Job Discussion Forums

[Solar Strength]

Which are the best universities to teach at in Thailand?

What are the salary ranges?

I am not talking about language schools on university campuses, but bona fide faculty positions.

Are they competitive?

Where do they advertise? I never see any ads posted on the Chronicle of Higher Education or other major education / TESOL websites.

Thanks.

[Pauleddy]

Unis here are split 3 ways (at least).

Some Gvmt places are "high end" such as Chula, Mahidol and Thammasat in and around BKK. there are other good ones too. There are league tables or lists on-line. Big cities like Chiang mai will have a high-end one too (CMU). Khon Kaen has KKU.

The "lower" gvmet places are RAJABHATS. Like a technical or teacher training college. The kids and teachers are weaker. Every small city has one, and BKK has a dozen. they are not all bad, because the kids can be more respectful, but are weaker. Spoilt kids in Armani go to the high-end (Chula etc.)

Some high end gvmt places now have a modified 'autonomy'--they can make some of their own rules.

The problem with all gvmt places is the salary, which is about 28,000b a month incl the housing allowance 9,000b. Thats about 800-900USD total. U cant really live well. The teachers survive by doing overtime and private work, which can boost salary by 300% in some places--but u sweat. Most gvmt places are flexible--you can "turn up" and "go home" as long as you show the face! My teaching time at a high-end was 12h a week. Schools, gvmt or private, are not 'turn up". U must be there all day.

There are many private unis, like Assumption or Siam. Quality varies. some are excellent. pay is more but they work you harder. Not all are central.

Chulalongkorn does not advertise but trades on its name. however, google CULI (the lang inst) and u will see vacancies. You must have at least bachelors and CELTA plus experience. master/PhD is preferred. Certs will be checked. Your master could be not TEFL--MBA or M Ed is ok. Thammasat has a city campus but the main one is 50km from the city--rustic. there are buses. mahidol similar, main is far away. Chula is very central. None of the high-end will employ gap year kids with CELTA. You need to be a teacher/lecturer. If you are 30-50 yrs old and have uni exp--ideal.

As a general rule, standards are relatively lower than high-end UK-USA. Chula is the "Harvard" or "Oxon", but you will not find the same intellect or rigour. Same all the way down the scale. All Thai education is riddled with problems: corruption, plagiarism, terrible admin, bribes (many websites tell more).

"lesser" places like Rajabhats will sometimes take anyone with CELTA and pulse...if they have urgent vacancies a week ahead of term.

The next new term starts in Oct and goes til end March, You get a few days free at Xmas, but Thailand is buddhist.

Recession etc means that vacancies for hordes of teachers are down right now, but u may get smthg.

PM me for some websites/more info.

This is only an overview and in haste. Some people may take issue. All opinions are personal. I have 17 years' experience, various post-grad degrees, and experience of top-end places. I am pretty well qualified to give an opinion.

Eddy.

[Solar Strength]

thanks, 'preciate the detailed reply

i'v'e seen a couple of lower offers from universities in thailand and 1 slightly higher

never heard anything from anyone about the housing allowance...but the offers i've had included an apartment

for example

21,000 baht
23,000 baht
31,000 baht (for PhD holder)