Job Discussion Forums

[chriswalkengod]

I really enjoy Bangkok. I would like to get accomodations somewhere near Victory Monument. I want a small apartment with fan, not air condition, and running water. How much should this cost monthly?

I plan to use the bus system frequently.

What is considered an average salary for those just starting with a TELF and no college degree? What is the current visa situation in Bangkok for USA citizens? I arrived on a 60 day visa, is it posible to get a longer visa than this upon re-entering thailand? What is the cheapest/best way to get another visa..

also, what is considered the best telf school?

[kenkannif]

You can probably get an apartment like that for 5-8,000 Baht (maybe a bit less if you're lucky!).

Average salary for TEFL and no degree (which IMO doesn't really effect your salary perse, just your chances of getting a WP) would be around 30-40,000 Baht a month. Maybe a bit less, or if you're lucky maybe a bit more!

The Visa situation, what do you mean? You need to get the Visa BEFORE you come to Thailand or look to do runs every 30 days (or fly to one of the Asian countries bordering and get a Non-imm B or a proper tourist Visa). The cheapest and best generally don't go hand in hand (and this applies to most things in life), but I suppose doing runs, or getting a Visa from a Western country are the two main options.

Is there a BEST TEFL course? Or people with opinions on what is best? Check out Tedkarma's reply on a thread just below (or a few below) this one he gives some excellent advice! Check them all out is what I would say, as much as possible! People here can have vested interests (either way) and to be honest most grads would probably say their course is the best. Although the CELTA is probably the most famous....which again might not mean it's the best!

[zorro (2)]

with regards to the visa, you can get a train from hualompong (bangkok) to nong khai a border town of laos. you then cross the border, get a taxi to vientiane and you get a non-imm b visa within two days. obviously the school you work for will need to make all of the previous necessary arrangements re your sponsorship etc.

alternatively the visa run is easier. again the overnight train to nong khai and then simply cross the border and return to bangkok. i was in laos for five minutes. your renewed tourist visa is then good for another 90 days.

there are also companies who do the visa run for you. i can't remember how much it costs cos i never did it, but some friends of mine did and they never had any problems. just ask around and someone should know more info on this course of action.

i advise you not to work for ecc cos the wages are low (23,000 i think when i was there). try kings college in emporium or bangna (theres one near victory monument as well i beleive but not sure where).

good luck.

[kenkannif]

[zorro (2)]

[Sheep-Goats]

[quote="zorro (2)"]

[kenkannif]

Thanks Sheepgoat!

If the op got a job with BC they wouldn't even need a WP! But the chances of that are slim, so best assume worst case scenario AND Laos has got super tight with Visa in the last few weeks (Savannkhet (sp?) as well is almost as bad) so even if he did work for Kings, it would be difficult!

I think going all the way up to Laos just to 'check things out' is a bit silly. He can take it from me (I sent someone there two weeks ago) it's well difficult!

Here's a report from someone I sent:

"Just to let you know that I finally got that damn visa. They were very, VERY reluctant to part with the precious little thing. Whatever it was that you faxed over to me seemed to just barely turn the tide, so thanks for the perseverance. The woman made it clear to me that although my paperwork was woefully inadaquate she would do me a BIG favor and accept the application.


If you ever have anyother teachers that need to do this same thing you might want to have them avoid Vientiane (although where is better?)--the grief this woman gave me over 3 days might be enough to make someone think twice about whether they really wanted a class in Thailand or not.


Anyway, thanks a lot, I don't think I would have it without you."

^ And a month or so ago it was easy peasy! Times change!

A multiple entry is best to get as it's good for (almost) 15 months in 90 day intervals. And the thing is if you get it from a Western country there are hardly any hoops to jump though at all, the hoops (or bribes if you go to Penang) are generally found in Asia, not at Western Consulates. The chances of getting a WP in your first 3-6 months here are slim, very slim (Ethiopian slim!) so why have to do runs every 30 odd days? When you can get a multiple beforehand and only have to run every 90 days (plus save the 1,900 Baht extension fee) and avoid having to go to some horrible Embassy/Consulate in Asia? Makes sense to me. So in regards to the price of fish, it will allow you more money to buy them and also give you more time to do so.

Exhaustive replies are best, it would have only have taken one extra line to explain the extension process.

I know one dodgy Visa service place still running and they're charging 4,500 Baht for a stamp in and out (even if it's just a 30 dayer!).

My friends are happy at ECC and are earning 40K plus! I think their website comments are a bit vague, you can do well there without overly killing yourself. But yeah you do need to put in the hours (and the wages can vary depending on if you're teaching on site for them or off site!). I'm not their biggest fan for a few reasons, but credit where credit is due, some teachers do alright by them.

[sigmoid]

Sounds like A LOT OF TROUBLE to go through to work in one of the lowest paying countries in the region in terms of TEFL.

Wouldn't be easier just to work in a country where they just give you a visa when you apply for it and pay you a decent salary for teaching?

[kenkannif]

It's not quite that difficult Sig once you sort it all out! I found it pretty easy to get sorted here. But yes it would be nice if it was a lot easier. Unfortunately though some people have families etc. here and don't have that option!

Where's better in your opinion then? And why?