Job Discussion Forums

[isanity]

If you really want an "adventure whilst working", maybe just set up as a plumber without any training?

[blindjackdog]

And if you're going to wax eloquent about your untrained abilities, it might be a good idea to express yourself in something like standard English.

Regarding the OP, when I arrived in Thailand (years ago), with no teaching qualification, I did the week's training at AUA and then started working for them. Admittedly it was very 'in-house' training, but it was also reasonably effective (especially as it was geared specifically to Thai students). If I'd stuck around AUA I'm fairly confident that, with a bit of guidance from more experienced teachers, I'd have developed into a fairly good teacher. (So if it's still working that way, AUA might be an option for the OP.)

Unfortunately (to get to the moral of the story) I was attracted to higher salaries for less work at one of the universities, which involved lecturing on noun phrases and so on to classes of fifty. Although I learned a shit-load of grammar, whatever TEFL skills I'd picked up at AUA quickly dissipated, and any conversation teaching that I did along the way was, I'll admit, an agonising exercise in self-debasing 'entertainment' and extemporising around the text.

Back in my home country I miraculously got employed in a pretty professional outfit, where over the course of two years I learned all, and a whole lot more than, I would have learned getting a certificate in the first place. Doing one now would be a waste of time, but, with hindsight, it'd certainly have been better than some of the crap (and dishonesty) I had to put myself through during those early years.

And at the end of those two years I returned briefly to Thailand and worked for a couple of months. God it was wonderful to actually have the skills to run a class effectively. The difference was indescribable.

[Coco the Monkey]

I hired for a school in Thailand for two years and my standard reply to overseas applicants was that a face-to-face interview was essential in starting the hiring process. They want you in country. Ironically, once you are hired you eventually have to leave the country to obtain the 90 day visa so work permit processing can begin. Regardless, Thais and the foreign administration will want to see you before making any hiring decisions. It is wise for you to check out the school and talk to teachers already working there as well. Best of luck to you.

Coco the Monkey

[kenkannif]

^ It seems more schools (than before) are now converting people's tourist Visas or even 30 day stamps to Non-imm Bs...so there's a chance you won't have to leave.

[Soooofey]

Hi,
Thank you so much to those people who have posted genuine nice replies they have been very helpful.

It's a shame that some people can't be as nice as the rest of us. I suppose when your an up and coming high flying (tefl) english teacher who does not care for travelling or adventure it may be very difficult to express yourself socially, it's understandable so I accept your apology!

I really do not care how I present my english on a chat forum to some stranger who is looking to find fault with whatever I write so thanks for your comments but I won't be taking them on board.

Again thanks to those people who have provided me with such helpful info, if anyone needs any info about China I'm your girl!