Job Discussion Forums

[jirikoo]

Hi to everyone,

I fell in love with Thailand on my last visit and want to come back. So I've decided to set off back sometimes around April or so.

My priority is to take a break and get away from and after the European winter, but as im a certified ESL teacher (CELTA), I am thinking of landing a teaching job once there.

The drawback is that I am 'only' a Czech, thus non-native English speaker and hold no university degree. I live now back in CZ and start arranging for the trip including visa.

What is the best strategy to take? I have got a triple of questions that may sound silly (sorry for them upfront):

1) Should I try to arrange/apply for the work offshore while still in CZ before I fly out to Thailand?
Considering my education and nationality, it seems I have only a dog's chance to get successfully through an application process from here - is that right? I know, I can find out from the local embassy but I want to be ready before I call at their office. What 'story' am I to come up with? Is there ever any chance of getting the non-immigration "B" visa without being accepted to work?

2) Or..., another option is to fly to Bangkok on tourist visa, turn up in some of Bangkok's schools and possibly get a teaching job. Then, if accepted, fly out, apply for non-immigration "B" visa and come back? I was told that this impossible from the neighbouring countries in SE region as Thai embassies of those countries allegedly stiffly insist on the degrees.

3) Are in Thailand any non-native English speakers who work/worked as ESL teachers and who have first-hand experiences to share? Much appreciate.


On balance, I realize if there are strict regulations for inbound teachers regarding uni degree requirements thsu seems I have only slim chances to get a legitimate job in Thailand, anyway...

Be sure, I am heading to Thailand in any case - if unsuccessful in teaching, I'll just do some travel and most importantly enjoy the sun!

Please, could you clarify this for me?

Sending the warmest regards,

jirikoo

[naturegirl321]

Usually it's best to arrange visas before arriving in a country, try also posting on the Thailand forum to get more specifics.