Job Discussion Forums

[weshh]

Anyone live/work or have visited Ratchaburi? It is not a very talked about place but from what I have gathered it seems nice and close to Bangkok.


Has anyone worked or heard about Benjamarachutit School?
I have a skype interview with them in a couple days.

[EFL Educator]

Hello there,

Racthaburi is nothing special...just another buri town in the Land of Smiles. Enjoy Thailand.

[weshh1]

I'm talking with a school there and thinking of taking a position. It looks like a nice small town and the river runs through it. With easy access to Bangkok and other areas via the train.

By nothing special, you just mean not a lot going on there?

Looks like it has markets, close to floating markets, and a few wats. Also close to a mountain. Would this be a good option for peaceful town that is easy to get to other more "fast paced" and exciting areas? I may enjoy the mix or I may get bored.

[EFL Educator]

Hello there,

Bangkok is the only fast paced and exciting place you will find nearby....if you decide to teach in Ratchaburi just think of saving some money. There is really nothing much to do there...except visit the local wats and floating market. It will become real boring real fast living there. However if you looking to learn and speak Thai fast then it is for you. If you go to Bangkok you will spend and lose ALL your money fast...travel to Cha-Am Beach or Hua Hin or kanchanaburi on the weekends if you want some action. Also remember there are thousands of retirees and backpackers everywhere in Thailand looking to teach English too...including in Ratchaburi so you won't be the only farang face in town.. Enjoy Thailand!

[weshh1]

Thanks for the low down!


The pros and cons for me are:

Pros:
*I can start Sept. 1st and pick up position that someone left (Only work 17 days in Sept. till end of term then two more weeks of English camp or something till ~Oct. 10, then I get like 2 weeks paid break before next semester... This is nice after only about 1 month of work!!)
*My contract with school is only 5 months with option to extend ( Big plus for me!!! I prefer short-term to feel out teaching abroad and my city/work environment.)
*Only two hour train ride to Bangkok, Hua Hin, other places
*Close to floating market
*Close to nature spots (mountains, river, etc.)
*Local Markets, restaurants, etc.
*Small city/town, ive read its peaceful and friendly.
*Ride a bike/walk to work and places.
*Probably a good bit cleaner and less polluted than Bangkok

Cons:
Maybe too small?
Not much time to adjust to Thailand
Maybe lack of nightlife
Sort of arranging job before I have chance to check out area and school

Neutral:
Secondary students (Ages 12-18 )
I don't know much about school yet (conditions, curriculum, etc.)
Class size, I couldn't tell if she said 15 or 50.

[EFL Educator]

Hello there,

Well it looks like you are looking forward to teaching in Ratchaburi...expect a class size of 50 students and a free Thai lunch daily. Since it's your first time teaching in Thailand my advice is have realistic expectations in terms of salary and lifestyle. The Thai teachers will be earning less than you..and you will be dealing mostly with Thai women (administrators and teachers). You will be earning around Baht 30,000 per month and if you are frugal you can save at least Baht 10,000 monthly. Also remember to be an entertaining edutainer in class...Thais do not like serious teachers. Good luck!

[weshh1]

Thanks! I will keep realistic expectations and try to keep class fun. I am looking forward to Thailand in general and just new experinces. I am still unsure if Ratchaburi is best for me, I just like that the contract is short term. I dont't know how hard other short term contracts would be to find.
Can you recommend some other places in Thailand that are close to major cities and maybe a bit bigger and more going on than Ratchaburi?

I appreciate all your input, you have been very helpful with all my questions.

[Hermosillo]

Basically, the are likely looking for some one willing to work illegally.

[Nuolan]

[weshh1]

Thanks, I'm looking into that area. It seems nice!

[EFL Educator]

Southern Thailand is very touristy..lots of backpackers teaching English there. Good luck!