Job Discussion Forums

[HariSeldon]

Hello all,

I'm a 23-year old Canadian male and I'm interested in teaching English for a few months in Thailand come this January. I have a brother currently living in Bangkok teaching at an International High School and (I don't know if this is relelvant) a sister teaching English as a second language just outside of Seoul.

For my specs, as it were, I have a college diploma in Music/Recording Arts (3-year program) and I am currently enrolled in my third-year of a Bachelor of Education degree majoring in English and minoring in Music. I have been teaching guitar for 4 years, including both group and private lessons.

I'd like to teach in Thailand for a variety of reasons. Primarily, I miss my brother, he left home about 11 years ago, and contact has been sporadic. Secondarily, I have wanderlust, big time. I spent a few months in the UK this summer and the Great White North is growing a bit stale for me. Thirdly (Tertiarily?), and this is connected to number two, having a bit of an income would help me justify the trip. Additionally, since I plan on being a 'traditional' teacher in the not-too-distant future, any experience in the field is useful.

Understand that I am not looking at this as a way of paying off my school debt; I simply would like to ease my mind while I experience a new place. I understand that my having only two years of my BEd done is exactly the same as having none of it done, but what does anyone here think my chances are? I'd be looking at teaching for no more than five months, possibly as few as two. Does anyone have any anecdotal evidence telling me one way or another how this might turn out?

I understand this is a point of contention for a lot of people, so I hope no one gets their dander up. I ask you fine people because you have the experience to help me out, and your experience in this field proves that you have the patience to explain something like this to a 'newb'.

Final question: I have a Canadian passport as well as an Irish passprt. Does anyone have any advice as to which one would be more beneficial to flash around in Thailand? Does it make a difference?

Thanks very much,
Brian
BFD!

[sigmoid]