Job Discussion Forums

[Brooks138]

Okay, I'm trying this question out here to get some helpful feedback. I'm finishing my masters in december (in TESOL) and have over 4 years experience teaching in language schools at home and abroad, and was wondering about the prospects of teaching in Thailand. I've heard that it could be waste of a degree, but I would like to get university work, or something along those lines. I have a friend that says I should be able to get 50,000 baht per month...is that realistic? please inform. I've asked this question in the general forum to get info on Asian countries in general to no avail, and in the Japan forum, where i got mostly words telling me of the drying up EFL situation in univeristies there. Thanks...

Brooks

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

I just turned down a full-time facutly position last night at Assumption University in Bangkok.

The position was to teach TESOL in their Diploma program and to assist with the M.A. TESOL teaching practicum program.

The salary was Baht 30,000 per month. Teachers in the program are required to be on campus 30 hours per week (they even have to punch a clock!). Free on-campus housing is also provided.

The salary for Ph.D holders is not much more and the hours per week not much less.

B50,000 per month teaching at a Thai university - Unlikely, IMO.

[Sheep-Goats]

I currently teach at a Thai univesity and am somewhat unlikely to renew my contract come October (mid-term), barring any miracles in my attempt at contract negotiations next week.

If you teach at an elite governemt university (good students with acceptable study habits) you'll be salaried at 25,800 baht and teach about 12 hours a week. HOWEVER, you'll be required to punch a clock and be on campus in a (likely shared) office about 40 hours a week. The Thai staff will not like you as they'll be earning about half of what you are (and likely doing 1/4 the work, but whatever). If you teach at an elite private univesity (students are the rough equivalent of high school freshmen in the west, though the girls will oddle and awddle over you, some to that extent) you'll make between 30,000 and 38,000 baht (likely 35 with an MA), punch a clock, and deal with a semi-reatrded administration.

Most teachers who have a degree in EDUCATION can get into the International schools here, which involves always teaching the worst of the worst of small Thai children, dealing with their coddling parents, and a salary of 50,000B+. Only an education degree will get you in thouhg, so unless your TESOL is a MEd TESOL you can probably forget that option.

Privates are much harder to get than in Korea or Japan and don't pay nearly as well (unless they're Korean or Japanese expats).

Finally, the closing times for all bars and pubs right now is a flabberghasting 1am. Forced drug tests for anyone still inside after that hour, immigration hassels, occasional police beatings, etc. This even at Q Bar, Bankok's foremost.

On the plus side: Easiest people in the world to get along with, girls like you a lot.

[Rice Paddy Daddy]