Job Discussion Forums

[Master Shake]

To all you teaching private lessons in the Bangkok area:

How did you get started - word of mouth? putting up flyers at universities? handing out business cards?

I'de love to get some private 1-1's started to supplement my income. Then, maybe someday I could go into business for myself.

I can imagine it: No more unmotivated students, stupid contracts, equipment that doesn't work, or DoS's breathing down my neck about checking my email during 'office hours.'

[Sadebugo]

When I worked in Thailand, I had a full time job teaching Thai students, but on the side, I taught Japanese/Korean students. They were much more reliable and paid better than Thai students did. It probably helped that I had familiarity with both countries and this made those students feel more comfortable with me.

If you can meet one person from either of those countries, they will often plug you into the community.

Sadebugo
Djibouti, Horn of Africa
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

[Thwartley]

Private teaching rarely lasts in Thailand, though it is possible. Canceled classes by adult students unwilling to make any effort outside the class, their illusions of magically acquiring the language gone, is usually the downfall.

The best bet is teaching youngsters or adolescents (or siblings together) in their home once a week. Get to know people in your neighbourhood and you might pick up work this way. Stay away from adult students, it almost certainly won't last. They have short attentions spans, are exhausted from working long hours and have absurd expectations.

Another alternative is contact some of the language schools. While generally crap as far as full-time positions go, for part-time work on the weekends they aren't bad. Many pay cash in hand at the end of the day (for part-timers.) The downside is you're looking at 500 baht per hour maximum. Many will offer less than that.

[Master Shake]