Job Discussion Forums

englishtutor1378 · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 44

Hello Fellow Ex-pats!

So I have read a lot of posts about some of you who have worked in Korea and made a switch over to Thailand. In my case, I have been in Japan for about 2 years and saved a bit over the years to make the switch to Thailand.
I was actually there last January 2007 and fell in luv with the place. Ko Samui specifically.

So I have about 2 years experience teaching English, A Bachelours from Canada, and a TEFL. Just curious from any of your experiences if you know if this is good enough to get into an International school. Of course I want to live the lifestyle but I was also looking to attain more experience as a teacher. Frankly, teaching Japanese will only get me so far and that is all I will say about that Rolling Eyes

With this said, does anybody have any good recommendations of some well respected International schools in Thailand? Preferably near the beaches of Phuket or Pattaya? Is my experiences enough to land a OK teaching job in Thailand? Any International school names you can recommend?

Thanks!

Thwartley · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 34

My recommendation: teach in Japan and vacation in Thailand.

I suppose it all depends on your age though. If you're 25 or under it probably would be OK for a couple years. Close to retirement and as away to stay here for a few years would also be OK.

30-35 = a death sentence for any hopes of a career back in the west. I suppose you could carry on in another country afterward but the professional development opportunities are almost non-existent here.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade but just think carefully about your choice for a while.

englishtutor1378 · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 44

That bad, eh? Well how long do you plan to stay there then if you think its a "sunken ship"?

Anyway, Japan is alright if you want to go nowhere, UNLESS your're getting ALT experience, of course. Then again, I've "been there done that" and its time to move on. Any other experiences or opinions fellow ex-pats?

I hear Vietnam, China, and Korea are good places to attain REAL teaching experience....but but but.....I like Thailand mannnnnnnnnnnnn. Surprised

No Moss · Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 1995 Location: Thailand

Look, Confucian countries are a better place to teach, moneywise. That's Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, or Vietnam. On the other hand, virtually anywhere wlse is a better place to have fun, including, with special status, Thailand.

You won't make as much money. You'll have more fun. Weigh the two and see if its worth it to you.