Job Discussion Forums

[dc in suwon]

Hi,

I'm currently teaching in Korea but just went on vacation to Thailand and fell in love with the country. I'm really considering teaching there after my contract ends here.

Are there any recruiters you might recommend, or websites? I have found ajarn which seems to be a great site.

Do you have any recommendations/opinions on the whole hiring process in Thailand?

I have BA and certified to teach Math in USA, but no CELTA or TEFL certs.

[dharma86]

Go to Thailand first to find the job. It makes perfect sense:

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0411/find_a_job_teaching_english_in_thailand_in_10_days.shtml

[MDDude]

[Pauleddy]

Yes, very good article. Some points:

ajarn.com is indeed the helpful site which is Thailand specific. I am not knocking DavesESL, far from it.

everyone wondering about TEFL here in Thailand should read the other article about teaching here in the STICKMAN link given.

things are "a bit down" here because of the recession etc etc. the Bangkok Post (see if u can get on-line) has had very few expat jobs, teacher or non-teacher, for weeks and weeks. But, you could still get a job. There are always jobs...it's just that there used to be thousands. The Nation (the other English newspaper) has never been very very good for TEFL jobs, and right now it's almost empty too.

ignore the specific about Central Pinklao for mobiles. BKK is huge, and Pinklao is a small area within a huge city. Many places and malls sell phones, and prices have gone down. MBK mall in the centre of town is good. Big C stores and Tesco Lotus, both chain stores/supermarkets, have places everywhere. U can now buy a cheap Ericsson with no camera and dingdongs for 800baht (like 20 dollars). I just bought a korean brand with cam, bluetooth etc for 40usd. If u live far from Pinklao, a taxi will cost 100-200b, 20% of your budget. AIS 12Call is a main call provider with cards available anyplace--and there are others, like DTAC. Like he says, you need a SIMcard, but most shops will supply with phone.

Some people write on here saying that they have no CELTA or cert, even if they have experience. IF YOU CAN, you need to get a CELTA or TESOL cert (4 weeks). Yes, we all know people who got lucky, but solid schools and unis will not even look at you without--and many places desire a BA or BSc. My university requires AT LEAST these two quals, and prefers an MA. Language schools in smaller places or even poorer state schools with vacancies may take you without a certificate if you have a white face, but you are limiting your chances. Non-TEFL teaching in an International High School (not public)--like if u r a qualified high school math teacher--can be very well paid--but most of us end up in TEFL.

He is 100% correct to advise COMING HERE. Very few jobs will interview you 10,000miles away by phone--and you may find that you have false promises. U need to get here and walk the walk, look at the school. Get opinions.

Eddy

[dc in suwon]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the replies. I can't imagine getting better feedback than this.

This board is way better than Korea's for sure!