Job Discussion Forums

nugget31 · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 19 Location: London, UK

Hello,

Just wondered if anyone has experience of working for British Council in Bangkok and whether they had good or bad times..

bule_boy69 · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 158 Location: Jakarta

seriously..nobody knows anything about the British Council in Bangkok?

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

BCs everywhere have their own peculiar culture. There is some sort of elitist and slightly arrogant outlook. Post-imperial and a bit snobby.

I have found this to be true in several counties, albeit with slightly different undertones/overtones.

About 15 years ago I went for an interview with the BC in Madrid. The old girl who interviewed me had a tweed two-piece and pearls. Something akin to Margaret Thatcher. Sure, I was young and very inexperienced...but she treated me like something stuck to her dog's backside.

I am often reassured that the culture has "changed", and that the BC is now youthful and progressive. However, rumour has it that there are one or two Rottweilers in the BKK office. More I cannot say, as I try to keep clear of the BCs.

Eddy

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

I've worked with several ex British Council instructors from the Bangkok branch. MOD EDIT When I talked to them about why they left it was for reasons similar to what Eddy above mentions. Not a very flexible place to work; quite rigid. Expensive for students too.

The salary though, as many of you may already know, was about B. 90, 000 a month as of a few years ago. Nice office too and in a good location.

If you're already in Bangkok, you should wander over and check it out. Right next to the Chula university and the shopping malls.

bule_boy69 · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 158 Location: Jakarta

90000 baht? after how long? website says starting at 41000+ 281 sterling.

Seems pretty low for the BC....

Why is that dya reckon? Popular destination?

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

Whatever the salary, you will not be hired by the BC unless you are the type they are looking for. You have to have a 'serious' outlook about TEFL and show enthusiasm for the wonderful organisation you are about to join, along with a slightly evangelical streak (as in promoting the glories of British culture and language). Jacket and tie guy with a good degree and DELTA would be the fodder.

If you are low down in the TEFL food chain, like a typical 20- something 'doing' Thailand with a new TESOL from Rayong beach and living on KaoSan Road, then they won't be interested. Even with an MA TESOL and 20 years' experience, they won't take you unless you 'fit'.

Eddy

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

NigerianWhisper · Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 176

SandyG20 · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 208

Do they accept Americans?

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

Only if you are able to sing "God Save The Queen" and acknowledge that you are a colonial subject of Her Majesty because Paul Revere and George Washington didn't really exist, except in Hollywood.

Ajarn Miguk · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 227 Location: TDY As Assigned

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

carot1 · Joined: 17 Aug 2010 Posts: 5

Not true, have a South African friend working there. Razz