Job Discussion Forums

[B0RGNINE]

Hello all,

I have some questions about finding university work in Bangkok, but before I start, I just need to mention that I cant' get the search function to work on my computer for some reason. I've tried three different browsers (Firefox, Chrome, and Explorer) and all I get is a blank white screen. Anyone else have this problem? I'm assuming it's not a problem with Dave's search engine, but something going on with my computer. Anyway... just had to mention that before I have 10 people berate me for not knowing how to/being too lazy to perform a search.

I'm interested in working in Thailand. I know there is work for English teachers there, but I'm more interested in teaching adults, and more specifically, doing university work.

About me (list style to save time/space... I tend to be long-winded):

AGE/SEX/MARITAL -

36/male/single without children or dependants

EDUCATION -

MA (Curriculum and Instruction - TESL)
BA (English Lit.)


QUALIFICATIONS -

Colorado State Teaching License (Secondary English Language Arts)
Colorado State Professional Teaching Endorsement (TESL - Linguistically Diverse Education)

EXPERIENCE -

April 2010 � Present: teaching English conversation classes at a private language school Chiba, Japan

April 2009 � August 2009: Taught accredited English classes at a college in Kawasaki, Japan

January 2006 � August 2008: Taught English for Academic Purposes at a university Intensive English Program in Denver, Colorado, USA

July 1999 � July 2002: Was in the JET program as an ALT in Sapporo, Japan

PUBLICATIONS -

not published

-----------------
I'm currently trying to find a university position in the Tokyo area (because I speak Japanese, have an established social circle, and have a fantastic girl here... all hard things to give up) but competition is really tight right now for uni positions, and I need to consider other options if things don't work out here.

My education and qualifications I know aren't bad, but there are a lot of people out there with similar quals but who have more experience than me. And I'm not published (I may start working on this soon, but even so, I doubt anything will be ready to include on my CV before the spring which is when my contract is up here in Japan). Unfortunately, the schooling for the teaching license, ESL endorsement and my MA wasn't cheap, and I have some extremely hefty student loan debt in the States. I wouldn't be so concerned about money otherwise and would consider teaching anywhere I think I might be happy living regardless of how much I'd be paid, but under my current circumstances if I'm unable get a handle on this debt over the next couple of years, I'll be under it for a very very long time. It's rather a make or break situation for me at this point.

Considering the above, what kind of options do I have available for me in Thailand? Under a realistic scenario, what can I expect to be paid, how much might I be able to save, and what kind of paid time off is offered?

Thank you everyone.

NOTE: you may see a modified version of this same posting on a couple of the other boards, notably: Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and Malaysia. Thanks for understanding.

[roguegrafix]

Here's my 2 baht's worth:

Your qualifications and experience, while good, will not be good enough to land you into the high-paying university jobs (70-100,000 baht per month -- mostly supervising Masters & PhD students). So you'll be stuck with the regular 27,000-35,000 baht per month rates in GOVERNMENT unis. You may get more at private unis but I know nothing of this. At some gov unis, there exists opportunities to make extra money by doing some extra work.

Publications are basically a waste of time in Thailand in getting a job. As is your master's degree. Thai teachers need publications for promotions. Farangs do not (because we are only contract not permanent employees). Your master's degree MAY get you some slightly higher paying work teaching Master degree students but this is not common. If the job only requires a bachelor, then having a masters won't give you anymore money.

Teaching "adults": Hmmmm. Your average 20 year old student is basically like a 16yo in the West. Well that's my opinion. But yes, class discipline problems are considerably less with these "adults." If you can find a good uni, it can be rewarding but remember, NO-ONE EVER COMES TO THAILAND TO MAKE MONEY. It's a lifestyle thing.

There are other people on this board that know a lot more than me. Over to them. Good luck.

[NigerianWhisper]

Considering your qualifications I would suggest you look at American (or Brit) curriculum International Schools.

[Placebo]

I have to disagree with the MA being useless. The MA will help you to get into the better university programs. It certainly helped me...and I don't have any publications either. You should be aiming for the international university programs at Chula and Mahidol where you can earn the 70-100k mentioned in an earlier post.
Thammasat also pays more than the usual 35k government rate with many lecturers earning 60-80k (according to their own website). From what I hear, ABAC also pays above the government rate (no verifiable source).

[Alexander2]

[tttompatz]

Like most decent positions, it is all about networking and connections.

For entry level jobs it is all about sorting through the ads and weeding the chaff from the grain.

For the plum positions...

It doesn't matter if it is Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, China or elsewhere; it's all about who you know and who knows you.

.

[Placebo]

Have to agree with Tom here. It's all about networking. However, Chula is always looking for instructors (just go on the Chulalongkorn Language Institute website). Thammasat was looking for full-time instructors last month. I think their ad is still online.

Once you get a foot in the door, you can get a chance at working in the international programs. I got my foot in the door with very limited experience, but my MA TESOL made up for the limited experience.

Turning up at the doorstep works with language schools -not with unis, but as I said, they do advertise!

[B0RGNINE]

Thanks everyone for the replies, I appreciate the information.

The opinion that connections and networking also helps to get uni positions also holds true in Japan. But there are universities who are willing to interview unknown candidates. I had two interviews last year, and this was when I was applying for positions from the States (summarily rejected for both positions though). I found out too late that having a foreign address on your CV causes the university hiring staff file your CV in the waste paper basket most of the time. I'm here in Japan this time, and am able to travel to interviews in country. I'm hoping this will increase my chances to interview this time around. I've recently applied for five positions in the Tokyo area alone, and there are more outside of the urban areas I'm going to start applying for as well. Point is, there are positions advertised.

Japan is comfortable for me, but by the time my contract is up, I will have lived in Japan a total of four and a half years, I wouldn't mind a change if I can't get the kind of job I want. Thailand is on the top of a list of countries I'd consider (for the lifestyle, as Roguegrafix mentions, but I'd need a decent job to get me there).

The salary quoted for those govt. uni positions is only about $1000 a month, is my math correct? That's shockingly awful.

Thanks for the ideas Placebo, I'll surly look into those schools. Are you working at an international program at a uni now? How do you find the program and your work? Pretty satisfying? I'd be interested in hearing more about what your work entails.

Again thanks everyone. And if anyone else has any ideas or information, I'd be pleased to hear it.

[B0RGNINE]

Hey there Placebo,

I did some searching around for job listings on the university sites you mentioned, and the only one I could find any listings for was on Mahidol's site (but they're not offering anything English related at the moment... Spanish and German I think?). I couldn't find any listings directly on either the Thammasat or on Chulalongkorn's sites. You don't happen to know the specific links to where they are on their sites do you? I did find one position offered on MOD EDIT for Thammasat, but that's it.

[Shimokitazawa]

[DanusiaR]

MOD EDIT

Hey there!

I am moving to BKK on the 12/01/11 and am also looking for work in a uni, could you PM or email me the links you sent about the better-paid jobs at Tjhai uni's.. I am having a tough time tracking down the sites and ads.

Many, many thanks!!

D

[DanusiaR]