Job Discussion Forums

[Klava]

Hi everybody!
Originally I'm from Russia but I've studied English all my life and have been living in Canada for the last 3 years. I have a BA in Law and a TESOL certificate. I also have some experience in teaching English. I'm teaching English to kids in China right now. Me and my husband are really looking forward to try our luck in Thailand. Since he is Canadian - it's no problem for him. But I've been reading a lot about how Thais really don't like to hire non-native English speakers. My English is fluent and I know my grammar. I have a very light accent (and you can guess how hard it is for a Russian to have a "light" accent ). Basically, other non-native English speakers can't tell that I have an accent.
So, the question is - what are my chances? I've heard about the problems with Filipinos and black people (which is really unfortunate). What about non-native Caucasians? (I really hope that this question will not offend anybody 'cause I'm just trying to get all the info I can)

Do you know of any non-native English speakers as teachers of English in Thailand (except for Thais, of course) and what's their story?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Привет Klava:

You won't have a problem finding work teaching English in Thailand, imho. Your qualifications are fine. Whether you'll find a school willing to sponsor a visa and work permit is another question; one which I can't answer. Your nationality will be an issue for some schools but not for others. There's just no black or white position on questions like this; forgive the pun.

With your husband (and his Canadian passport) leading the way and helping to forge vital contacts with school administrators, parents and students, I would tend to be fairly optimistic if I were in your shoes.

You may have to settle for some hourly work in the beginning, but if you're good and you are willing to teach kids, where the market demand is very strong, and where nurturing females are generally preferred, there should be many opportunities for you.

Good luck!



PS: I spent 3 years in Samara. Ever been there? Вы говорите на русском языке?

[kenkannif]

You'll be fine finding work and getting a Visa and WP!

As a white European a lot of schools will class you as a native speaker anyway, rightly or wrongly.

Those jobs saying "non native speakers only" generally mean "Asian teachers need not apply!".

Good luck and have a great time!

[Klava]

Whew! I feel a lot better now! Thank you, guys, for all the info and support! I did find a job in China no problem but it just seems to me that certain things are a bit stricter in Thailand.

P.S. Конечно, я говорю на русском! I don't know your fluency in Russian, Kent, so I'll proceed in English. I've never been to Samara, I'm from the Far Eastern part of Russia - Khabarovsk. Have you heard about it? How did you like it there? Did you teach English there as well?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Привет Klava:

Yes, I taught English in Samara as well. It was a great experience!

Spent a chilly New Year's Eve 2003 on Red Square @ -27C in deep snow; something I will always remember.

Never made it as far east as Khabarovsk, though.

Anyway - Here's a little something just for you:

http://www.khv.dsv.ru/webcam.php?webcam=2 (площадь им. В.И. Ленина / Веб-камеры Хабаровска)

[Klava]

Where the hell did you find this link? Your research abilities are amazing, I was trying to find some pics of Khabarovsk for a longest time (I've found some) but a web cam is so interesting! Thank you tons!!

And about your New Year - I'm sure you won't forget it. Russia is never boring, you either love it or hate it! The other thing I'm sure of is that the mentioning of such a scary temperfture is a first for this forum.