Job Discussion Forums

MandyGirl77 · Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 3

Hi all. I have made the decision to move to Thailand, take a training course and find a job when I'm there.

I'm 33 yr old female from the US. I have no background in teaching but a degree and work experience.

I've done much research and feel that CELTA would be the best training so that if I decide to leave Thailand, it will be easier for me to find work in another country. Do you feel this is a good idea? If not, what would you suggest?

If I do CELTA it will be at IH or ECC. Any opinions or experiences with either?

I don't want to study in Bangkok so it will be in either Chiang Mai or Phuket. Are there advantages or disadvantages to living in either place?

Thanks much for your help.

Mandy

dreamingofthesunshine · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 3

I have currently signed up for ATI special thai project in Phuket. With a degree the course in 950 USD with a guaranteed 5 month contract somewhere in Thailand after you finish the certification. Those 5 months will include housing and $900 USD/month min. The TEFL/TESOL you earn is good internationally and is accredited.
Just a bit of info for you Smile

Good luck!

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

There are many old posts about 'Special projects', on here and on other sites. Some may or may not be promotional. Who knows?

The SPs will offer newbies a TEFL course at reduced rates in return for signing a placement contract. What is not realised is that in Thailand, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Some organisations will even pose as semi-charities. In reality, what happens is that you may, sometimes, become cannon fodder--sent on a lowish salary to a school in the boonies which may not have aircon and will have 50 unruly kids in a class. Nobody chooses to work in those schools, so they rely on the gullible. Some organisations even have back-scratching agreements to supply 20 or 30 teachers a term to such schools. Also, a commission will be charged--some of YOUR salary will be paid up-front to the 'agency'. It all looks innocent, and some schools will even have a deal where they provide nice kids to the trainers for teaching practice (all TEFL courses must feature TP).

I am not biased. Some people like to be hand-held, trained and found a job. Some people even like to pay 3000 dollars to sweat and build mud huts in Somalia. Up to you how you spend your money.

The best advice is always to keep your freedom of choice if you can.

Eddy

MandyGirl77 · Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 3

I've done my fair share of research about false promises so I'm def not doing that.

My plan is to take the training next Feb, visit friends in Bali in March and then come back to Thailand in April to look for work. I've read it's a good time as the school year starts in May.

Thanks to both for your input!

Any others are appreciated. Very Happy