Job Discussion Forums

[JZer]

Has anyone worked with this program? Are they legit? How was it? Any feedback is welcome.

[MaiPenRai]

AYC has been around for about 10 years now and should be an ok choice for a new teacher to Thailand. They offer a decent salary, but lower than many other agencies. As with the other recruitment agencies, they usually find jobs for lower level efl teachers at "less-desirable" government schools. Of course there are always a few gems (good schools) in the bags of these agencies, but more often than not, the schools will have large class sizes and poor resources. Usually the schools from agencies are in out of the way locations (some people enjoy smaller communities and being out of Bangkok).

As far as I know, AYC does not provide accommodations for its teachers.

Other agencies are MediaKids, ECC, Siam, Boston Bright, BFITS. MediaKids tends to offer schools outside of Bangkok which is similar to AYC (at least in the past), while the others tend to be more Bangkok and area based.

When dealing with any agency ask MANY questions. Get pictures of the school you will be assigned and ask detailed questions about the school (class sizes, levels you will teach, student ability, resources available (pics), particular school rules/expectations etc). Ask to speak with the current teachers at the school (if they cannot do this you should be wary). If accommodations are offered, ask to see photos of accomm and ask the distance from the school.

Make sure they are able to get proper Visas and work permits for you (ask current teachers).

DO NOT send any money to anyone in order to get a job in Thailand unless it is a trusted TEFL/TESOL school like TEFL International, IH, CMU, SEE, etc. Agencies make money from recruiting and placing you.

Good luck.

[JZer]

Thanks for the information. Is there an agency that offers accommodation outside of Bangkok and a position in a government school?

[MaiPenRai]

JZer, Send me a private message and I can give you some more detailed information that I would not be allowed to share o the forum.

[Pauleddy]

Little to add. MPR is spot-on.

If people don't know about AYC, they can google. The website is large, detailed, bilingual.

There have been other postings re AYC and other placement agencies, both on here and on other Thailand teacher sites. Some people don't want to arrive here and trudge about to find jobs. However, be aware that these places are really recruitment agencies and are not charities. They are often owned by wealthy Thai businesspeople.

Some of these agencies will appeal because the websites show happy children and smiling teachers, and also because they appeal to altruism ("intercultural exchange/helping poor kids/improving lives" blah)...but you may end up in a government school in a hot, boring small town.

Check everything out as MPR advises.

eddy

[The Hungry Yeti]

I just received and offer from this place as well. Any info via PM is appreciated.

[JZer]

Anyways, I have taught in Taiwan for three years.