Job Discussion Forums

[stagefire4]

Listen I am sure this topic has been posted but I can't really seem to figure out a strait up answer. I want to move to Chiang Mai. I have a bit of savings, about 7 months teaching experience in China, a tefl, a foreign expert certificate, a bachelors, and I'm young and American looking, whatever that means.

Everyone says I am marketable just show up and I'll get a job. Cool. But how do I find out where to apply? How do I ENSURE I find a position. I visited the university in Chiang Mai and thought it was beautiful and looked like a vibrant place to work but how would I actually go about gaining employment here?

How do I find out where to even ask around to apply? I just can't leave my job here, which is comfortable without knowing I will be able to find work when I leave.

How did you do it? How much time did you need? How much did you ask for as a base pay? Are you happy?

I understand these questions seem a bit lazy like I haven't read enough of the forum but I assure you I really have read this forum often, and for a long time and can't figure out how you guys all took the step from "just showing up" to finding a job. How does one even know where to begin?

Thanks so much. I really appreciate any advice you can lend me. I want to make the move I just don't want to risk a good job for unemployment in a foreign country, ya know?

[EFL Educator]

Just show up and i am sure you'll recieve offers to teach English in Chiang Mai. Also remember wages are much less than in Bangkok and the competion for jobs is tough. This is mainly due to senior citizens who retire in Chiang Mai and want to subsidize their pension income by teaching English. Good luck!

[plumpy nut]

If I may ask what is a foreign expert certificate?

[fpshangzhou]

The FEC (foreign expert certificate) is only recognized in China. It has nothing to do with other countries. I also have a the FEC here in China. I don't think Thailand or other countries have such document or requirement. Since I've never taught there, I'm sure others will tell you otherwise.

Good luck,

Aaron

[MNguy]

Chiang Mai is a tougher nut to crack than BKK. You'll find more success the farther outside of the city walls you look. There's an established expat community there, try to get in with a few people who seem to know what's going on and ask a lot of questions once you arrive.

[MNguy]

[plumpy nut]

[EFL Educator]

The Thai MOE has produced its own form of the Chinese foreign expert certificate for EFL Instructors who wish to legally teach in the LOS...it's called the Thai Cultural Course which teaches you the cultural norms/sensiitivities here so you can adjust to teaching Thai students. In this course Thai classical dancing is also taught. Once you complete this course you will be a certified EFL teacher here in the LOS!. Good luck!