Job Discussion Forums

[georgie2558]

'm currently working in ESL in Seoul and have decided it's time to get out of teaching. I'm interested in working in writing/editing/curriculum development as my current position involved a lot of this and I've really enjoyed it. However, it also involves a lot of teaching which I'm just not so keen on any more, to be honest.

I've applied for a few jobs in Seoul, but the job market is pretty dreadful right now, so am expanding my search to other countries. I'm wondering if these kind of positions exist for native speakers in Bangkok and if so, is it possible to get one without spending a year or so teaching in the city first? I understand that it's fairly unusual to get a decent job in Thailand without being in the country, so I have no problems flying in to Bangkok and looking around but obviously don't want to do this if it is likely to be a total waste of time.

If anyone has any suggestions as to how feasible this is or where I should look for positions, I'd be extremely grateful. In Korea many of the larger language chains write their own curriculum and hire native speakers to work on this at their head office-is this something that happens in Thailand as well? Thanks

[roguegrafix]

In my experience, although these jobs do exist, they are as rare as hen's teeth and certainly not something you could walk into even if you came to Bangkok for a month or two. I have done some editing work with universities and research institutes and the pay (and the volume of work) is simply not there. It's OK to supplement your teaching wages, but no more. Think of it: if someone wants an editing job done, they usually turn to a local native English teacher and if there was so great a demand, all of us "locals" would be doing it instead of teaching.

But this is just my experience, others here may tell you differently.

[NigerianWhisper]

I agree with roguegrafix.

These jobs are very rare here and, when available, will go to those who are already in a) teaching and/or b) those that have all the 'contacts'.

[georgie2558]

Yeah that's pretty much what I figured, thought it might be worth asking anyway. Thanks for your help