Job Discussion Forums

traveler106 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 46

I'm considering coming to Thailand to teach ESL. I have a bachelor's degree, a TEFL certificate, and five years' teaching experience.

I prefer to teach motivated, college-age students in a professional environment. I would like to teach at a university, if that's an option with my credentials, or a high-end private school. I am not looking for short-term work.

Can anyone give me advice on what I can expect from Thailand? Particularly on where I should apply (and how), what kind of wages to expect, and cost of living?

Thank you

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

You should go through this below before considering coming to Thailand to teach.

How stressful is teaching ESL in Thailand?
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=88577

traveler106 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 46

What about opportunities for someone who is not new to teaching ESL? I looked into teaching at a university, but, unfortunately, they don't pay very well.

I am considering other countries as well, but a very close friend of mine, who also has a lot of experience teaching ESL, wants to come to Thailand and it would be awesome to live in the same city as my friend, again.

tttompatz · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 12:17 am Post subject:

Prioritize what is important to you.

Universities are amongst the lowest paying jobs in EFL in Asia and Thailand is no exception; on the order of 25k thb/month with no benefits but there is lots of eye candy on campus. You may be expected to be on-campus for 40 hours per week even though you may only teach 9-12 hours.

Public (K-12) schools pay around 30k.

Private (K-12) schools pay around 40k.

Language academies (after school/weekends) pay around 40k.

Better bilingual schools (K-12) pay around 50-60k

Better international schools start at 60k and at the top end peak at about 130k plus a full benefit package but you work hard and it is work with kids. These jobs are highly competitive and require certification as a teacher AND experience.

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7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

traveler106 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 46

Well, Mongolia has -30 C winters, bad food, bad public transport, and locals who are often hostile to foreigners. I can live with all that, but what's making me start to consider somewhere else is the rising cost of living, particularly rent. An old apartment with minimal furniture in a dilapitated building will run you at least $500 a month plus utilities (another $50 to $100). That's too expensive for a city that already has few redeeming qualities.

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 1:11 am Post subject:

flow · Joined: 31 Aug 2012 Posts: 44

"I prefer to teach motivated, college-age students in a professional environment."

Ummm...in Thailand? Nah, if you're really into "doing the job right" and are seeking "motivated" students and supportive school owners then.......better go elsewhere. You wouldn't like Thailand. In Thailand, it's fun and games first, learning the language second. I have taught English in Thailand for years and for me it just wasn't an interesting experience, for the same reasons that many in here have already mentioned in their posts.

Good luck!