first boiled or sterilized. Meat and fish should be well cooked. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis are sometimes advised. Medical costs are low and hospitals are of international standard. Many medicines common in western countries are unavailable in China.

China has no shortage of accommodation even in peak season. There is a good range of hotels from budget to luxury. Overall the standard of the hotels are reasonable and good value for money but the hotels in big cities are more expensive. Chinese cuisine is very popular across the world. Cantonese style is the most popular with the Westerners. However, there are eight major schools of Chinese cuisine. For nightlife there are Chinese operas, State circus , ballet and theater. Karaoke is a popular form of evening entertainment. Beijing and Shanghai have major departmental stores which sell a wide range of products. Prices in the Friendship Stores are generally fixed and not open to bargaining. These shops are set up by the government.

There are a number of places to visit in China. The Great Wall and Tibet’s Qomolangma Nature Reserve around Everest are beautiful places and finds mention in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sanya, on the Southern coast of China, is a tropical beach. Hainan Island is China’s newest holiday spot and it has got international resort hotels, coconut palms, golf courses and beaches. You can also explore the caves by going to Zhangiiajie’s Yellow Dragon Cave which is Asia’s largest caves or you can see the forests of stone in Kunming. The Shilin Stone Forest’s limestone rock columns resemble petrified trees. You must Beijing’s crowning glory – the Forbidden City or the Palace Museum. It is China’s greatest surviving historical site with fabulous halls, palaces and gardens. Visit the world’s largest square – Tiananmen Square and the 15th century temple of Heaven.

Modern China has a genuine need for ESL teachers. Over the last few years, there has been a remarkable mushrooming of private language institutes and companies. The rising emphasis on education at all levels means availability of teaching positions at all levels.

China truly has something to offer for everyone. On the one hand Shanghai is a bustling city and on the other hand, Beijing is a city full of history and traditions. The plenty of other cities also have lots to offer.