Job Discussion Forums

[PrimaryTeacher]

I am considering a position at Pholwitaya Bilingual School in Hat Yai. Does anyone know anything about the school or the area? I am being asked to pay for the 90 day non Immigrant B visa prior to arrival. If anyone knows anything about this school, please let me know.

[Gringo Greg]

I am in Hat Yai, so fire away about any questions about Hat Yai. Pholwittaya has it's problems attracting teachers, but so do all schools. I also have heard second hand negatives about the school, but who knows.

[manx1]

I worked at PBS for a year - alot of teachers came and went but there were a few who stuck it out, too. When I say stuck it out I mean just that. There comes a point where you've set yourself up in a place and you've committed yourself to the kids and, even if the school doesn't deserve to have you there, well, you stay for the kids. The kids at this school are smart, eager to learn, it's just a shame the school's management have a habit of making the English teachers feel like they are expendable. Anyway, feel free to drop me a line if you want me to be more specific.

[manx1]

The 90 day non-imm B visa was paid by all the new teachers themselves - so that's a standard part of the deal for this school. They are very reliable about sorting out your tax/working visa - but you have to pay for a multiple entry visa if you want it (at least when I was there). If you go to the apartments they put you up in - Country Homes, I think it was called- they ask for a 7-10,000 baht deposit. Did they tell you about this? Anyway, don't give it, plead poor, if you pay this fee you must stay at the apartment for 3 months. If you leave earlier you won't get this deposit back. I advise you try and put off the payment for a month to see if you want to stay. ...if you take the job... :shock

[JosephP]

I believe that Pholwitaya Bilingual School in Hat Yai is owned by the same group that runs Stamford College, Songkhla Technology College, Hat Yai Business College, and perhaps some others. Although some may have had satisfactory dealings with the administration of this South Thailand educational conglomerate, many others have had not such happy experiences.
So, who knows, it might work out well for you. Choke dee, you'll need it.

[Reggie Mucker]

Update 2009

I hear four foreign teachers have recently resigned. It seems the school is still having problems keeping teachers. If your thinking of joining the school you might want to question why. Best of luck if you are going for it. You could email me if you want some history.