Job Discussion Forums

alexis23 · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

1. Does anyone know of some safe, friendly places that aren't in the big cities of Thailand? I enjoy anything outdoors and would love to keep up my jogging routine.

2. Also, is it wrong to assume that if I lived in a rural area that I would be teaching at a government school?
If so, I will probably being having classes the range up to fifty students along with only enough pay to get by?

3. Has anyone gotten their TEFL certification online and found a teaching job? CELTA and TRINITY are expensive and will take time. I would like to teach this fall..

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

I got my online TEFL from ITTT for $300 dollars and used it in Thailand two years ago. When I showed it to them there only concern was that it was done in Thailand, and since thats where the company is located they accepted it.

I would say if you are planning on going to Thailand anyway to do the course there in Phuket and get the extra 20 hours teaching practicum. It costs a little more but it's worth it to have a 120 certificate compared to the 100 hour certificate. It will be accepted at more schools.

alexis23 · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

Where did you fine work? I plan on living in a more rural area so maybe an online TEFL with 100 hours would be more accepted there then in the big cities.

sheikxhoni · Joined: 28 Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: Bangkok

I have a response to this guy wants to live in a rural area to keep up his running. I've done 60 triathlons and dozens more 10Ks and, trust me, your running program will not depend on being rural. As far as I'm concerned it is to damned hot to run here most of the time. Honest! I used to cut back on my program on the hotest summer days in Washington DC but so far there hasn't been a day here yet that was as "cool" as it was on the days I cut back because of the heat.

Second, Bangkok has some several great parks for running - Lumpini and Chatuchak are two examples. Plan your housing near one of those. The California Wow and other health clubs are huge, full of equipmment, not expensive and air conditioned.

In summary you might find it easy to maintain a running program in the city as opposed to the countryside where there will probablly be no training partners, paths, warm water showers, or other facilities you are used to.

ENJOY

sheikxhoni · Joined: 28 Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: Bangkok

RE: TEFL training on line you said you are interested in that because the CELTA and Trinity take time and are expensive. If you want to qualify in the cheapest, fastest way then why don't you take the TEFL International program called Special Thai program? You will spend three pleasant weeks three hours down the coast from BKK. here are good places to run. These are the same people who have a banner ad on Daves for a course on-line. But read my "Critique . . ." of that program elsewhere on this forum. As long as you know what you are getting then you will be fine. But the CELTA training will likely turn you into a good, solid teacher. From my experience the TEFL in Ban Phe will probably only give you a certificate that may get you a job but make yuou much of a teacher. They "teach one way to dance" and it isn't neccesarily a good one. Those are the same people who are selling a certificate earned on-line. But, go ahead, take the short and enjoy the beach in Thailand while you get your certificate.

roguegrafix · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 125

There are non-government work opportunities in rural Thailand but as you suspect, the majority of jobs are with government schools. You get used to large classes. The pay can be quite good -- around 30-35 or more. Remember, that things are a lot cheaper outside Bkk. Rent is 3-5,000 per month for a townhouse compared to several times that in Bkk (I pay 1,700 baht for a 2 bedroom townhouse). Some schools are so desperate that they throw in free accomodation. Had a mate who was on 37k plus free accomodation and meals -- but that WAS in the sticks.

The main problem with working in the country is the mental attitude. Many people can't handle the cultural isolation -- especially if you can't speak the language. There are not a lot of farang bars / restaurants. And the whole girl/boy thing -- if that's what you're in to -- is shabby compared to BKK & Pattaya. Most of the people I know who work in the country are long-term residents who speak the language and are not bothered about the expat scene and generally expect to spend many years here. But if you can handle that, then it is certainly rewarding.