Job Discussion Forums

[overhere]

Preparing to retire in a few years at age 55, Would like to move to Thailand and teach to supplement my pension (about $2800/month U.S.)

I have a JD and 3 unrelated master degrees.

I have no problem obtaining a CELTA or even a MA TESOL if it would make me more competitive. Have many years experience as a trainer and have taught ESL as a volunteer.

The question is does any of this matter if I start my career at age 55? Is there any hope for us older folks? I have been to LOS several times and I am comfortable there...would love to make it my home.

By the way I am a white male if that matters.

Thank you!

[Sadebugo]

[Hadit]

This link sums up the various work in Thailand:

http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/teaching.html

You could probably get a uni gig with an unrelated MA, and after a few years experience, you may even get an international school gig there.

If you just wanted a low hour job to supplement income, it seems a university position may be good.

I'm not sure about age, but I think it may be 60 in Thailand.

[Ajarn Miguk]

It's relatively easy to continue working at government universities in Thailand after age 60. If the uni wants you, they simply request an exception and it is normally granted. I know several people, some close to 70, that are teaching at government unis. BTW, it is also possible to make very good money at some government unis once you learn the ropes and the powers that be decide they like you and want to keep you.

The absolute best way to live and enjoy Thailand and to work in Thailand is to have an independent income and know that you don't have to put up with for one second anything and anyone here you don't like.

Don't hesitate at all about coming to Thailand because of age if you are retired with an immediate pension or money is not a major concern.

It's called being in the driver's seat.

______________________________________

"You have no conception of what makes these guys (U.S. Marines) honorable and decent people, who've risked things that you, sitting on your comfortable, padded middle aged ass can never envision." Hank Scorpio

[overhere]

Thank you all so much! I appreciate your input. Also thanks for the link!

[Jeepers]

Hi

I am 59 and have three masters and a TEFL, it sounds like you are following a similar path so Ihope I can help.

I applied for many jobs in LOS on the internet with no replies so came over here looking for work teaching English. No reply to internet applications even though I was in Thailand.

I am now teaching business subjects at a Uni (I door knocked for an English teaching job but they needed a teacher for their business programme).

Thais retire at 60 and it can be used as an excuse to get rid of teachers but there are Farang teachers that are over 60 including some of my colleagues who are from America, Singapore and Japan,

The main criteria seem to be;

Getting along with the Uni hierarchy (once you are hired assistance may stop and you are just a hired "foreign hand"). Internal politics which I have not been able to fathom out seem to be a powerful influence even if you "keep your head down" and try to do a good job.

Putting up with large classes 60+, Spoiled kids who are over 20 and never done any work - not even the paper round or similar basic job that most of us Farangs did as a 10 year old.

Marking papers from final year students that a 12 year old back home would have made a better shot at.

Marking assignments that are copied - up to 100% from rubbishy Wikipedia sources.

Trying to get student participation and looking at a sea of blank faces (at individual or small group level students are really neat young people).
Students say it is the "Thai way" but from talking to colleagues who have taught in schools it is the education system problem which has persisted through to my 3rd and final year students. Thais in the workplace have no problems in communication and I have great fun in the markets where stallholders English is on a par with my Thai


You can regard these factors as a challenge or go with the flow and mark on a normal distribution curve, give lots of non challenging exercises, collect your very good (by Thai standards)pay and enjoy life.

You will find some good students who are make it all worth while.

Cost wise you will have no problems rent here in the South is 3500Baht + another 1000baht for power and water. food at my Uni is 30 baht so you can get along pretty well for 20000 baht a month and save some. You may have hidden cost e.g. I am allowed 90 copies per paper I teach on a printer that does not work, so I use my own printer and pay for photocopies (cheap) out of my wage. (I use dropbox.com and put info in that for students to access - great facility).

Bureaucrats here will drive you nuts if you expect efficiency.
At my advanced age I bought a motorbike and two months later I am still trying to change ownership even with the help of a Thai friend (latest stage is completing the official document to show I am living here -it only cost $US 700). Visas and work permits can be a problem but my Uni was very helpful with this and being close to Malaysia it was only a two day trip to get the necessary paperwork.

Hope this helps - go for it and good luck.

[overhere]

Thanks Jeepers! Very encouraging!

I don't mind office politics (I have worked in government 22 years i am used to dealing with office and real politics). I am also OK with going with the flow...I have no intention of trying to set the world on fire or upsetting the Thai education apple cart...I will try to help all students but will be satisfied if I can help a few here and there.

May I ask has your education benefited you a great deal in your job search? not so much in terms of salary but opportunities?

How long did it take you to land a position once you started knocking on doors?

Thanks again. You give me hope!

[Gypsy King]

I suggest volunteering in Thailand as an English teacher will be your best bet if you are over 55 years old and receive a pension. Most Thais (if not all) would not hesitate to hire you then...and of course you could leave anytime you wish!

[rostovru]

And there's little you can do about it.

It's not like the US/UK where people call you on being discriminatory.

I'm a recruiter for one of the staffing firms, and it's well known that the schools like to use their English departments as a status symbol. They want young, attractive farangs, which gives the school credibility in the community.

If I were you, I'd go to Thailand, enjoy yourself on your pension for a few months - which is more than enough to live VERY well - and check out some of the international schools that have farang administration. They're going to be in the larger cities. Your salary and chances for employment will be higher.

Otherwise, try AYC. But be warned. The older guys they hire tend to have a past, and you could be lumped with some rather unsavory characters.

If you're willing to do it, you could go to a seriously rural school where they've never seen a farang, and solicit the school directly. But that's going to be hard, and you might get lonely living in a place like that. All depends on you...

I hope this helps.

[Gypsy King]

Thailand is a great place to teach English if you are over 60 years of age. I have worked with many elderly EFL teachers...some in their 70's...who have made a career out of teaching English in the Big Mango. They are mostly married to Thais and have made Thailand their permanent rretirement home. TIT

[MaiPenRai]