Job Discussion Forums

FlyinGavin · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Anchorage, AK

Hello everyone,

I was hoping you experienced teachers could help me out. To make a long story short, I've decided to put my career on hold indefinitely, and take a shot at teaching english overseas. I'm leaning towards Thailand, so I'd like to know a little more about the details of teaching there.

I'm a 25 year old American, with a B.S. in Marketing, and my grades were nothing to brag about.

Is it hard to find work over there teaching? And would I be able to make enough to at least cover living expenses, plus the occasional splurge on traveling and enjoying the night life?

Also, would I be working illegally or legally? Is it hard for an American to get a Visa? And how long would that Visa last for. I'm hoping to teach there at least a year before possibly moving on to a different country. From all the posts I've read, the advice most people seem to give is don't stay in one country, no matter how much you love it.

Would I need to be TESL certified if I want to make a decent wage? If so, should I get certified in Thailand, or somewhere in my own country? I would rather not pay for the certificate until I know it's something I plan on doing for a long time. But, if it's the only way to get a job, it's well worth the risk.

Any advice is much appreciated!

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:47 am Post subject:

I think you'll do fine. With your qualifications you should be able to land a decent job - work permit (working legally) included.

Don't blow off training though - if you are thinking about TEFL as possibly a life long occupation - you'll find that some training will greatly increase your job satisfaction. And you'll do a much better job for the relatively poor people who paid a lot money to sit in your classes. All of this might mean that you enjoy your work more and might be more interested in sticking with it.

In Thailand you will be able to afford to support yourself reasonably well, travel locally - and yes, have the occasional splurge. But more than that and you'll need to find some extra classes.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

The best Visa to get (from the States) would be a multiple entry Non-imm B which can be reasonably easy to obtain if you know what you're doing or have help (from your TEFL provider or employer). They're good for basically 15 months (if you play your cards right) albeit in 90 day intervals.

PM me if you want any advice or a hand in obtaining one.

FlyinGavin · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Anchorage, AK

Thanks for the offer Kenkannif, but I don't want to waste your time just yet. If I decide on Thailand, I will definitely come looking for your help. As of right now, I'm just trying to get the basics down. It helps in the decision making process to know that I can stay there at least a year, and I'll be working legally.

Tedkarma, you make some good points as to why I should get certified. In any job I've ever had, the time I hated most was when I didn't know what was going on. I also would want these people to get what they paid for.

Would you recommend doing a TEFL course there, or in the U.S.? How much do you think it would cost? Most of the courses I see is about $US800-1000. Is that about right?

Thanks a lot for the replies.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Can't legally (although you will definitely) work on as Non-imm B without a WP. But need to be on a Non-imm B (or O) to obtain a WP.

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:24 am Post subject:

joe beets · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 37

FlyinGavin · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Anchorage, AK

Hey jb,

No, it's not a big deal at all. But it can be frustrating learning something new, and if a TEFL cert. can help, than hopefully it will make the process a bit easier. And in hindsight, I shouldn't have said "hate".

The only thing I'm worried about now is being able to afford Thailand on a teachers salary.

MrCAPiTUL · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 232 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

If it is frustrating learning something new, are you sure you'd like to teach overseas in a country wherein you don't know the language? That may be something to consider heavily. It would appear to me that you will end up being frustrated most of the time you live there, thus leading to a state of dissatifaction with your career change.

FlyinGavin · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Anchorage, AK

Hey MrCap,

It can be frustrating learning something new, but that doesn't mean that everything that I learn is frustrating. And even if teaching english is frustrating to me, that doesn't mean it can't be overcome with hard work. I would be selling myself short if I didn't want to teach overseas because I think something might be frustrating. I would wager to say that most people in their current proffessions overcame some type of obstacle to get where they are now. Honestly, I am extremely nervous about doing something like this, but that doesn't mean I can't put a little elbow grease into it and give it a try. If it doesn't work out, I guess it's back to the states. Oh well. At least I can say I tried.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ I've been here almost 6 years and can't hardly speak any Thai....not a biggie to be honest. A lot of the chaps I worked with in the UK couldn't speak English either Wink