Job Discussion Forums

windsofchange · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 35 Location: NZ

Thank you again for this wealth of knowledge. I have been researching work online but it's hard to know what is legit re institutions. I intend to spend 4-7 weeks in Thailand at the end of this year ( Dec- Jan) so I guess I will look into paying some visits to various schools, uni's etc.
I'll also look into the IB scene, it's not big in NZ at all, only a few private schools teach it.

Thanks to your info I feel a lot more optimistic about teaching in Thailand, although I 'm well aware it ain't going to be easy to get a good gig. Very Happy

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Eagle Eyes · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 121 Location: Istanbul

You will enjoy teaching in Thailand....expect to be paid anywhere between Baht 20,000- Baht 50,000 at an international school outside of Bangkok. Again if money isn't the issue than you are more than welcome to teach here. I can say that you will enjoy the upcountry and Thai Isaan lifestyle. I know many teachers who have been here for over thirty years and have made Thailand their home...especially in Isaan You can live like a Thai and still save some money outside of the Bangkok area. If you choose to live in Bangkok than you should earn at least Baht 50,000 monthly working at any school...international or private....as a teacher to save some money as the city is quite expensive to live and work in on teacher wages.

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

The OP has home country certification, MA, Grad Dip Ed, 5+ yrs exp. At a quick glance, the recommended site seems to have mostly entry level recruiting agencies, TEFL school "internships" and the dreaded placement agencies touting that they are a volunteer program (yet they pay you and pay you half what anybody else would, should and probably has in the past at the same school.)

The recommended site seems to be geared towards gap year save the world types. IMO, anyone who PAYS for an EFL teaching position volunteer or otherwise is a fool. This topic has been discussed in recent previous threads. In a word, if you are not making 25,000/month at least teaching EFL in more remote areas of Thailand, someone is pocketing a nice bit of change AND it is almost always NOT the poor community you are out to save. Come save the soi-dogs, work at a sea-turtle conservation, work to protect the gibbons, etc. but get paid the proper amount to be a Thailand EFL teacher.

Looking at reviews is prudent and useful, BUT BUT BUT, realize that people are more likely to share bad experiences than good experiences (especially online). When you read a review realize that good schools can get bad reviews from disgruntled ex-employees AND bad schools can get good reviews from management plants (yes this happens).

It does look like a good site if you are a gap year save the world type though. Lots of info.

windsofchange · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 35 Location: NZ

The general ipression I'm getting is that the best opportunies are found by being there and seeking them out in person.
I have no intention saving gibbons. I teach them every day in my drama classes! Laughing

Mai pen rai you are a star! Very Happy

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

Cheers WOC!

There are good, well paying jobs in Thailand for certified teachers w/exp at good schools, but competition is big. Few Drama spots, so even more competition, but you have a strong C.V. and if you interview well, there is no reason to think you wont be competitive yourself (no IGSCE/IB exp being a hurdle).

Yes, being here, making contacts and maybe taking a lower end IGCSE/IB school that will hire you without the exp. should help. Timing and luck are always a factor as well.

Best of Luck.