Job Discussion Forums

[cocowheat]

Hi!

My name is Aaron and I am planning on teaching English in Thailand. I have been researching extensively the past few weeks and thought it couldn't hurt to ask the experts.....

I am a 24 yr old male, native English speaker (Michigan,U.S.A) graduated from college a year ago (B.A. not in teaching though), and have about 8 months substitute teaching experience (all subjects, k-12). I also was a special education aide for 8 weeks as a contract position. I have worked at youth camps for several years from positions ranging from camp counselor to assistant director among several other youth related jobs.


I plan on taking the 120 hour online TEFL course prior to leaving. I have read that peak hiring season for TEFL teachers is May and June with some positions in October.......As it is already September..yikes...I would prefer to arrive in BKK in November. But alas, I would hate to arrive and find the prospects of jobs slim to none... That being said, which months are most likely to land a teaching job?
I would prefer to not wait 6 more months till May or June......
Would it be best to wait till then, or could I make it happen in November?


My other question is in regards to the teaching "cultural class" the government of Thailand supposedly requires all new teachers to take...Is there a validity to such a class? Is it required to pay for and take? In addition, I have read that there is also a teachers license that I would need to acquire. Some sites say it can cost the new teacher upwards of $2500 after all the required documentation and classes. Are either of these valid? I prefer to not work illegally as being in a new country and getting adjusted will enough be to deal with at first.

Lastly I am in need of advice upon touching down in BKK. I know what I am looking for in a position (40,000ish, Government, 9-5, middle to high school, city based, a decent amount of expats around, nice housing
(I'm told 5,000 a month can get a baseline nice place?)

Based on my qualifications, am I in a position to be "choosy" with which positions I take on?

I would plan on finding a job, then finding housing...I am interested in advice for a safe/affordable area (be it hostel, hotel, whatnot) to set up camp off the plane until job is situated..........

Any comments, or feedback is greatly appreciated. Want to make sure all bases covered before leaving.

Thank you for your time.
Regards.
Aaron

[TomAndHuck]

Hello,

The BA subject doesn't matter.
The TEFL will be gold for you, but since the price is so expensive, it would pay for you to shop around. And it might be worth your time to take the course in Thailand or Vietnam. It pays to look around and be choosy.
I survived on a 40 hour online TEFL that I got online for less than $500 but that was a few years ago. Again. Look around.

With BA and TEFL, all you need to do is get in country and start regularly checking the notorious ajarn board on another site. If you are not too picky you should be able to get a position in a matter of days or even hours. But, considering what is out there, I'd be picky.

Personally I can't stand Bangkok, and unless you are willing to work overtime for inside/outside extra students and cash, you'll probably be barely getting by on 40k most months and feeling miserable without much opportunity to get out and see and do things.

I would recommend anywhere upcountry outside Bangkok. You'll probably be able to get 30k per month, save a little cash, and as a young guy you'll be the center of attention and raucous festivities just like Elvis Presley, whereas in Bangkok, you'll just be another foreigner. Something to consider.

I stayed 5 yr and never once took the cultural class, which many people
complain about as utterly risible and way overpriced. You should be able to avoid it. I was asked to do it but just ignored it and nothing was said again.

The teachers license is another story. They may or may not be getting more serious about it. If you work a gov school you may have to get it after a probationary period which might last 1 month or might last 1 year. Who knows. If you don't work gov, don't sweat it.

When you get to BKK, you can stay in the backpack hostels near the sports stadium not far from Siam Square. There are other places like Khaosan Road, etc.... Bring your original degree, TEFL and also lots of cheap passport photos.

Before you leave, you should get a 30 day tourist visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. This can be extended another 30 days for about $66 once you are in country. As soon as you get a job, they'll send you to Laos or Cambodia to switch to a Non-B work visa. Again, you'll have to pay all travel expenses and expect to pay for the visa, and the renewals. Get used to this kind of thing, unlike other countries, they don't take care of you in this department. Plus you'll visit the police every 90 days like clockwork to prove that you are not some kind of crazed wildman. Go figure.

I would budget a couple of weeks (or more) to travel in the country and explore, start studying the language and culture before you start the above process, because once you are hooked to a job, then you'll be roped in to who knows what kind of madness.


Anything else, let me know
Cheers