Job Discussion Forums

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Hey,

I've heard from a few members that there is a bump in available jobs in October due to mid semester break. I'm wondering, will a lot of jobs that are available be short term (6 months or less) at this time? Would this be the best time to find short term work?

I think I would like to start with a short term position and see how I like it before I commit to a one year contract.

Thanks!

bansheebeat · Joined: 02 Oct 2013 Posts: 86

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

According to my experience and that of most of my EFL colleagues currently teaching English in the LOS most gigs here teaching ESL are short-term work. Unfortunately most Thais see us EFL farangs as temporary workers in their government/private schools and language institutes...this is due to he fact that they hire and fire us at whim even if you have a work permit...and that there are always backpackers they can choose from who want to work short-term to extend their stay in Thailand. Shocked

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Hmm, you'd think schools would want to keep serious teachers around and not fire without reason.
Ive seen a few schools on ajarn with a nov-march contract with possibility of extension and that is kind of what I' m looking for.

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Hello there,

Thais do not want serious teachers...they want teachers who provide excellent edutainment. If you are a comedian you would do well teaching English here. If your looking for job security forget it...consider yourself lucky if you get through a semester here at a Thai government school without getting fired. The same goes for English language institutes and academies. Shocked

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Very interesting. I will try to be as entertaining as possible while I teach. Is this for both older and younger students? I have some experience working with both and while I find working with little kids more "satisfying"... teaching middle/high school, in the US at least, is somewhat less exhausting.

But I guess my hope for short term work may not be that off after all Laughing

I'm planning on just buying my plane ticket for early September, backpacking around and getting a feel for the different parts of Thailand, and then start applying to schools that appeal to me (and are available).
I'm pretty excited!!!

Can I ask a noobie question here without being flamed, so what documents do I NEED to bring with me to get work permit ? ( I assume the jig on travel visa running is pretty much up and I'd rather get a legit work visa anyways).

I know I need:

*Original diploma (I'm a bit nervous about bringing this in case I lose it.)

But is that basically it? Some dress clothes, a suit, my CV, a couple letters of recommendation, and maybe some sample LPs.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Oh yes, transcripts. And criminal background check will be good to have on hand. Thanks!

So, I am currently taking a tefl course online (160hr via TEFL Express). No idea when I'll finish it, I'm not exactly rushing through it at the moment. Do I need this for work permit or jobs? I have it listed as in progress on my CV.

adaruby · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 8:36 am Post subject:

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

adaruby · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 11:10 am Post subject:

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Hello there,

Make sure you also bring letters of work reference from previous employers and make sure they are original (not copies). Also bring a medical certificate...nowadays you may also be required to do a mental health check as part of the medical process in Thailand. Rules on Thai visa and foreign labor requirements are changing almost daily these days..and don't forget to have all your degrees attested by your embassy and your official transcripts given in a sealed envelope from your university. The most important thing to bring with you is money...and you'll need plenty of it...say a minimum of $3,000 - $4,000 in cash (excluding R/T airfare from your point of origin)...especially if you are living and/or teaching in Bangkok. Enjoy the Land of Smiles! Smile

adaruby · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 11:52 am Post subject:

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Hello there,

YES you pay your own flights....and everything else it takes for you to settle in Thailand. By the way you may be offered a free lunch in Thai schools....the only real benefit or job perk offered. But remember the food is generally the same everyday...and mostly VERY, VERY hot and spicy. Enjoy the Land of Smiles. Smile

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

I like spicy. I'm sure my heat tolerance will be in for a shock but I'm open to it Smile

Adaruby: What is wrong with listing "In Progress" under estimated date of completion for a CV. Are you just referring to listing a cheap online tefl cert. on my CV?

Adaruby: I really don't understand the biscuits through the post reference. I even tried googling it Laughing

These documents all seem easy to have in order. I'm not too sure about the medical check thing. What do I request when I go to the clinic in order to have the proper documentation?

I'm also applying to EPIK but I won't hear back till late Sept./early Oct. I'm sure living and working in Korea and Thailand would both be very unique life experiences. I'm pretty financially comfortable so I can make a choice that will be based on type of work and lifestyle preference.