Job Discussion Forums

[ncrebel1]

Hey everyone. I teach maths in a bilingual school in Central America. I'm teaching grades 7-9, six classes daily, with a total of about 150 students per day. The conditions are very basic here, as I live in a poor area of a poor country and lack basic amenities such as air conditioning at my school and home, and a lack of reliable water and electricity as well. I also get paid around $600/month and I've learned to be very frugal with my money. I'm from the U.S., but do not have a state certification to teach, so I'm assuming international school are not an option for me. I graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 2009, and I'm interested in relocating and teaching in Asia after my contract ends here in the summer of 2012. I've been considering Thailand (Bangkok, more specifically), Japan, and China.

As I understand it, I would need to be on the ground in Bangkok for any meaningful job offers to given to me. I could fly there anytime from mid-August to early September, depending on how my schedule works out when I leave Central America to come back to the States for a bit before I leave for my next destination. I don't know exactly when that will be right now, but I'd certainly be willing to fly wherever I'm going next and interview there for jobs.

It'd be nice to teach math in a bilingual school in Bangkok if at all possible. I'd rather teach a subject in English, than teaching English as a second language. I have read that private bilingual schools and government sponsored English Programs in Bangkok have these positions for native English speakers. With my experience teaching math here and my degree, what kind of offers could I expect to receive if I applied on the ground in Bangkok? Is my timing off? If so, when should I be trying to apply? Anytime before June of 2012 is off the table. What kind of salary could I expect to earn per month in these positions? What are the hours like? Is health insurance usually provided? I need to keep about $200 to pay student loans per month, but other than that, just breaking even is fine with me. Could I make extra money with private students while working with these schools? How are the conditions?

I know that's a lot of questions, and I have searched for answers to them on this forum and others, but I'd appreciate any answers to these specific questions if anyone could provide any insight. I want to be paid more than I am now obviously and would like to enjoy myself for a year wherever I go, and live a bit more comfortably than I am now. Japan is appealing, but the startup money to go there to interview is ridiculous (with key money and not being paid until like 6 weeks after you get there sometimes; I'd rather not have to spend $5000+ just to get started there if I'm only staying a year, most likely). Bangkok is a place I'm thinking about right now and would like to hear any opinions anyone has about my situation. Thank you in advance for any responses.

[tttompatz]

Your timing is WAY off.

The school year starts mid May with the bulk of recruitment happening 60-90 days prior (Feb - May).

With NO teaching credential, no teacher certification and NO background in math (unrelated degree - any physical science degree would be preferred over one in poly sci) it will be very difficult (but not impossible) to land a position as a math teacher, even with a couple years teaching basic math in a Central American classroom (if you can teach calculus then the picture changes).

You are 100% assured of landing a job in ESL (got to do something till you find your dream job). Entry level wages in the range of $1000-1200 are common with the ability to move into something in the $1500 range in your 2nd year if you are competent in the classroom.

It might also be easier to land your preferred position outside of BKK or a tourist area (and still have most of the amenities that foreigners want: Steady electric, broadband internet, big-box store grocery shopping, etc).

.

[ncrebel1]

I was under the impression that bilingual schools don't require the kind of credentials and/or degree in the subject that you are referring to. I thought those requirements were for international schools primarily. Maybe I misunderstood what I was told. Can you please clarify for me?

I was also told that the breaks for such schools are in October, and many schools hire for vacant positions, due to either teachers leaving or whatever other reason. Again, I don't know, but I have been told this.

[tttompatz]

[ncrebel1]

Thanks. I didn't think the rate of pay was any higher starting out teaching a subject than it was teaching English. I thought you would start out at around 35,000 baht. I guess I must have received some false information...

So basically, you think I'd have a better shot at simply teaching English at a language institute?

If you don't mind me asking, what type of school do you work for? I'm just curious. Thanks again for your help.

[tttompatz]

[ncrebel1]

So you would suggest looking for positions teaching ESL in k-12 schools? Does that include private bilingual schools like where you work, or government schools also? The salary would be about the same as a language institute?

I'd like to start researching these types of schools just to get an idea of what to look for if I were to fly to Bangkok. Do most of them have websites? I guess I can try to use Google to search for them unless someone knows of a better way to find them.

Thanks again for your input, tttompatz. Much appreciated.

[ncrebel1]

Also, should I be expecting to get a starting salary 35,000 baht per month in Bangkok, or has the "base salary" gone down recently? Seems like people have a different idea of what is sufficient to live on Bangkok, and it's all relative to where you live, eat, drink, etc. However, it seems like a salary less than 35,000 is simply not a good way to be living in BKK.

Does the schedule at language institutes (or bilingual schools teaching ESL for that matter) leave you with enough time to take on private students for some extra income each month? Again, I don't particularly need to save anything much (maybe around $100 a month). Thank you again.

[tttompatz]

[Barca21]

I am planning on heading to BKK around April 16th and was wondering if I stood a chance at finding any work teaching economics/finance or SAT prep. I have a degree in Econ from a good school, high SATs, and some experience tutoring privately for the SAT. Does anyone have any experience with either of these subjects? Cheers

[tttompatz]

[MrWright]

Does anyone have any info/knowledge of tier 2 or 3 "intl" schools? I am certified to teach Biology and History. I know there are many oportunities to teach at these faux-international schools in China. I'm not really interested in teaching at the IB or "real" international schools. Too much stress and pressure. I have that already teaching in the states. My BA is in sec ed/History, but I had enough bio to pass my state's teacher exam. Will my lack of a degree in Biology hinder my chances of landing that gig, even though it's on my teaching certificate?

[btsmrtfan]

It's going to depend somewhat on how badly the school needs a Biology teacher. At the same time, since you are certified in Biology, it shouldn't be a problem. I certainly wouldn't be hesitant to apply for such positions. Good luck!

[EFL Educator]

Yes by all means come to Thailand there are plenty of jobs teaching English in international and bilingual schools as well as teaching other subjects such as Math, Sciences, history etc. Just remember there is a lot of competition for these jobs and you might have to lower your expectations in terms of salary. Good luck!