Job Discussion Forums

[someshine]

This site is freaking amazing! I have found so much useful information from lurking. But now that I�ve formed a tentative plan I�m asking you helpful and insightful people to show me where I�m wrong or if there�s anything I�m missing. I know you all like a lot of details so I mimicked what to include from a newbie forum post I read by tttompatz. Here goes.

1. Native speaker, passport from U.S.
2. BA in English, Journalism minor. Experience as a magazine editor and a newspaper reporter.
3. 31 years old, female
4. Willing to travel
5. Able to fund relocation and two-three month�s rent in Thailand
6. Accepted into Cambridge CELTA course in the states Sept. - Oct.; (possibly) flying straight to Thailand to take YL extension with ECC Thailand Oct. 17.
7. No remarkable English teaching experience

Main questions:
Regarding #6 � My reasoning behind this is that ECC Thailand guarantees a 4-5 month contract after successful completion of the course, and I�ll be opening up my job opportunities by getting certified to teach adults and children. Part of me wonders if this is a smart move or if I should save the money and try to get a teaching job immediately, and perhaps take the YL extension at a later date?

Regarding # 7 � I did tutor ESL students for one year at a community college part-time (paid) � is this worth mentioning?

Can I count on ECC Thailand to help me obtain a visa or are people typically left to their own devices with that until they get a job offer?

Are there any other helpful documents I can get ahead of time aside other than the following: passport, visa, international driver�s license (optional), copies from police proving I don�t have a police record (or is there a background check?), copies of CELTA certificate (would have to be mailed to Thailand) and copies of BA degree. Will I need college transcripts and references from my employer and past employers?

I would love any suggestions or feedback. I have been doing so much research online, but it�s no substitute for getting it straight from people who have gone through the same experience.

Best,
Amie

[spiral78]

[tttompatz]

If you are looking at Thailand then bring:
Original degree (needed by immigration and labor office),
transcript (also for immigration and labor office),
IDP (you won't likely be driving),
Police background check (often not required but good to have),
and your passport.

Get a 60 day tourist visa in your home country.

Come to Thailand and find a job.

As long as you have 21 days or more remaining on your visa you can covert it from tourist to non-immigrant "B" WITHOUT the need for a border run after you find a job.

.

[naturegirl321]

SOunds like you have a good plan. Any teaching, coaching or tutoring experience will help, espeically if you're a newbie, so put that on your CV. Best of luck

[someshine]

Sorry to resurrect this post; I just realized I never said thank you! I appreciate your help here and in other newbie posts. I've learned a lot.