Job Discussion Forums

[khawk]

I'm currently in Japan and thinking about (maybe) making a move to Thailand in the next year or so and as I really don't know that much about the teaching situation there, I was wondering if a few of you could give me some advice. First a bit about my background: I have a B.A. in History and a M.A. in History, and I've been teaching at universities in Japan for the past 13-14 years. I've also got experience at the high school level, tons of company experience, references, some publications etc..... So, basically, I was just wondering how easy/difficult it would be for me to make around 75,000 THB a month in BKK. I really don't know what a realistc expectation is, and I'd appreciate any input.
thanks

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Konichiwa


The fully accredited, top international schools in Thailand pay the kind of money you mentioned in your post, but ... they're usually looking for certified K12 teachers - that is, teachers with a BEd who are certified by their home state or country to teach in public schools. You could apply and see what happens; with a BA, an MA and 14 years of experience, you might get lucky and apply to the right school at the right time. Schools will sometimes overlook the BEd and certified teacher status if you have a particular qualification that they're looking for, and have good, verifiable references, etc. The thing is, because they offer decent salaries and perks, they can afford to be really picky about the teachers they hire, so don't get your hopes up too high for this category: ISAT Member Schools

Second-tier international schools, often referred to as bilingual schools, would probably be more realistic with your qualifications. They're springing up all over these days as dissatisfaction with over-crowded government schools is on the rise. These schools are often new, or fairly new, and lack official accreditation, or they are in the process of applying for accreditation, and sometimes they just don't make the grade. They are definitely a step up from Thai public schools, but a step down from the fully accredited schools; the money on offer reflects that middle ground status with monthly salaries in the 50K Baht range +/- 10K. If you were to supplement a base salary of 50K with a few 'select' privates in the evening or on the weekend, you could get to 75K without too much trouble.

Universities, government schools (a.k.a. public schools) and private language schools normally offer salaries in the 30 to 50K Baht range.

35 to 40K is probably about average in Bangkok these days, 25 to 35K out in the provinces.



If you get serious, try these


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Ajarn & TEFLAsia Ajarn & TEFLAsia
The Job Pro Homepage The Job Pro
http://www.jobsdb.com/ JobsDB.com
http://www.JobJob.co.th/ JobJob.co.th
http://www.jpbtopgun.com/ JobTopGun
www.Nationejobs.com/ Nationejobs.com

[lanceevan1]

Having in the past worked in Thailand for quite some time, I would say 75,000B might be pushing it. You might need a (K-12) cert or PGCE.

However, there are schools (as the previous post mentioned) mainly second tier international schools that will hire you based on the qualifications you have stated.

One such school is "The American School of Bangkok", and while it will not pay 75,000, you can probobly get 65,000

[CoolThailand]

75k ... International or private schools are your best bet.

[JZer]

Does one need a TEFL certificate to get a visa in Thailand now?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ Hi JZer


Long time no Soi Cowboy.


You don't need a TEFL cert for a visa, but it helps with a work permit application.

As usual, nothing in Thailand is absolutely set in stone.

Rules and requirements bend with the wind.

[JZer]

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ Yes,


getting a non-B visa is not a problem.

When it comes to a work permit application,

it helps to have a TEFL cert, but this is not written in stone.

[JZer]

Do people often get denied for not have a TEFL?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ No.




You have a BA and teaching experience;

those are the main requirements of most schools.

[JZer]

Thanks!

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

A few things I wanted to mention yesterday but didn't have time for; had to get up at 5am this morning. A Non-immigrant B visa is not the same as a work permit, i.e., it does not allow you to work legally. The Non-immigrant B visa is one of several types of visa which allows you to apply for a work permit - i.e., it's the first step in the WP application process:


1. you arrive in Thailand on a 60 day tourist visa

which, by the way --- you cannot pick up in Thailand;

it would be smart to get that at the Thai Embassy in Seoul.


2. check into a guesthouse, set up some interviews and hit the pavement


3. ask questions, narrow down your choices, make a decision & sign on the dotted line


4. With a letter of employment signed by the school director and a small pile of supporting tax and registration documents (provided by your school), you then hop on a train or bus to the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos - where you can pick up a Non-immigrant B visa - or - your school can have your tourist visa converted to a Non-immigrant B visa at the Suan Phlu immigration office here in Bangkok. This requires some extra paperwork, but it can be done here in Bangkok if your school is on the ball. Details on how to convert a tourist visa to a Non-immigrant B visa are available here & here; click on Change visa.


5. After you have received the Non-immigrant B Visa,

your school can begin the process of applying for a work permit.


The total time needed for all of this varies from a week or two - to several months. It depends on the office staff at your school; some have experience and good connections and manage to get it done quickly; others have less experience and it can take longer. Regarding cheap rooms without a deposit; almost all apartments require a 2 month deposit in advance. However, there are many inexpensive guesthouses that do not require a deposit; there's a long list of budget hotels and guesthouses in Part I of the Master Index Thailand sticky. You can find simple rooms without air for as little as 150 or 200 Baht per night. Private rooms with air usually run in the 400 to 600 Baht per night range.





Good luck, James.