Job Discussion Forums

menn0036 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Any suggestions for what schools, pricing, length of program, and placements?

Thanks,

Katie

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:34 am Post subject:

On Phuket all the programs are four weeks, to the best of knowledge.

Placements - are hard to guarantee as there are many TEFL programs here that graduate too many people for the local market to absorb. You might as well know that up front. I doubt that any program will really guarantee you a job here (READ the FINE PRINT carefully if they do). And, if you ARE guaranteed a job, is it a full time job? Is it at a liveable wage?

Prices - I think from about US$800 to almost double that.

Schools - all are okay, some are better than others. But, it might be best to find the school that best meets your needs.

A fairly objective list of questions for how to evaluate which school might be best for you can be found at: http://phuketdelight.com/TEFL.htm

menn0036 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Hi there!

Thanks for your reply and the information.

I realize that teaching in other countries i.e. Tawai, Korea, etc. pay more, however, Thailand is very cheap, is it not? Also, my focus area is not making money, but ensuring that I have enough money to be able to travel, whilst not spending too much from my own pocket.

From what your experience, is it typically hard to find a teaching position at a school in Thailand? If I were looking for more of a rural vs. urban setting, would it be any different? Do you find that these teaching positions often inclube boarding?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 12:53 am Post subject:

Finding a TEFL job in Thailand is VERY EASY.

However, finding a job at a school that will get you a work permit and make you legal, is a bit more difficult.

Finding a job

menn0036 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Have you taught in Thailand before? If so, which schools?

I am being told several different things as far how to go about this: Going straight to Thailand, Phuket and enrolling in a TEFL certification program, then having them help you get a job; Registering with a school beforehand with the risk that it may be another scandal.

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 3:05 am Post subject:

I've done teacher training here - twice - 2006 and also in 2002. In the process I saw my many students land good jobs.

I taught at a college in Bangkok in 2001.

A certification school can help you a lot. Get your job here - not from overseas.

Regarding having a TEFL school find you a job - they probably can't promise you anything. Realistically - HOW COULD THEY? They haven't met you. You might be a 24 hour drunk who has never bathed in your life. Anyone who promises - read the fine print in the promise.

menn0036 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Thank you so much for all the information you've provided me with, I deeply appreciate it!

Katie