Job Discussion Forums

ksagain · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Hi! I have my Masters degree in Psychology and am currently working as a therapist for a residential treatment center serving delinquent youth. I am looking to come to Thailand in either January or February 2007 and would really like to secure a job teaching English before I come. My questions are:

1. since I already have a Masters degree do I really need a TEFL certificate to teach in Thailand?

2. Does anyone have a reputable school that will guarentee a job before I arrive?

3. What about placement services?

Only a few to get started, but I'm sure I will have more.

Thanks for your time!

isanity · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 179

1. Yes. A different kettle of fish altogether.

2 and 3. There is no need to arrange a job before you arrive. There are plenty of jobs, and the best way to get the one you want is to find it yourself once you get there.

laben18 · Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Posts: 84 Location: The parking lot.

your work with juvenile deliquents will have prepared you beautifully for teaching young thais

Very Happy

but, yes, get a TEFL. otherwise most doors will be shut to you.

once you have one, you can pretty easily get a job when you get here.

ksagain · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Thanks for the responses, but being new to teaching abroad makes me a little hesitant in waiting until I get there to arrange something.

Welshguy · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 143

Yeah thats understandable but most people with experience here would probably tell you to do it on the ground. Hiring decisions are better on both sides if the reality is facing you across a desk rather than across cyberspace.

There are plenty of jobs at all levels. It may broaden your appeal if you do take a TEFL and certainly if you were planning on spending a while in the industry then it certainly wont hurt at all. But you will always find something to do in Thailand.

Good luck

W

ksagain · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Thanks for the reply Welshguy! Someone suggested the Bell schools...what are you thoughts about their program. Also, what about taking a TEFL international course...they say they will assist with job placement?

bluffer · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:09 pm Post subject:

I would disagree with laben about most doors being shut but

I would still suggest you get either a CELTA or the likes of the TEFL Int TESOL ( which I did ).

Any decent training provider is going to help you get a job. How much help will vary. It may just be advice on where to look, them cutting out job vacancies and putting them in a folder or whatever.

Once you have got your TELF, spoken to the instructors and worked out where you want to work you will be able to judge all the adverts better.

A lot of places dont want to know unless you are already in the country, too many people ask about jobs and then dont travel to the country. Going face to face also lets YOU see THEM which is more important.

You will basically have a few choices.

Work direct for a school
Work for an agency in a school
Work in a language school
Work for yourself and arrange all the lessons, buy the books, find the students......... yourself.

Up to you.

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 2:24 am Post subject:

Pretty much every one will help you with placement. Some TEFL Cert schools - that also operate EFL schools - can put you to work rather quickly. They will see your work in training - and if you are even half decent will strongly suggest that you come to work for them - RIGHT NOW!

The TEFL school where I work is begging for teachers! And, I suspect this is not unusual at the other schools. There seems to be a bit of a teacher shortage here at the moment.

But, I also agree, there is little point in trying to line up a job beforehand (at least for Thailand). Most places want you to start - uh . . . this afternoon? Tomorrow? - and aren't too interested in someone coming in the semi-distant future. They are having trouble filling positions right now - and tend to be focused on that.

ksagain · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Thanks for all of the responses...they have been helpful. What TESL programs do you all suggest. There are soooo many to wade through, so if I could get some recommendations that would be helpful.

Thanks again!
Kara

bluffer · Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 7:02 pm Post subject:

I would only recommend two

the CELTA - ECC in bangkok has got a log reputation for being a good place to learn ( but not to work ). There are a couple of other places that offer CELTAs as well but havent heard enough feedback to recommend them yet.

the TEFL International TESOL in Ban Phe ( near Ko Samet )

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Loads of recommendations (sp?) on here to be honest.

What do YOU want from a course though? Who do you see yourself teaching etc.?

Buyers market at the moment, so check check check them out thoroughly...as you would when buying anything.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:46 am Post subject:

That are many factors to consider when thinking about which TEFL/TESL or whatever kind of program.

A good place to start is with "How to Select a TEFL School" at:

http://phuketdelight.com/TEFL.htm

I too - don't think a Cert. is required - but will you know what to do if asked to do a demonstration lesson?

Get trained and you'll feel a lot better about it.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

So does the OP show up in Thailand with a traveller's visa and then get the school to change it once she's there?

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ Nah not really as they'd only do that if they were employing the OP...so best to get a long Visa before they leave their current place of residence (is that grammtically correct???) Wink

Brodsky · Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 7

i have a TEFL certificate, is that enough to get a job as a psychologist at a residential centre in Arizona?

Hope so, im on my way!

Very Happy