Job Discussion Forums

[BKKjobseeker]

Any information on International Schools? Namely:

1. What are the best schools to work for, re: quality of experience?
2. What schools are to be avoided?
3. Average salary?
4. Best way to get hired? At a "fair" or by contacting the schools directly?

[hagakuri]

Your questions require some pretty subjective answers, so I will stay clear of 2 of them. The other two are as follows:

Salaries range from 35,000 to 70,000 baht.

Getting hired directly from the source is better (subjective). Recruiters, and/or agencies, sometimes omit important details about the position or misrepresent it. Remember that these entities obtain payment by the number of bodies that they can attract to an area or position. Use your own common sense in this area. If it looks too good......

[beachwalker]

The two best international schools in Bangkok are ISB and NIST. They pay around 100,000 per month and housing, insurance, retirement, etc. They have true U.S./U.K. accrediting and follow Western systems. You will need the qualifications to teach in your home country (i.e. degree in education, or otherwise certified by the state to teach).

I cannot speak for the ones to avoid, but any that pay 35,000 per month should be a big hint. Once you drop off the peak of the ISB/NIST-class... I think the salaries of the few other true internationals are in the 50,000's to 70,000.

I was just offered a job at a private school (not a true int'l) paying 65,000 and a free apartment, but turned it down because I cannot arrive in Thailand as soon as they require. This, for teaching another subject area and also ESL.

The best international schools will only hire from overseas through agents and job fairs. But, once you drop below the top few schools... I think this takes a direct turn and goes back to the in-country hiring policy.

Good luck,

beachwalker