Job Discussion Forums

muttley · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 19 Location: U.K.

Could any of the members of this forum (i.e. familiar with Thailand) provide me with any information about either BFITS or Korat? I'm just mulling over a decision whether to accept a position with them . . . I need to let them know, very soon. They seem like a good outfit, but I'd appreciate any further details.

Is Korat quite cheap w.r.t. accommodation and are there any recreational amenities available (e.g. gym, pools etc).

Cheers,
m

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

Korat is a large province. First thing you should do is check to make sure that you will be placed in the main (capital) city. Often agencies list placements only by province and then teachers end up in some small town 2 hours from the capital city.

Korat province is home to Khao Yai National Park which is Thailand's largest. Lots of outdoor type stuff to do there, but mostly focuses on Thai tourists so you may need some help to find some cool places.

Korat city is Thailand's second largest and is sometimes referred to as little Bangkok. Most things you can do and buy in Bangkok you can find in Korat although on a much smaller scale. Plenty of farang (foreigners) and some great international restaurants.

Should be a wide variety of accomm and ammenities in the city.

Buses from Korat city to Bangkok go every 30 min (I think) and almost 24 hours a day. Should cost around 300-350 baht. Im sure there are mini-vans that go as well.

Too far from the ocean for a weekend getaway in my opinion. (maybe long weekend)

BFITS is an agency that has been around for quite a while, but has only recently started to place teachers outside of Bangkok (AFAIK). They seem to offer a decent package for TEFL teachers. I have heard that some of the cool extras they offer never seem to materialze though, so dont believe all the hype. They seem to have a decent to good reputation and I cant remember hearing anything overly negative about them. I only know of 1 person who worked for them (about 3-4 years ago) and he had no real issues.

Make sure that they guarantee a Non-Imm B Visa and work permit. A good agency should pay for the work permit (at least).

Good luck

Scott R · Joined: 21 Jan 2011 Posts: 59 Location: Rangsit Thailand

I can't speak for Korat, but I am working for BFITS and I will start teaching science classes this monday in a government middle school/high school (Suankularb Wittayalai Rangsit). Most of the teachers have been with the school multiple years and so far I have no complaints. The other teachers all speak very highly of the company. If you ask for the school location they will give it to you. They are not recruiters, they contract with the schools to provide foreign teachers and teaching material. You work for BEFITS not the school.

muttley · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 19 Location: U.K.

Hey MaiPenRai & Scott,

Very informative and helpful - I should get back to BFITS pretty soon. Korat sounds like a good location.

Thanks

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

NigerianWhisper · Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 176

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

[quote="MaiPenRai"]

Aelric · Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Posts: 75

I've got an interview with BFITS in about 3 hours, actually. I'm hoping that they can provide a little more stability than my last agency, BLS out of Phutket, who fired me just before the semester break and never provided a non-b or a work permit (and perhaps fired me due to my pestering them to get it.) It's good to hear that there isn't too many bad things to hear thus far about BFITS.

P.S. If you work down south for BLS, beware. They cover the Trang area and go fire happy before semester breaks. I'm one of a few guys down there that got canned and are still not totally sure what happened.

Aelric · Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Posts: 75

Just wanted to say that I took the job with BFITS and I'm rather impressed with their operation there. I still have no practical experience with them at this point, but touring their office and talking with their management gave me a decent vibe, and they seem to have a lot of material prepared to draw from for lessons. I wouldn't say I'm recommending them, but compared to the shady agencies and schools I've got experience with, they seem alright.