Job Discussion Forums

[aleks24]

Hi, first off all I should give a bit info about me and what info I am trying to get advice on here.


I am a pretty laid back but introverted type. I am looking for a quiet and safe lifestyle. I am mid 20s and have a 2.1 BSc degree from prestigious UK university obviously not related to teaching English. I dislike large groups of people and set structures and formalities hence looking at freelance teaching. I dont see myself as being a school teacher or adhereing to sum weekly/daily schedule set for me.

My ideal life is one were I have students and teach freelance setting up schedules to suit each others needs.

I like my own company best and to be alone mostly. Teaching is a necessity to make money but I am friendly and light hearted with good sense of humor so I can be decent company and I think a decent teacher.

Obviously I do not have any experience directly in teaching though I have studied foreign languages and read some books on ESL/TEFL etc...and have taught myself basic Thai oral. Having been to Thailand on holiday many were impressed with my ability with the language or moreso my ability at pronouncement and accent for what its worth if anything?


So basically to sum up maybe Im living in dream world but my ideal life I am planning for is:

1. to have enough money to live comfortably. Which for me includes:

decent studio or 1 room apartment with cable tv and internet
Food from street stalls is fine
Alcohol moderate or not all
May have to spend money to pursue females one way or other.

I dont know a monthly budget but for that type of lifestyle hopefully not too much?

2. Be able to teach only 1 to 1 or small groups 3 at max say, in my apartment or travel to meet people. I could work all hours and days with no limits really. nights,days, mornings etc..However Id prefer not to need to travel far.



Would I best be based in Bangkok to get most students easier?

How would one advertise and likelihood of getting students?

Are certificates necessary?

Is a job teaching in a school more realistic?

Is it possible to get a decent job with just my degree?

Are any jobs suited to my personality as in small groups etc..?


Think thats all I need to know for know lol?

Thanks

[tttompatz]

Unless you have connections (or a large bank account to tide you over till you get established and students find you) you have about "0" chance of success in your dream.

This does not even take into consideration the problems of your visa (or lack thereof) and extending your stay by working illegally.

Can it be done = yes.

Can most newbies with no experience teaching, no training to teach, no network, no connections and no social network manage to do it successfully = NO.

Realistically, find a job, work your nines off for a year, make connections and find your feet. Then you MAY have a chance of success at what you wish (again still having to deal with visa issues).

You will need a budget of 30,000 baht per month as a minimum if you want to be in BKK. Housing will eat a large part of that and you need a place suitable for your "classroom/office" if you plan to draw students to it.

Can you get a "decent" job with just a degree = yes

BUT

do be a realist and be aware that you are NOT going to land a plumb job @ 50k per month with just a non-related degree and no experience.

Best option:

Find a job that will sponsor your visa and work permit (making you legal). You should be able to find something in the high 30's low 40's for a salary (based in BKK). Gain some experience and move up the ladder in terms of jobs, salary and benefits.

Language academies (rather than a school) tend to have much smaller classes and more foreigners (giving you the chance to learn on the job).

.

[MaiPenRai]

TTom summed your chances up quite nicely.

Realize that with no experience, training, background education in English, EFL, or Education, you have a long way to go before you will be able to live comfortably solely off private classes.

As TTom said, your visa will be the most difficult issue. Without a "proper" job, you will have to leave (and then fly back to Thailand) every 2-3 months and may not even be allowed in after doing that 3-4 times in a row.

If you think you could teach science, there are lots of jobs for science teachers. You may be able to land one even with no experience.

Most private jobs in ESL come through connections and extra classes for the students your teach in your "regular" job. There are plenty of people in Thailand with experience and education that are also loking for these jobs to supplement their incomes.

Put your time in like everyone else and, as already said, after a year or 2 you should be able to live the life you are looking for (assuming you are a good teacher who is good outgoing, friendly and easy going).

Best of luck.

[aleks24]

[aleks24]

[NigerianWhisper]