Job Discussion Forums

deerock · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 6

hello,

i know this may be a wee bit off topic. hopefully others will find this of interest too.

i am interviewing with nova soon. i am also contemplating teaching english in thailand.

my understanding is that i would have more "fun" in thailand. other than teaching english, my goal is to explore another culture and relax. the feeling i get is that teaching through nova vs. going to thailand and finding a job is likely to result in working much harder in the classroom. is this true?

i would like to hear feedback from someone who has taught in both places. i want to get a better idea of the lifestyle i would live in each country. this will allow me to set my expectations and make a decision.

your help is appreciated!

flyingkiwi · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 12:48 am Post subject:

I was contemplating moving to Thailand last year, as I have a lot of Thai friends. But I stayed because of the better chance of saving money in Japan and the fact that it is cleaner and safer.

However, if those points aren't that important to you, then you should go to Thailand, you'll have a blast!!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I have a colleague who has taught in Japan and Thailand. He met his wife there, and they used to work in Japan for 3 years, save enough money, then travel in Thailand for a year and a half, then start all over again.

Thai people have a different, more outgoing personality than Japanese, but whether you will have "more fun" there is entirely up to you and YOUR personality, I feel.

In Thailand, you will also make far less money, and the standard of living is lower.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Thailand - @6years
Japan - 2 years 2 months

I think you have to ask yourself what you want to get out of the time you spend in either place. Also consider what you have done and what you you want to do later on.

What do you consider 'fun'? Many people cosider 'fun' in Thailand to be lots of whoring, drinking, drugs etc. Basically living on the seedy side of life. If that's what you are after then it would be a better place than here in Japan, but it can also lead to destitution, detention or death (really). Life in Thailand (especially Bangkok where most of the work is) can be hectic, confusing and hot. On the other hand you can immerse yourself in a culture and relax (look outside Bangkok). Just don't expect to make much money.

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

The way the exchange rate is going it wont be long before Thailand is actually a better place to save money!

250k in Japan or 40kbht in BKK? To tell the truth I'd rather be on the 40k (140kyen) in BKK. Take away accomodation, food and transport and there isn't much in it. Consider the average guy takes a girl out once a week then I would say the BKK teacher teacher actually starts to get ahead. Factor in a weekly session on the booze and the monthly trip away then Thailand wins hands down.

Japan gets better though if you are willing to work more hours, plan to stay longer and so get the better jobs or live frugally.

anne_o · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Tokyo

I just arrived in Tokyo after living/working/travelling in Thailand for 15 months.....ooops I forgot.....I wasn't going to post anything on this site anymore after one of my posts was deleted. And I thought that electronic chip in my new passport was bad!
hmmmmmm.... Confused

Thailand is.........and..........and comparing it to what I've seen on Tokyo I think........................

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 12:29 pm Post subject:

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

Zing!

nonsmoker · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject:

anne_o · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Tokyo

Yeah....you're right! I'm going to try to be more positive like everyone else on this thread.
I should never make unnecessary and utterely useless comments on here that don't contribute anything to anything and might hurt other people's feelings.
I'm fine......but I think the electronic chip is in the suit I've been wearing today.
Wink

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 1:36 pm Post subject:

nonsmoker · Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 1:40 pm Post subject:

Leon30 · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 60 Location: South Korea

There's no reason at all to think that the work ing conditions will be any easier in Thailand.

In fact on the contrary, you'll probably have as many hours and possibly a lot more students per class.

Thai kids are just as shy, reluctant and nervous of foriegners as young Japanese kids. They are also equally spoiled.

Ever been to thailand? Fancy working 12 months in a shirt and tie in that stifling year round heat and humidity...? I couldn't....

I can't see why Thailand would be more fun. Don't get me wrong I love visiting there, but unless you mean go-go girls, I don't see the difference. Tokyo or Osaka offer as good or better nightlife /social life as Bangkok...

If you're even considering (and I'm not assuming you are) drugs in Thailand you should not ever get on a plane out of your home country.

Just some thoughts.

Not saying either would be better (that's up to you) but just wanted to balance your initial claims that Thailand will somehow be more fun and easier working conditions...

Good luck

japanman · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 281 Location: England

I worked as an English teacher in Bangkok for a year and it was a bloody good laugh but also an utter nightmare. Quite a rollercoaster ride at times. I was 24 when I lived there so I could easily mess my body and mind up and still get up the next day and feel ok. Impossible to say which is better or worse but I only did a year in Thailand and then I had had enough. But i've been in Japan for sven years now and am fine with everything here.
A little summary,

Food- I found Thai food to be good but lacking in immagination. You end up eating the same stuff all the time.

Work conditions- Conditions in Bangkok are pretty bad, I worked six days a week and my wages were always late. I often had to push them to pay me and then they said "Oh, here's your money, we forgot" and out it came from the bosses wallet.

Weather- The contiouous heat all year round can be a little boring but I liked it.

Students- My students were great to me. During the break they would go out and buy me snasks etc, take me out on my day off. If a student was late they wouldn't enter the room until I said come in, the when they passed me they would duck their head down lower than mine. Mine had pretty good manners but I don't know if this is true in evryone's experience.

Attitude to non-Thais- A pretty mixed group of reactions. I would say there is a huge amount of racism but doesn't every place.

hentaigaijin · Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Posts: 104

thailand:

if you just want to "waste" a year and save nothing but have a bit of a party then thailand is a winner.

that said, i think that you can still immerse yourself in the culture in bangkok (for sure). thai culture is interesting, laid back and of course everybody smiles here.

if you want to spend all your time getting drunk and possibly becoming a "ho addict" then thailand is waiting for you. you can also meet normal girls of course. is any of this what you really want for yourself?

don't forget your students. the teaching experiences may be less than satisfactory as the students and education system here are rather stilted; however, conversely that could mean that you find the experience gratifying. if you want to make a difference, thailand needs change (you just may not be in a position to make any).

i still haven't ever been to japan, despite being accepted for a phd through one of the top japanese studies departments in the world. from what i can gather, japan can also be very fun and possibly more applicable to your future.

be clear about what you want for yourself. i don't think you'll have much cash teaching with just a first degree in either location. however, if it's a toss up between bangkok and tokyo, you should have a better standard of living in bangkok (though the money can go fast here too depending on your self-discipline).

don't expect to save.