Job Discussion Forums

[blackcorsair]

Hi Guys, Excuse me in advance if you've heard it all before, but... How easy is it for a qualified and experienced EFL teacher to land a reasonable teaching job in Thailand on a visit to the country? It seems that the same organisations are always advertising on the main EFL sites and they expect at least 12 months' committment - something I can't promise. Could I just turn up and ask around? I'm a UK citizen, mid-thirties, looking for work for 6 to 9 months and would prefer a civilised working environment in a language school or university. What are my chances? What are the pros and cons of this method? Thanks in advance.

[Pauleddy]

The accepted wisdom is that you would be better to turn up here. Most of us are very wary of jobs "arranged" before you arrive. The exceptions are few, maybe International Schools--appoint you non-locally, TES etc. BUT most high-end high-money jobs will want QTS (etc.)

Jobs which are "arranged" before you arrive seem to be the dross jobs. You really need to check out the school, speak to other teachers etc. At the interview, you need to interview THE SCHOOL ADMIN.

You don't need to commit--like anywhere you can plead sick mother and walk away next week--but there is a visa issue here, so you might need to jump hoops or get out. If you walk away, they will not take you in future. There are supposed to be blacklists.

Thailand is not teacher heaven. Most people have a honeymoon period and then wake up. Most salaries are low, and you can't really save. Most admin here is lousy/corrupt. The kids are often clueless, even in the unis. Status is a big thing. Rich kids are spoilt brats. Some jobs will 'expect' you to pass all of the kids with 10/10. Many of us burn out in time.

Google STICKMAN bangkok. Stick has a good review of Teaching here and the options.
MOD EDIT

Wikipedia look at "Thai Education System" or similar.

P E

[zorro (3)]

Although my experience isn't that recent, when I went to Thailand a few years ago, I didn't have a CELTA (I did it there). After the CELTA, I got a job with King's College. You've probably seen them advertising on tefl.com.

I only worked there for 7 or 8 months and then quit because a better job came up. Usually, teachers stay the duration because they are waiting to get the money back from their employer for the year completion bonus or for the flights.

Seeing as you'll be turning up of your own accord, you can just up and leave when you want. I did. I don't think I'm on a teaching blacklist (although I've not been back since...).

[blackcorsair]

Thanks for that, guys. I'll check out those links and take your advice on board. Much obliged)