Job Discussion Forums

thecollected · Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 4

Hi there-
I was wondering if anyone could give me a little advice. I was offered a position teaching at Kajonkietsuksa school on Phuket and am looking for anyone who has heard about the school (impressions, good or bad). This will be my first TEFL job (I have a BA in English and have done a TEFL course - I'm Canadian, female, 25 years old). I'm also wondering about the area that the school is in. As far as I can tell, it is outside Phuket town - nice area or no?

They have offered 28,000 baht/month - is this enough to live comfortably on Phuket? I'm not really interested in saving right now - it would be nice to have a little extra $$ to travel on weekends and holidays.

Also: is there schools on the island where I can take Thai lessons?
Thanks!

tedkarma · Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 10:36 pm Post subject:

Kajonkietsuksa school has a bit of a mixed reputation - sometimes depends on who is heading the EFL department. If you were hired, or will be supervised by Clair - if she is still there - then I think you'll have fair, professional, and reasonable supervision and management. She is a magnificent teacher - particularly of kids - learn all you can from her.

The school is located on the bypass road - some might call it Chao Fa West road - maybe a kilometer or two north of Wat Chalong. The area is okay - not great. My home's not on that part of the island - so I don't have it down exactly. It's not really in a residential area - but housing can be found reasonably near by - though probably not within walking distance. Know that public transportation on the island is poor at best - and plan on buying/renting a motorbike - or if you have the funds - a used car. Check if the school runs a bus from PTown to the school that you can ride.

B28,000 per month is just enough to live on. You won't save anything - but you can live modestly (rent a studio apt.) and still afford a nice meal out on the town from time to time. You might want to pick up a little extra side work to improve your quality of life a bit. Not bad for a newbie on the island though.

There are schools where you can study Thai - just look around. Will probably depend more on where you live. There's one near my house - but that's a half hour drive from your school - if traffic is good.

thecollected · Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 4

Thanks very much for the info, tedkarma. I have written back to the school with a couple questions but have not heard back yet Rolling Eyes

. Is it fairly easy to buy a motorbike and will I need an international license?

tedkarma · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 9:49 pm Post subject:

Take the job - it's not a bad entry point. Sometime you must just get your feet wet. You can always move on from there. There are always better or worse options.

I bought/registered my bike in Bangkok. If you buy a new bike the shop will/should take care of registration for you - so a LOT easier. When I bought mine - a Non-Imm B visa was required - but my understanding now is that even a tourist visa is okay. Your school will need to arrange a Non-Imm B visa for you anyway - for your work permit - so no problem (maybe). Get the visa in your home country BEFORE you leave for Thailand.

An international license is good for 30-90 days - I think. At some point you'll have to think about getting a Thai license. Though both my wife and I get along with an int'l license. It is so rare that you are asked for one - if you are driving with you helmet and headlight on. The shop where you buy your bike can arrange the bike wiring to keep the headlight on at all times - ask them to do that (tis the law anyway).

Please, just for me - and yourself, do a web search and download information on how to drive a motorbike safely. Even spend a few bucks to read and learn. And practice safety. Do the practice exercises the books recommend. You'll be glad you did. Driving on the island is wild. Protect your life - and health. If you are careful - you can be safe.
Btw, if you buy a Honda, it will come with a certificate for a free three-day training session - but it is in Bangkok - very worthwhile - but I understand that you may not be able to attend.

Let me know when you are on the island - I would love to say hi and buy you a beer.

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

Ted,

My girlfriend and I were stopped just at the intersection where most of the bars are located in Patpong - right in front of the beach. The same street that Starbucks is on.

Anyways, they were giving people tickets for no license, helmets, etc. etc. Even local people were getting tickets.

The cop told my girlfriend and me that if I would have had my Canadian drivers license he would have not given me a fine.

I've been going to Phuket for about 6 years now and have never been stopped by the police for a licence/helmet check

Is this traffic blitz still in effect?

tedkarma · Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 9:16 pm Post subject:

Yes.

They've been much more thorough about enforcing helmets, insurance, and headlights (turned on). I think it is to stay. It is a good change. Phuket has a horrendous traffic injury/fatality rate.

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

Ted,

Thanks.

I hear the fatality rates are pretty high on Samui and Phuket.

You know what they are per month on Phuket?
I am guessing they are quite high.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 10:51 pm Post subject:

The Phuket Gazette publishes traffic stats from time to time. Sorry, I don't recall - and couldn't find them with a search.

thecollected · Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 4

tedkarma - How did you get your motorbike from BKK to Phuket? Driving it down south myself intrigues me as an adventurous but dangerous prospect.

I've been combing real estate websites and the Phuket Gazette classifieds for apartments and houses and am finding only luxury places so far. Some of the houses I see are really nice (15,000 baht for 3 bedrooms outside Chalong). I'm wondering if landlords would be willing to rent to a single girl who would be recruiting roommates?

I'll take you up on that beer when I get here Very Happy

(undetermined as of yet).

tedkarma · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 10:00 pm Post subject:

I rented a Toyota Tiger pick up from Budget in Bangkok (B900 a day at the time) and drove down to Phuket with my bike and everything I own in the back. This was a major move though - it was my wife - and me - and truly just about everything we own - as we've been living overseas since '92. Actually, I was kind of proud that it could all fit in a pick up!

Actually, once out of BKK the drive would be quite safe - and parts of it - beautiful. I am 50+ though - I wouldn't want to try to make the drive on a bike - unless I took 3 or 4 days. The truck took 12 hours - though I rarely stopped. A bike - might take 16 - as I drive bike a more carefully.

There are places that will transport your bike to Phuket. I helped a friend ship theirs from Phuket to Bangkok once - I think it cost only $10! You'd have to ask a Thai to find such a place - nothing in English! I think the drive though - if you have time - would be great adventure - and give you more of a feel of the region.

Housing - Renting a house as you suggest is doable. Just tell them a friend is coming to stay with you. But, but . . . EFL folks on Phuket can be a rowdy unreliable lot - so I'd be careful. Or, smaller, cheaper places are always available - they don't usually advertise though. It's more like you'd drive by a place (up where I live anyway) where there are several small houses or bungalows - little sign out front - go in and negotiate.

Good Luck!