Job Discussion Forums

mbumpas · Joined: 20 Oct 2010 Posts: 9

I'm applying for the Special Thailand Project and am having a tough decision on where to take the course. They offer it in Phuket, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. I'm looking for a really laid back island life with a Carribean style attitude. I lived in St. Croix for a while and would love to be around a similar island mentality if possible.

I'm 24 so I'm looking for a decent nightlife but I'm not interested in clubs, laser lights, or techno...more of a bar type atmosphere but still a good time. Scuba diving is a passion of mind so that's a big part of my decision also, but I've heard the diving is great in all three locations.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

NigerianWhisper · Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 176

You are fully aware that on completion of the American TESOL course that you will be sent to another location for the 'guaranteed' job?

It is likely to be out in the boonies and for sure won't be on one of the Islands.

For dives then I would probably go with Koh Phangan. Reason being is the nearby 'Sailrock'. Truly spectacular with a 'chimney' swim through as well. Some amazing marine life.

mbumpas · Joined: 20 Oct 2010 Posts: 9

Yep, I'm aware of that deal...unfortunately. My reasoning for still wanting to go forward with the program is the pricing and also that the job contract after the course is only 4 months. I figure that if I don't like where I'm at, I won't be there long and I can always move to one of the islands and try my luck there.

tttompatz

mbumpas · Joined: 20 Oct 2010 Posts: 9

I'm not too worried about the hours...I'm used to only having weekends for free time already anyway. As long as I can find a job in one of the three locations, going to the beach and scuba diving occasionally shouldn't be too far out of the question lol. Thanks everyone for the help

jski · Joined: 14 Oct 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Seattle

I want to do the same thing! I've crept the boards for long enough doing research to think I recognize that being sent to a different location equates to generally lower pay, less than ideal classroom setting etc. I'm in the same position as the OP, and the Special Project program sounds interesting. Any idea what kind of places one ends up teaching in terms of geography? OP I'm also a scuba diver, might end up following you to Koh Phangan for the Jan 10th program. Have you moved along with the process at all?

tttompatz · Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 1:16 am Post subject:

jski · Joined: 14 Oct 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Seattle

I like anything outdoors, will an "Issan backwater" be near interesting topography flaura/fauna etc? I was just hoping to do some diving while TESOL certifying maybe on a long weekend, if I could. What would living conditions generally be like in one of these villages? Thanks

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

NigerianWhisper · Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 176

For an insight into life in Isan......read 'Daves Journey' on the big Thailand website for teachers.

mbumpas · Joined: 20 Oct 2010 Posts: 9

Thanks for the help everyone!

jski, I talked to the recruiter, or whatever they are called, for the Special Thai Project and I wasn't impressed at all. There were too many "we can't guarantee that" type responses so it felt like more of a gamble than an opportunity to me. I'm looking at getting my CELTA through ECC Thai now. It's in Phuket also, so I'll still be by the water which doesn't hurt!

jski · Joined: 14 Oct 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Seattle

@mbumpas I agree. After reading the testimonials on their website, it seemed iffy at best waste of money at worst. Are you going to do the ECC train to teach? or just the CELTA offered Jan 25th?

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

Guaranteed job placements on TEFL/CELTA courses almost always end up being jobs in the less desirable and/or more rural locations. Some people prefer rural and or smaller/quieter/more "authentic" locations while some don't. Most of these TEFL course guarantees "farm" the graduates out to other placement/recruitment agencies, in exchange for a fee obviously. Ever wondered why they are able to offer these courses at a discounted rate. The fees collected from the recruitment agencies cover the remainder of the course costs. It is also a win-win for the agencies as they get teachers who are essentially held hostage for 4 months. Don't finish the 4 month (or whatever) contract and see if you get your certificate.

Also, don't expect to get work on an island. It is possible to get work in Phuket, but most jobs near beaches are in the coastal cities like Surat Thani, Chumporn, Nakhon Si Thamarat, etc. Don't expect to make much more than 30,000/month at these highly sought after locations for newcomers unless you work more than 1 job and/or know someone and/or have QTS. Many schools in beach/tourist locations are known for less than desirable working conditions because they know that they can easily get new teachers in a heartbeat.

To be honest, I never understood why people take these courses on the islands. A good course (like the CELTA) will keep you very busy outside of the classroom doing research/homeowork/papers and writing/prepping lesson plans. DO a good course, get a job and spend your holidays on the beaches IMO. Get a good job and you should have spending money and paid holiday time.

mbumpas · Joined: 20 Oct 2010 Posts: 9

jski, I plan on just taking the CELTA course and not the Train to Teach option. I don't want to end up somewhere I don't want to be!

kid ehglish · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 15

I lived in Thailand 8 years. I hate all those placed you listed. But to each his own. The problem with touristed areas are logical: Money-grabbing businesspeople, a lot of touts on the streets, expensive rents, crooked cops. When I go to a foreign country I like to form friendship with the locals, and not people who befriend a person, get what they want from him and then dump him.

The chances of avoiding this are better in the burgs. MOD EDIT