Job Discussion Forums

[joem]

Hi Folks,
Just received an offer to work as a volunteer teacher at Wat Lamphraya School, Thailand. They (Language Services and Serendib, Ayutthaya) will pay for my accommodations and I will travel to the different schools to volunteer.
I have taught English for 25 years and retired early and wish to teach in Thailand, and I possess a Masters Degree in English Education, and three California teaching credentials.
Since the sages on this site have suggested that I arrive in country first to check things out, this sounds like a great deal.
No contract, and no air fare, but they did provide me with a letter to get a visa for 3 months.
Sounds like a great way to get to know the country and various schools.

Anyone have any feedback?
Thanks,
Joe

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hi Joe:

Sounds like a plan! Spend a year getting your feet wet; get to know Thailand, learn a bit of the language - and then go for that International School gig that will put some real money in your pocket. You have the right qualifications for it. A one-year stint volunteering will give you the time & opportunity to make contacts from within Thailand; much easier than from abroad.

If it feels right, go for it!

I think you'll like Ayutthaya: http://thailand.sawadee.com/ayutthaya/



---> I hear you'll be staying on the top floor of this new condo:

~ Ayutthaya photos courtesy of Mr Doug J @ http://pbase.com/dougj

[kenkannif]

Bear in mind even charity/volunteer work in theory requires a WP!

[joem]

Thanks Guys,
Don't know that I'll spend a year volunteering; maybe just a semester. I appreciate all that you do for us newbies.
Joe
BTW, Kent,
I may just buy it, renovate it, paint it California pink, and rent it out to yuppies

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Welcome to the Hotel Ayutthaya, such a lovely place ...

[joem]

Thanks Kent,
I haven't been able to get that song out of my head since....
TTYS,
Joe

[Welshguy]

Hi,

Used to live in Ayyuthaya myself as it happens. Nice place, friendly people and once some of the schools hear you have arrived in town there is every chance that they will turn up when you are having a beer and introduce themselves and try to recruit you. Its also a good place for getting private gigs. You rent a little space and get your tables, chairs whiteboard etc and off you go. Its not strictly legal but they will tolerate it providing that there is no sign outside proclaiming its a private school. Most of the Thai teachers have one going or an interest in one.

If you get over there, check out Tony's place where the staff know the score about local jobs and you can sling a few beers back with the head of the tourist police amongst other dignitaries. There are very pleasant riverside apartments to be had at reasonable cost as well, once you get yourself up and running. There is always the local Rajabhaht and a branch of ECC as well.

With your background you will have no trouble in getting whatever gig you need to get so I wouldnt necessarily sign up for a year as a volunteer unless you particularly want to of course.

Good luck.
W

[andras]

Hi everybody,

I'll also work at Wat Lamphraya School, so I'll probably meet Joe there. There is a "bit" of difference in our professional background since I am a non-native speaker, with no teaching experience at all. The school told me that I could get a paid position after a couple months of volunteer teaching. I would appreciate any kind of experience that could help me to shape a picture about the expectable life of non-native amateur (as an English teacher).

Thanks in advance.

Andras

[joem]

Hi Andras,

Where are you from and how did you end up here? I'm interested in your journey. When will you arrive in country?

If you wish, you may reach me at my college email at:
[email protected]
Hope to hear from you soon.
Joe
P.S.
"Hello" to all of our mentors on this site.