Job Discussion Forums

[tellie]

I am a newbie thinking of travelling to Thailand maybe China.

I have been told that there are plenty of great opportunities to earn extra money in China Tutoring. I have been told you can earn up to three times your normal hourly rate.

Are there opportunities to tutor in Thailand, if so what sort of pay rates are involved.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hello tellie:

Rates for teaching privates in Thailand can vary a bit depending on who and where you're teaching. (i.e. an expat Japanese executive living in Bangkok can & will pay a higher hourly rate than a Thai hotel desk-clerk living out in the country)

A friend of mine was quite successfull a few years ago tutoring Taiwanese expats (executives & their kids) living in the Sukhumvit Road area of Bangkok, and was billing 1,000 Baht per hour; roughly US$25 per hour. This is a very good rate.

Typically, teachers in Bangkok charge between 500 and 1,000 Baht per private hour. (at the moment US$1 = 40 Baht)

While the hourly rates look pretty good on paper, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. For one, Thais are famous for cancelling their private lessons at the last minute. On top of that, you'll be commuting from place to place, and that can be hectic with the heat & traffic. Then there's the nagging question of visa sponsorship.

Plus, it takes hard work and time to develop the kind of good connections that would allow you to do this on a full-time basis. On a part-time basis, lots of teachers do it, and manage to 'top-up' their base salaries nicely, while still enjoying a normal contractual relationship with a school. (and the perks that go along with that relationship)

Hope that helps?



~

[richie122]

Sorry to dig up such an old post, but I am thinking of making the move from China to Thailand (in Sept 06). I have read many posts that say monthly wages in Thailand usually aren't enough unless one is able to budget really well. I don't really want to teach in Bangkok, and that is the only place mentioned by Mr. Kruhoeffer.

Here in China, the standard (that I've experienced) is 100 rmb, or about 500 baht per hour. Could one expect to earn this hourly wage in other cities(if not more)? Do some schools not allow their EFL teachers to work on the side? If so is it enforced? I ask because my contract here doesn't allow me work anywhere else. This hasn't been enforced though. Is it easy to find students? What are some common methods for arranging side work? That's all for now, and thanks!!

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hi richie122


We need to differentiate between:


hourly rates earned on privates

YOU have arranged on your own


and


hourly rates earned by working

at a school or university


If we're talking about rates earned at a school or university,

500 Baht per hour (even in Bangkok) is considered quite good.

Out in the country, you can forget about that kind of rate.

Many are earning 250 Baht per hour and less.


If, on the other hand, you set up and maintain your own privates,

there's really no limit to what you can charge, other than the

unwritten 'laws of competition' you'll be facing from

other TEFLers doing the same thing.

[richie122]

Thanks for the quick response Kent.
I was more or less talking about privates that I arrange myself. Through school would be fine, but in the past (here in china anyways) there is more money in arranging it by one's self. Thanks a million for the other info.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ My pleasure.


One thing I forgot to mention above.

Rather than shooting for a really high rate, it's sometimes smarter

to offer a reasonable rate (300 or 400 Baht) and open a small group.


If 3 or 4 students are each paying 300 Baht per hour

you make out well, the rate remains affordable,

and the 'group dynamic' keeps things lively.


You just need to be careful that the students are of

roughly equal ability, which is easy enough with kids,

but a bit harder with adults, whose ability varies wildly.