Job Discussion Forums

[Nerel]

Hi,

I'm heading to Thailand in a couple of weeks to complete CELTA in August in Chiang Mai, and I'll then have a few weeks before my visa runs out to try and fund a job teaching English.

Ideally i'd get a job from end of August in/around Chiang Mai or elsewhere in Thailand, and if not I'd like t head to Vietnam to try there.

What documents am I likely to need to apply for jobs other than: passport, university certificate, CV, birth certificate? Will I need my originals? Bit worried about losing university / birth certificates.


I also read some places ask for a background check which I don't think I can get at home in the UK unless an employer requested it on my behalf. I also read some people require docs to be apostled but that it really expensive to do and I won't have much free time before I leave- is this necessary?

[plumpy nut]

You don't have to bring your birth certificate. Identification is taken care of by your passport. You'll need official transcripts, degree certificate, State Criminal background check (if you're from the USA) and any other relevant certificates such as licensing or TESOL, TEFL etc.. Don't worry about an FBI CBC or Apostilles.

[Basil Brush]

The school will only ask for a BA and a CELTA. If you are a native speaker then don't accept anything under 40,000 baht. You would be pushed to survive on less. The school needs nothing else to do your work permit. Obviously you'll have your passport for ID purpose; its a good idea to get a 1 year visa from a Thai embassy - there's a family visa if you have a fiance there as well as education visa, which is also quite cheap for a year. Border runs are a nightmare. Or you could try asking a school to employ you by agreeing a contract before you fly; some schools will even pay some of your airfare o completion of contract. No need for background check - this is the school's responsibility and most schools don't bother because they put you on probation for 3 months and watch your behavior carefully. Thais don't like teachers with tatoos - cover em up, also, dress businesslike - impressions count for at least as much as teaching ability in Thailand.

[plumpy nut]

You might get a 40,000 baht job right away, but the chances are you won't. You will have to wait unless your young and your qualifications are excellent,