Job Discussion Forums

[fpshangzhou]

Hello, I'm currently in China working as an English Trainer/Guest Services Manager in a multinational hotel company. I am trying to find an opening for one of our hotel properties somewhere in Thailand, preferably in Phuket, Bangkok or Chang Mai regions. Either way, I am considering learning the language or getting a head start on the basics prior to landing that position. For those long-time expats and newbies residing in Thailand, is it necessary or useful to get a leg up in the Thai culture and community by picking up the language? If anyone has done so, can you refer me to some resources I can buy or download that will help me in the journey to learning more about this mysterious and unique culture of the Land of Smiles? I look forward to any and all feedback :0 )

Cheers from China,

Aaron

[plumpy nut]

If you are serious about making a life teaching in Thailand, learning Thai is a must. Speaking Thai will be useful for classroom management and will probably in general make you have face in the eyes of the students. Also it will help in English - Thai translations, which I think is very underated in ESL teaching. However don't speak too much Thai to the students, because I have actually heard of teachers getting fired for speaking too much Thai all the time in class.

[fpshangzhou]

Hi Plumpy Nut,

Sorry it took so long to reply. I appreciate the feedback. Anyone interested in learning the language I recommend getting Pimsleur Thai and Thai for Beginner's by Poomsan Becker.

Cheers,

Aaron in China

[ldragon]

When I first arrived in Thailand, someone told me, "Don't bother learning too much Thai because you'll only find people talk about two things: food and you." Ha ha. That's a little true. But seriously, you'll definitely want to know survival Thai. Hello/goodby. Thank you and excuse me. Numbers and "How much?" The basic verbs. And the more you understand about Thai and Thai grammar, the better you'll be at teaching English to Thais. People rave about Becker's book. It's definitely one of the better Thai language books out there. But for language books as a whole, I think it's fairly average. If you're serious about learning the language, learn how to read Thai. It makes things a lot easier. And try to spend time w/ locals. They're happy to teach you Thai.