Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

I'm in the ROK on my 3rd year with the same school. I should pass 10 years of experience in total before all is said and done with this contract. The market here has tightened quite a bit (even my 20 something neighbor is having a hard time finding a new gig) and my school has cut my hours in half. My lease is up in March but my employment contract is done in July. I could leave in March pretty easily though because, as I mentioned, my current school cut my hours and actually told me to look for work elsewhere... which I have... to little success.

Anyway, I'd like to take a bit of time to return home and get some family time in and possibly reduce my belongings in storage to a single hermetically sealed tote before going to Thailand.

I have worked for adult schools the majority of my experience. I'd like to continue to do so. I've been crafting my own curriculum and distributing it via a blog to my students this past year. It's probably a pipe dream, but my stuff works, that's why I've been re-hired twice. Is it possible to use one's own curriculum in a big chain adult school in BKK? It seems like the business casual + tie dress code is mandatory for all farangs in the workplace? Do the adult schools hire year-round and not just March and October? What are the big ones in BKK?

[AjarnDavid]

There are plenty of language schools in Thailand, but most don't exclusively cater to adults. They usually take students of all ages. Some of the language schools have contracts with businesses though and place teachers in those businesses to teach part-time, or even full-time. You would be teaching only adults in those classes.

I teach part-time at a language school tied to a university, and the classes are not arranged based on age. Instead, they are arranged entirely based on their English skill level. Therefore, it is quite possible to have high school students, university students and adults of all ages in the same class together.

As for curriculum, many have their own system (Wall Street, one of the largest language schools, has self-learning through computers with supplemental small group, or 1 on 1, conversation practice). There are numerous language schools here though, so I'm sure some would be receptive to you using your own materials and teaching methods.

From what I've seen, it is expected that male teachers wear dress slacks and a dress shirt, usually with a tie (although that may be optional at some places).

Language schools hire year-round, so timing should not be an issue.

[chaz47]

[suphanburi]

...on the ground and face to face.

This is NOT Korea. It is NOT the same. Put your notions based on your experience in Korea out of your mind. It is its own ball of wax.

.

[chaz47]

[suphanburi]

[SiameseCat]

PM me, the school in Bkk i used to work for looking for loads of teachers. I can connect you to them easily. You might get a job even before you arrive TH

PS. but it's a private school, not adult

[AjarnDavid]

As Suphanburi says, you should be able to find a job within 30 days if you are not picky. There are plenty of jobs in the 30,000-35,000 baht range. That's a meager living though IMO. For the better jobs in the 50,000+ range, you'll have to work harder in finding/landing one. As I said previously, language schools hire year round, but not many pay over 50,000.

I'm at a university and make over 60,000 with all the extra classes I teach with the university and the language center tied to the university. In universities, the best time to search is probably in May or June (classes start in August).

You'll most likely need to interview in person. The only schools that I know of that hire overseas or prior to a face to face interview in Thailand are the international schools, and those require teaching credentials from native-English speaking countries. Of course, you could contact SiameseCat and maybe he/she can hook you up with something. Doubt it'll be for over 35,000 though.

[chaz47]

What are the hours like for these language schools? I've heard WSE is pretty good but they expect you to hang out and socialize with the students off the clock. I can sometimes make a couple hundred US a month doing freelance illustration, so I like having free-time. Also, I've heard the language schools are sometimes slow/reluctant with the work visa?

[EFL Educator]

There are so many language schools in Bangkok I lost count counting them...expect to be there ALL DAY LONG from sunrise to sunset if you are working full time...for part timers expect to average about Baht 300 - Baht 350 per hour plus no benefits. Also note Thai students have a tendency to cancel classes on a whim....leaving you without income or work if you are a part timer!