Job Discussion Forums

[kkookie99]

Hi All,

Just want to say many to everyone's feedback. I've posted messages here before and I've always had good responses. Thanks heaps, so here I go again. Got a few questions ...

Here is a bit of background to help you answer my questions- I am 23 , female , single. Born and raised in manila , philippines. Currently living and working in Auckland , New Zealand. I'm currently working as a Marketing Executive ( until 26th Aug) for an ISP. I've also got a Bachelor of Business. As you can see my background lies strongly in Commerce particularly in Marketing. This is my first year of teaching, I will be studying a CELTA course in Nov.

Why I want to teach -
- Im genuinely interested in English as language , I also like writing.
- genuinely love kids and I've always liked to teach
- I believe this is a good source of income while travelling

My strengths
- I have experience in administrative , communication roles and public speaking.
- I have a degree and aim to have a CELTA qualification by end of 2005
- I have travelled and studied away from my home country. I have been living, studying & working in NZ for the last 5 years - I believe to gain a degree and a job in NZ shows my cultural adaptability.

My weakness

- lack of teaching english
- naivity in the industry ( I cant help it, advertising & marketing is my background)
- I am not European, though I think I could classify myself as a Native speaker.

What do I want - I aim to obtain a teaching english role in Bangkok by Feb 2006.
So here are my questions--

1. What are the differences between public, private and international schools ( aside from salary differences) ? any insight on anyone's experience would be great.

2. For a novice like me and given my background, strength and weaknesses- what would be a fair salary expectation ?

3. I will travelling in Thailand to job hunt for about 1- 2 weeks between late Sept - early October. What would be the best way to approach schools? I like to see the school premises and meet the school director for me to get a feel before I go into any job.

4. Do anyone know any reputable recruitment agency in Thailand for teaching english jobs?

5. Lastly, and I know this is a big ask only if anyone is interested. Would anyone be kind enough to look over my cv and cover letter. I've read te tips on writing it but I think a second opinion counts.

Whew! Sorry this is so long, but thought I'd be as thorough as I can.
for anyone who would like to get hold me please feel free to pm me or email - [email protected]

Thank you so much for your time and your feedback , it is much much appreciated.

[sigmoid]

...

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Magandang Gabi Po!


Just a couple comments from the peanut gallery (that's me!)


First, the bad news:

International Schools pay the highest salaries,

but your BA in Business probably won't cut it for those positions.


A bit more bad news:

You may have native-like English ability, but your nationality, unfortunately,

may work against you with some directors @ some schools.

Other schools won't care one way or the other,

but they will often try to offer you less $$$ than the 'white' teachers get.

I know it isn't fair and I'm certainly not defending it.

I'm just trying to be candid here, so that you're prepared for that possibility.

Thailand is kind of weird in that way.

Some adverts state clearly "We don't / can't hire Philippine Nationals"

while the next advert on the same website says, "Philippine Nationals Welcome!"


Now for a little good news:

You're young and bright and female,

and there is a strong demand for females who can teach English -

especially if you're willing, able and good with little kids, as sigmoid mentioned.

Men often lack the patience and creativity needed to keep kids attentive,

and school directors are aware of this. This works to your advantage!


I'd also agree with sigmoid that finding a good job

is most likely after you're on the ground here -

and can meet face-to-face with potential employers.

Completing the CELTA will be a feather in your cap,

and with no previous teaching experience on your CV -

I'd say it's a feather worth having.


Good luck!


PS: I lived in Quezon City (Project 4) for a couple years; loved it!

[JosephP]

[kenkannif]

Basically what Kent and Sig said is spot on.

As a Filipina you'lll struggle to be accepted as a native speaker and will struggle to earn the same as a native speaker would.

So you'll need to knock on a few more doors etc. and try that little bit harder. But where there's a will there's a way.

All the best!

[oxfordstu]

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ Hi


The Thai academic year at public schools & universities runs from early June to March:


Semester 1 - from early June to October

Semester 2 - from early November to March

with students on summer holiday in April & May


Please note that International Schools don't always adhere to this calendar!

And some public (a.k.a. government) schools might actually begin

Semester 2 at the end of October, rather than early November.

The above dates aren't carved in stone,

but they're pretty close!

__________________

[sigmoid]

...

[kkookie99]

Hi all

I am now here in Bangkok, initially I was going back to Auckland to study CELTA and then come again but then after much thought I'd figured studying and living here is probably cheaper - only thing is that I have no source of income here in thailand. In short I'm unemployed.


Anyway Im planning of studying in Phuket hopefully the standard of living there is cheaper than Bangkok - ECC has a good reputation there - does anyone else know any other school that offer CELTA courses in Phuket or South of Thailand?

Please email or PM me - [email protected]

Thanks.

[kenkannif]

Only ECC, Elite and International House offer it in Bangers, only ECC as far as I know offer it in Phuket.