Thailand: Reiseführer, Visa und kostenlose Unterkunft · 2026

IEIEC Exchangeiec · 03.09.2026Lesen

Teach in Thailand: English, Chiang Mai, and a new standard of living 🇹🇭✈️ Want to try your hand in the international sphere after university? Teach in Thailand is TEFL training in Thailand and an internationally recognized English teacher certificate. In 4 weeks in Chiang Mai, you will level up your grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, and lesson-planning practice. There is also a TEFL Internship format: 2 weeks of training + 4-5 months of internship; the certificate is issued after successful completion of the internship. Thailand is the land of smiles, beaches, vibrant markets, and a culture where teachers are truly respected 🌴📚 English level of Advanced or higher is required. Thai language skills and a pedagogical degree are not required. The sponsor helps with housing and assists in finding vacancies, but the actual search for an employer is not included in the contract services. International Exchange Center (IEC): IEC 🚀

AMAruzhan Matebayevaaruzhan.matebayeva · 14.12.2022Lesen

My experience. Coincidences are not coincidental Preface First of all, as a participant in the Work and Travel USA 2022 program, I want to thank the International Exchange Center (or as the 'Jedi' call it - TMO) for a wonderful summer in the States and for fulfilling the dreams of thousands of students around the world. During my time in the States, the curators from Kazakhstan were in touch with me even at night, providing support not only to their own students but also to students from other agencies who found themselves in difficult situations. Also, having gone through the path of a 'Jedi' (J-1 student), I became familiar with many cultures and traditions of the locals, observing those very scenes from my favorite movies with my own eyes. For example, my first and hopefully not last Independence Day in the States left an indelible impression of American culture and its values. Drawing a parallel with the celebration of Independence Day in Kazakhstan, one can notice the scale of the event; even in small villages, residents decorate their houses and launch fireworks into the night sky. Five years ago, a distant relative who had just returned from abroad came to visit us. Although I saw her for the first time, I heard a lot of praise for her that evening. She was seated in the honored place for guests - 'tör', and my parents, like other relatives, began to ask about her past summer in the States through the Work and Travel program. At that moment, I was aware of the possibilities of this program, but I could not imagine that in just a few years I would also be sharing my experience at the same table, and my mother would be pouring tea into my mug and listening to my stories just like that same evening five years ago. Part 1. The International Exchange Center unites hearts Despite spending more time on social media while studying remotely for my entire second year, I lost touch with many acquaintances. How pleasant it was to meet them again and hold meetings, but this time while preparing for the interview with the consul. We held meetings, sharing tips and future plans for the upcoming summer. During that time, I couldn't find a 'travel companion' who was going to spend the summer in the same village as me; since this was my first trip abroad, and it is easier to settle into a new country in pairs than alone. There was one guy who attended our meetings, who had his job offer approved in a neighboring village, but he was denied a visa. Having received my visa, I was already sitting upset at the pre-departure meeting of the International Exchange Center, where we were instructed on filling out the SEVIS, shared the experience of former J-1 students, and precautions for using transport. The girl sitting behind me reached out to my ear and asked where one could get bikes in the village, to which I replied, 'We'll figure it out upon arrival, but for now, listen carefully.' At the end of the meeting, where about a hundred students had gathered, I shouted loudly: - Who is going to village X? - Me! Me! - shouted the girl sitting behind me. Spark, storm, madness, and after 10 minutes of storming, we found out that we were not only going to the same village, but also flying on the same flight and working in the same bar. While we were clarifying the details of our upcoming trip, I was overjoyed to learn that 12 more 'Jedi' were flying on our flight (five of whom would later move into the same house as us). Part 2. Plan your flight in advance It was nice that before flying to the States, I would visit one of the cultural places of our country - Turkestan. Previously, there was no opportunity to visit this beautiful city, but since I was planning to fly from there, I had the opportunity to enjoy this view. At the pre-departure meeting of the International Exchange Center, we were clearly instructed to take some pocket money in cash, but not having managed to cash out in Almaty, I planned to do it in Turkestan (it's not called the spiritu

KAKamshat Amangeldiyevaamangeldiyevak · 03.12.2019Lesen

I think the summer of 2019 will forever remain in my heart. In such a short time, it gave me friends from over 15 countries. Now I have friends from Spain, Jordan, Taiwan, Russia, Slovakia, Latvia, etc. The summer is over, but our connection is not. Proof of this is our constant chats, and I even visited one of them. A boy from Thailand introduced me to his culture and fed me delicious, traditional food. And that's how I realized that the Work and Travel USA program for me isn't even about work and travel, but about people and communication. Thanks to these acquaintances and friendships, my social circle has expanded, and my list of countries I want to visit now includes not just the countries themselves, but specific cities where my friends are. When I used to think that all people are different, I couldn't even imagine how much. Thanks to America and this program, I have a thirst for travel. I have become more uninhibited in my dreams; now I am not even afraid to set big goals, because I believe with all my heart that they will definitely come true. As the great Paulo Coelho said: "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." And with this, I just want to say thank you. These three months of summer changed my worldview and gave me a huge lesson that I will use for the rest of my life.

YKYelyzaveta Komarovalizakom99 · 16.12.2018Lesen

I thought for a long time about how to start writing, because it's already mid-December, and the emotions still haven't faded. I want to tell you about my incredible and, perhaps, the brightest summer of my 19 years. So, my name is Liza and, as I already wrote, I am 19. The starting point of my story is how I decided to participate in the program. I believe in fate. And this story is my vivid example that somewhere, far away in the sky, everything is already predetermined. I decided to participate very quickly, as I wanted to go while still in my first year of university, but there was one "but" - the lack of company. And I was very afraid to go alone, because I thought it would be incredibly difficult. Later, I reconsidered this point of view and became convinced that it is not scary at all, and difficulties only make you stronger. So, I started looking for company and I found it. These were 2 of my classmates. Together we found out everything, together we attended orientations, together we prepared, dreamed, and worried. And then that long-awaited day at the embassy arrived. And here I was convinced once again of what fate means. I was the only one who got a visa, and what I was running away from (going to the States alone), I got. At the final orientation, I met the guys with whom we were supposed to spend the summer together, we exchanged contacts and looked forward to May 15th. It wasn't so scary anymore, however, the unknown was still frightening. The last days before the flight, I played scenarios in my head, worried insanely that everything would be bad, knowing that it wasn't so. After all, program participants are always happy! But, to be honest, the last night before the flight, a wild nervousness started and thoughts: "Why did I even apply?". After all, I was flying alone, I had to change 3 flights before ending up in America. But, after passing the check-in counter, confidence and a desire to fly across the ocean as soon as possible appeared. I arrived, met the girls, and we continued our journey, but I was no longer alone. I chose a place very, very far from what we called "civilization". But I could not even imagine how special and dear this city would become. So, North Carolina, the city of Avon. Arriving there, we were a little shocked. After all, the infrastructure is not developed, no car - no way to get to other cities and, essentially, to the mainland. There are no shops, and there are not many American youth either. We asked the guys who were coming to Avon for the second or third year with surprise: "Why?!". And at the beginning of June, everyone got the answer. At the beginning of the summer, students from all over the world arrived in Avon (Turkey, Philippines, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Colombia, Poland, Romania, Macedonia, Russia, and many, many other nationalities and countries) and this small town was half composed of students. Parties began, gatherings at each other's houses, bonfires with marshmallows under the sound of ocean waves. I don't remember a single day being like the previous one. And the burning question: "When and how to travel?" solved itself. We asked for time off from work for the last 10 days and managed to see everything we wanted. If you are still tormented by uncertainty and the question: "Is it worth it"? Here is an example of my ordinary summer day in America. I described it as soon as I returned home. I will note one point in advance: we lived in houses by country. Therefore, in our house, which had 2 rooms, a kitchen leading into a living room, and a terrace, lived 5 girls from Ukraine and one from Russia. … "11 days since I've been home. Emotions are slowly being drowned out by the hustle and bustle of Kyiv weekdays. How much this summer has changed me, how much it has shown, proven, and taught me. Avon. A place where in the first days I didn't want to be, as much as I didn't want to leave it. How many times have I said "for the first time" here. Perhaps more th

SRSergei Rubanserega24ruban · 11.11.2015Lesen

It was the 8th hour of the flight from Moscow to New York, but I didn't lose heart and was full of anticipation. I was planning how I would spend my first three days in New York and what places I would visit. I was sure I wouldn't be disappointed. But that wasn't the case (No way). New York disappointed me. It disappointed me with its dirt, its smell, and the large number of homeless people. As soon as we left the Port Authority subway station, we were immediately immersed in all of this. And it's not that I was deeply disappointed. It was more like the feeling that you had been lied to the whole time. You were constantly told about how magical NY is and all that (Stuff like that), and when you finally get there, you expect something special, something unusual, but no. However, New York is saturated with a Russian spirit, especially the roads. Walking through Times Square in the evening, I still didn't understand that this was all real. I didn't realize that I had to spend three whole months away from my family and friends, away from everything I was used to. I realized all this upon arriving at my workplace – Wisconsin Dells. The journey was terrible. It was supposed to be a 21-hour trip with one bus transfer (Supposed to be). The trip dragged on a bit. Both buses broke down, and we spent a total of about eight hours waiting for another bus. In the end, instead of the expected 7 PM (Seven PM), I arrived at 2 AM the next day (Unbelievable). My manager met me, took me to the motel where I would be living, and said she would see me at work tomorrow. I lived with a Thai guy, a Taiwanese guy, and a Jamaican guy (International room). We had a wonderful atmosphere in the room; we often talked and joked, watched sports and worked out, told each other about our countries, and were surprised by the customs of others. However, all that was later; for now, it was the second day of my stay in Dells, and I spent my first day at Dunkin'. Everything went well; I didn't understand 95% of what I was told, but I smiled and kept checking my watch. It was the same on the second day... And the third... And the fourth... In short, for the first two weeks, I didn't understand absolutely anything. Not at all. Later, I was told it was funny when I was asked to do something, I would give an affirmative answer and wait until they showed me visually what to do. (Don't be stupid). The Dunkin' team was very friendly. Absolutely everyone tried to help me and explain how to make this or that coffee, what the difference is between a latte and a cappuccino, and how much sugar to put in depending on the cup size. I suddenly want some coffee... I learned quickly and was praised, which motivated me. The people were a joy. Americans are a wonderful nation. I adore Americans; they turned out to be so sociable and kind that at first, it was unusual for me. After all, not everyone in Russia can tell a complete stranger that they have a cool t-shirt. But here, they do. They always speak up, they are never shy, and they never shy away from a conversation. They don't have bad jobs, and they appreciate any kind of work. (Appreciate it). That's how Americans are. That's how they remained in my memory.

AMAruzhan Matebayevaaruzhan.matebayeva · 14.12.2022Lesen

My Experience. Coincidences are not coincidental Preface First and foremost, as a participant in the Work and Travel USA 2022 program, I want to thank the International Exchange Center (or as the Jedi call it, the CMO) for a wonderful summer in the States and for fulfilling the dreams of thousands of students around the world. During my time in the States, the curators from Kazakhstan were in touch with me even at night and provided support not only to their own wards but also to students from other agencies who found themselves in difficult situations. Also, having gone through the path of a Jedi (J-1 Visa student), I became acquainted with many cultures and traditions of the locals, watching those very scenes from my favorite movies with my own eyes. For example, my first and hopefully not last Independence Day in the States left an indelible impression of American culture and its values. Drawing a parallel with the celebration of Independence Day in Kazakhstan, one can notice the scale of the event; even in small villages, residents decorate their houses and launch fireworks into the night sky. Five years ago, a distant relative who had just returned from abroad came to visit us. Although I saw her for the first time, I heard a lot of praise for her that evening. She was seated in the place of honor for guests - the tör, and my parents, like other relatives, began to ask about her past summer in the States through the Work and Travel USA program. At that moment, I was aware of the possibilities of this program, but I could not imagine that in just a few years I would also be sharing my experience at the same table, and my mother would be pouring tea into my mug and listening to my stories just like that same evening five years ago. Part 1. The International Exchange Center unites hearts Despite spending more time on social media while studying the entire second year remotely, I lost touch with many acquaintances. How pleasant it was to meet them again and have meetings, but this time while preparing for an interview with the consul. We held meetings, sharing tips and future plans for the upcoming summer. During that time, I could not find a "travel companion" who was going to spend the summer in the same village as me; since this was my first trip abroad, and it is easier to settle into a new country together than alone. There was one guy who attended our meetings who had his job offer approved in a neighboring village, but he was denied a visa. I, having received my visa, was already sitting upset at the pre-departure meeting of the International Exchange Center, where we were instructed on how to fill out the SEVIS, shared the experience of former J-1 Visa students, and precautions for using transport. A girl sitting behind me reached out to my ear and asked where one could get bikes in the village, to which I replied, "We'll figure it out upon arrival, but for now, listen carefully." At the end of the meeting, where about a hundred students had gathered, I shouted loudly: - Who is going to village X? - Me! Me! - shouted the girl sitting behind. Spark, storm, madness, and after 10 minutes of storming, we find out that we are not only going to the same village, but we are also flying on the same flight and working in the same bar. While we were clarifying the details of our upcoming trip, I was overjoyed to learn that 12 more Jedi were flying on our flight (five of whom would later move into the same house as us). Part 2. Plan your flight in advance It was nice that before flying to the States, I would visit one of the cultural places of our country - Turkestan. Previously, there was no opportunity to visit this beautiful city, but since I was going to fly out from there, I had the opportunity to enjoy this view. At the pre-departure meeting of the International Exchange Center, we were clearly instructed to take some pocket money in cash, but I, not having managed to cash out in Almaty, planned to do it in Turkestan (it's

DKDziyana Kuzmitskayakuzmadin · 14.12.2022Lesen

Everyone strives to change their life for the better, to discover something new by stepping out of their comfort zone, thereby proving to themselves that everything is possible, even if fear is present. In my opinion, this is exactly what youth travel and student exchange programs teach. If you look at participating in these programs from all angles, you won't find any downsides at all. By participating, you gain colossal experience living abroad; you learn to live independently, take responsibility for yourself, answer for your actions, and, of course, the most pleasant part: you earn money that you then spend with pleasure. My participation in the program was a spontaneous decision. Although, as long as I can remember, I always wanted to go to America and travel around it. I decided on this adventure after I heard that a girl from my year (my friend) was going. That was when I made the decision to participate in Work and Travel USA. I didn't want to miss such a chance, as I was already in my 3rd year (the penultimate one) of university. At that moment, I thought that at least it wouldn't be scary if there were two of us. But, in the end, she refused to participate at the last moment, and I decided to continue alone. And I didn't regret it at all. Although I was very nervous and, to be honest, it was a bit scary to go alone. For me, participating in the program was simply luck; I was just lucky. After all, having analyzed everything that was happening then, I could have not even made it to the visa interview at the US Embassy. The date and time of the interview coincided with the date and time of my coursework defense before the commission. I still remember calling my academic supervisor and tearfully trying to explain the whole situation and asking to reschedule the defense. And I just got lucky at that moment: I defended my coursework over the phone! I'm still in shock from that. Recalling my interview, I can say that I was lucky there too, and I got the consul I wanted (there were two consuls in total: the first one had many refusals, the second one didn't use the word 'No' as often). I ended up with the second one. I remember that I was number 38, and there were 5 refusals in a row before me. I was very worried and prayed to get the second consul. And that's what happened. He turned out to be a very cheerful person, we joked a lot. The consul asked me where I study and where I see myself in the future. I replied that since I am studying international relations, I want to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to which he said: 'I hope that good relations will be established between the USA and Belarus, and you will contribute to this.' We all laughed together then, and he said that my visa was approved. That's how it was. Getting closer to my trip, I can say that it wasn't smooth. It taught me a lot: independence, responsibility; it led me to the realization that I am alone in another country and can only rely on myself. And I realized one most important thing: never trust anyone and always verify information. This is a story about how I lost $300 and lived for a week in terrible conditions. It all started when my employer sent me a job offer and options for where I could rent housing. I wrote to many people, and a woman replied. I liked the interior, the layout of the house, that is, everything was in order, nothing foreshadowed trouble. I arrived in Wildwood late in the evening – around 10:00 PM. It was dark, I didn't have an American SIM card, I couldn't call or go online. Honestly, at that moment, I didn't know what to do. And suddenly, guys from Thailand approached me, and one girl said that she was leaving soon and didn't need her SIM card, and she gave it to me. I was in shock and pleasantly surprised. This once again shows and proves that the world is not without kind people. After that, I found this ill-fated house. Arriving there, I was in terrible shock and didn't understand if I had come to the right place.

DKDziyana Kuzmitskayakuzmadin · 14.12.2022Lesen

Every person strives to change their life for the better, to discover something new, stepping out of their comfort zone, thereby proving to oneself that everything is possible, even if fear is present. It is, in my opinion, what youth trips and student exchange programs teach. If you look at participation in these programs from every angle, you will find no drawbacks at all. By taking part in them, you gain a colossal experience of living abroad; you learn to live independently, to take responsibility for yourselves, to be accountable for your actions, deeds and, of course, the most pleasant thing, you earn money which you then happily spend. My participation in the program was a spontaneous decision. Although, as long as I can remember, I had always wanted to go to America and travel around it. I decided to take this gamble after I heard that one girl from my class (my friend) was going. That's when I decided to participate in work&travel USA. I didn't want to miss such a chance, since I was already in my 3rd year (the penultimate) of university. At that moment I thought that at least it wouldn't be scary to go together. But, in the end, she backed out at the last moment, and I decided to continue alone. And I didn't regret it at all. Although I was very nervous and, to be honest, it was scary to go alone. For me, participating in the program was simply luck; I was just lucky. After analyzing everything that happened back then, I might not even have made it to the visa interview at the US Embassy. The date and time of the interview coincided with the date and time of the defense of my course paper before the committee. I still remember calling my academic advisor and tearfully trying to explain the whole situation and asking to postpone the defense to another time. And I was simply lucky at that moment: I defended my course paper by phone! I am still shocked by that. Recalling my interview, I can say that I was lucky there too, and I got the consul I wanted (there were only two consuls: the first granted many refusals, the second did not say No so often). I got the second one. I remember that I was number 38, and there had been 5 refusals in a row before me. I was very anxious and prayed to get the second consul. And that is what happened. He turned out to be a very cheerful person; we joked a lot. The consul asked me where I study and what I see myself doing in the future. I then answered that, since I study international relations, I want to work at the foreign ministry, to which he said, "I hope that good relations will be established between the USA and Belarus, and that you will contribute to that." We all laughed together then, and he said that my visa was approved. Just like that. Moving closer to my trip, I can say that it was not smooth. It taught me a lot: independence, responsibility; it led me to realize that I am alone in another country and can only rely on myself. And I understood one, the most important thing: never trust anyone and always double-check information. This is the story of how I lost 300$ and lived for a week in horrible conditions. It all started when my employer sent me a job offer and options of where I could rent housing. I messaged many people and a woman replied. I liked the interior, the arrangement of the house, that is, everything seemed to be in order, nothing foreshadowed trouble. I arrived in Wildwood late in the evening – around 22:00. It was dark, I didn't have an American SIM card, I couldn't call or go online. To be honest, at that moment I didn't know what to do. And suddenly some guys from Thailand came up to me, and one girl said she was leaving soon and didn't need her SIM card and gave it to me. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised. This once again shows and proves that the world is not without kind people. After that I found that ill-fated house. Upon entering – I was horrified and didn't understand if I had come to the right place. There were 11 people on one floor, 4 smal