Job Discussion Forums

mcurrie · Joined: 01 Feb 2008 Posts: 11

Hi. I'm think I've made up my mind to teach English in Thailand. I had no where specific in mind, but I do want more of a rural setting, either village or small town. I found the company Media Kids Academy and they do what I want, but I have heard some not so good things about it. So... what I need help with is this: should I apply to Media Kids, or is there a better way to find a placement in this type of setting? Or, third option, when I go should I just look for a job then? I am money conscious, but it's not something I want to worry about. I prefer the real Thai experience. Any advice or tips would be absolutely wonderful! Thanks. Ciao.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Why Thailand specifically? Until last month, you were planning to teach in Egypt. Question

There are plenty of TEFL jobs in Thailand for teaching children. I think you'll find something good if Media Kids isn't your cup of tea.

mcurrie · Joined: 01 Feb 2008 Posts: 11

I know. lol, Wink

I was gung-ho about teaching in Egypt. But I have found almost nothing. I was offered an opportunity to teach for a company in Cairo for less than $350 CAN, working 6 days a week and I can't remember what else. I was really interested to work there mostly because I would already be there and it would give me a chance to explore the culture more. But since it's not much of an option right now I'm broadening my horizons to other areas of the world I'm keen on visiting. I've been doing my research and I think I'd really like it there. I think I'd probably like it almost anywhere, but Thailand and Egypt are my top two places. So... Any tips for more rural areas?

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

Come out here and hand out resumes is person!

Not only will you get to actually see the school and meet your future boss, but schools is rural areas don't always advertise on the internet. You will find a lot more jobs by coming here.

You WILL have to leave Thailand at some point to renew or change your visa. But I lined up work before I came here and will have to do a 'border run' anyway: The process for getting a teachers' licence is a real mess right now in Thailand.

mcurrie · Joined: 01 Feb 2008 Posts: 11

Okay, but my little concern is that I would be venturing there in or around October (so I could at least make second semester), but I can't make first. Do they hire all year round?If they do than I'm no longer concerned, but if they don't than that's why I was thinking of applying to Media Kids. So at least then they can fit me in for four months. Then I figure if I don't like it or need a change I will look somewhere else. Thoughts?

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

A lot of people want to come here to Thailand. If you have never been out of western cultures, it can be very different.

Do as much research as you can. Famous sites for teachers are:

www.ajarn.com

www.teflwatch.org --head for Thai section

There is also a guy called Stickman who has a site. On the site somewhere is a very good summary of all the possible teaching options in Thailand, with pros and cons. Google stickman bangkok.

On the first two above you may ask questions of 'old timers' out here!

PaulEddy

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 85

musicmunky · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 34

Has anyone heard of Fun Language International based in Bankok? I have seen an ad for teachers there to teach kids english. Just wandering if anyone could give me any useful feedback...oh yeah...that stickman website is a good one!

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 85

Thwartley · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 34

There is a simple rule regarding teaching jobs in Thailand: DO NOT TAKE A JOB UNTIL YOU ARE IN COUNTRY.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

Agree 100%

People think that they will lay on a beach under palm trees with cocktails, teaching English to sexy girls (or boys).

The reality is different. Thailand is hot, humid, gritty and full of exploitation, especially in the larger cities where most jobs are.

Cool

Extraordinary Rendition · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject:

Have you ever been to rural Thailand? If you are not one of the fortunate few who can pick up a tonal language quickly, you're going to have severe communication problems. Can you live without modern conveniences, with no entertainment, no company except your own (or if you're lucky, a few expats and their wives and kids)? Satellite TV and the internet can get lonely rather quickly, I would guess. You're not going to be able to afford a car unless you bring the cash with you, so you're going to have to bus it somewhere for any kind of human contact. That'll get old. As the PP said, there're no beaches and palm trees in up-country Thailand. Try dusty roads and buffalo carts. This ain't Egypt, where a lot of the common folk speak a little English and you can get by...

You're TESOL qualified, you say, and are a university graduate. You should be able to get a decent job (40,000 baht/month +) in