Job Discussion Forums

Chris7891 · Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Canada

This is my first post here and I have some questions. I have been reading posts on this board for awhile now so I decided to join.

I am a female in my mid twenties and I have decided I want to teach in Asia. I visited Thailand,Laos, and Vietnam in January and I fell in love with Thailand and Laos. I have no experience and no degree. There are 3 coures in Thailand I am considering and then I thought I would go to Laos to find a job.

Do you think it is worth to go to Laos to teach? Or just to stay in Thailand?

Sorry for the long post and thank you in advance.

Chris

logansrun · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Newmarket Canada

I'm heading there mid-may to see what the esl scene is like. I'll update you if I find out anything.

Chris7891 · Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Canada

I would pm you but I can't yet. I noticed you were from Newmarket, i'm from Aurora. Small world hehe.

tresgatos · Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 1 Location: India

You might have a look - see at "Any info on Laos" thread. Friendoken gave some very useful information.

I'll be in Laos next month to see what opportunities are available and will post the information as soon as I can.

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

Hey Chris and Logunsrun,

Now is good time to be in Laos. All of the proper schools are setting their teacher schedules for the new year which starts in September. But...next December the SE Asian games will be held in Vientiane so there is some switching of school schedules going on.Panyathip where I teach has two streams, grades 1-5 have June off and start in July with Nov. Dec. off for their break, while grades 6-11 have the standard July August off. Don't know why! And I am not entirely sure if all the schools are going that way.

However, there are many evening schools and they go allyear round. I also work at LOGOS Academy and I know for a fact they are losing three teachers the end of June. The next term starts in July. The reason is that a new day school will open up and the 3 teachers leaving want day jobs, it is by no means a bad reflection on LOGOS. The guy starting the new school is a close friend, he also works at Panyathip but will be leaving to work at the new project.

You do not need a degree to legally teach here, It would help for the good jobs at proper day schools. Most evrybody will ask if you have one. TESOL or some such document will carry you a long way. I got mine in Calgary, $1000 1 week in class and about 40 hours of work at home to get the advanced diploma.

I think a degree is a necesary thing in Thailand, perhaps not in the countryside. I know many teachers here who taught there and almost without exception left for Laos.Same money and not nearly the dick arounds you get there. The Thai gov't makes it difficult at times.

Keep in touch. If we meet when you get here and you are "cool" (no offense but it is a small community here and giving a reference carries significant weight) I can put you in touch with some folks.

Sok dii

logansrun · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Newmarket Canada

Hey Friendoken,

Well I'm a Lao-Canadian and I am really in need of a job. I'm actually heading to Laos this saturday May 16 2009 and gonna try to get myself settled. I'm 26 yrs old with no degree but have a tesol certificate. I hope I can find some work soon so that I can stay in Laos for a long time before going back to Canada.

Will probably start my job search on the following Monday. Wish me luck!
Thanks again for your encouragements!

Maybe I'll run into you!

Chris7891- meet me in Laos. I won't know anyone so it would be cool to make some! Safe travels and good luck!

Chris7891 · Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Canada

Thanks everyone for your response.
I would like to come to Laos, but I still do not have my tefl cert.
Is there anywhere in Laos to take this course?

Thanks Very Happy

pwlivingstone2706 · Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 30 Location: London

Chris7891 · Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Canada

MrMrLuckyKhan · Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 4:56 am Post subject:

sounds like a good game plan!!! good luck!

Justinelebonne · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 42 Location: UK

hey guys,

I am moving to Laos in January 20th of next year (my flight is booked)

I have TEFL, a degree and teaching experience.

I am 24, and am on an Irish passport although i have an English accent.

Does anyone know how easy it will be for me to get a job?
Where do you guys recommend me living? I have heard good things about Luang Prabang.
Will the school supply a visa?
How much is rent approx?
How much should i arrive with?
What is the expat community like?

Thanks alot Very Happy