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struelle
Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 10:09 am Post subject: The BKK Situation |
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Hi all,
I was recently in BKK doing my CELTA, but had such a great time that I kept wanting to go back. I'd be interested in something for next Sept '04, preferably language school jobs with adults. However I read and hear various rumors that the TEFL situation is on a downward track in Thailand. Can anyone elaborate on how and why this is? I have other options, but the lifestyle in Bangkok and Thailand is ideal that I'd like to try teaching there.
Steve |
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sigmoid
Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276
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Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2003 5:50 am Post subject: |
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As you can see Steve, no one is really interested in even discussing teaching in Thailand.
If you go to the Job Information Journal on this site
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobinfo/asia/sefer.cgi?Thailand
you can read numerous negative comments on the teaching situation in Thailand like "Thailand is unlivable. Many are leaving...", "Thrown in the towel: enough is enough!" and "Thailand, on the edge of the abyss".
I'll take the time to summarize the problems here:
1) LOW LOW LOW salaries. How many times do people have to spell it out here and on various other websites? Teaching salaries are LOW in Thailand.
2) The cost of living is constantly rising. Living in Thailand is no longer dirt-cheap unless you don't really expect much from life.
3) Visa and work permit fees have also been raised.
4) New visa regulations which will come into effect next year are not clear but seem to involve maintaining a large bank account and paying increased taxes. No one is really sure of the exact details or how this will affect teachers that hardly make much money anyway.
5) Numerous other regulations, crackdowns and campaigns have made living in Thailand a lot less fun. And being a long-term resident in Thailand is nothing like visiting as a tourist or short-term resident. |
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struelle
Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 6:31 am Post subject: |
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I'll take the time to summarize the problems here: |
Thanks for your time and information. This dovetails with what I read elsewhere.
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5) Numerous other regulations, crackdowns and campaigns have made living in Thailand a lot less fun. |
This is the impression I got when I was there last summer. Seeing the visa fees quadruple was a real shock, which may be part of the other campaigns going on.
Doesn't look so promising for teaching. Well, I'll still travel there
Steve |
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sigmoid
Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 7:10 am Post subject: |
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Doesn't look so promising for teaching. Well, I'll still travel there |
Yes, I would also still recommend Thailand as a holiday destination, especially if you've got a fat wallet from working somewhere else. |
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struelle
Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2003 1:45 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, I would also still recommend Thailand as a holiday destination, especially if you've got a fat wallet from working somewhere else. |
True, but I detest the typical idea of travel where you take a 'holiday' and then be a 'tourist' in another place before you go back 'home'. I prefer the pilgrimage idea more, that is blend work and life together and make a contribution to the culture.
On that note, if I traveled later on, it would be for an extended period of time and I may consider studying in Thailand in future.
Steve |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 3:03 pm Post subject: Thai ? |
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Saudi Arabia is full of guys who tried to make it in Thailand and tired of living on the slim pickings available there.
In our institution there is a whole community of western teachers with Thai wives. Most of them have tried it in Thailand and decided it is better to earn in Saudi and spend in Thailand.
Economics 101. |
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markoinbangkok
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 27
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Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:59 am Post subject: |
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However I read and hear various rumors that the TEFL situation is on a downward track in Thailand. |
Bloody hell... why didn't someone tell me about this? Time to pack up and bugger off, I reckon!
www.rubberbuckets/tint |
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