Job Discussion Forums

RobinHood · Joined: 05 Apr 2010 Posts: 2

Hi all,

Very new to TEFL teaching and this forum, and was wondering if anyone knew whether King's College of English school in Bangkok is a legitimate school? Any information you can give would be very useful. Do you know if it is a good place to work?

Many thanks!

peepers · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 2 Location: UK

Hi RobinHood, I'm also new to teaching and the forum.

I know the school you mentioned is a legitimate school as I have a friend who is working there. I myself am in the process of applying for work there...

It would be useful, however, to have more information about the school if anyone can help. It looks pretty good from the website, but then that's the aim of a school's website though isn't it...

warda · Joined: 22 May 2010 Posts: 29 Location: in transit

I've got a tentative offer from them to start in July... did either of you accept positions there? If so, how is it so far?

teacherus · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 12

Hi guys,

I know topic is a year old now, but I am just wondering if any of you did end up working at King's College and how things are there.

Cheers Smile

tttompatz · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:19 am Post subject: Re: King's College

warda · Joined: 22 May 2010 Posts: 29 Location: in transit

I ended up taking the offer and am about halfway through my contract now. King's has its positives and negatives- just like anywhere else.

tttompatz's description is right on. The business caters to young learners outside regular school hours.

What exactly did you mean by "how things are there"?

I'll try to answer your questions, but may opt to do so via PM. Once you get 5 posts you can PM me directly.

teacherus · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 12

Thanks for the replies Smile

I guess I mean that it would be nice to hear more about what your opinion of working there is. What things do you enjoy about the work and so on. Do you like it enough to stay for another year?

Does the academy teach any adults at all?

Thanks Smile

jxyz · Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Posts: 16 Location: Riyadh

[quote="teacherus"]Thanks for the replies :)

I guess I mean that it would be nice to hear more about what your opinion of working there is. What things do you enjoy about the work and so on. Do you like it enough to stay for another year?

Does the academy teach any adults at all?

Thanks :)[/quote]

I think there are still some adult groups but that may have changed since my time.

warda · Joined: 22 May 2010 Posts: 29 Location: in transit

Yes, there are adult students, but they will definitely be the minority of your hours.

It's variably rough and rewarding with the kids, especially at the weekends. Sometimes it's great; other times it is a class management nightmare. In general though, the kids have nice personalities and the ones who want to be there make it worthwhile.

The Thai staff are second to none. They're sociable and SO helpful. They cover all the government issues, and are available to help with personal issues as well. In the past they've given advice on technology and housing.

The other teachers are generally a good group. The more experienced ones are a wealth of ideas and information. The first year group keeps things lively, and we do our best to help each other out.

On the downside, the pay and benefits package are weak when compared to proper schools, though I've heard we're on or above average for similar work.
The schools themselves are both a bit of a commute from central BKK.
The lesson planning is easy, but that said, it leads to lazy or non-existent planning.
There's also some changes going on with administration ATM. Check back in a few months (the next time we're set to have a spot open anyway).

Overall, I'd say if you're looking for a gap-year, King's is a great fit. If you want to get your feet wet or get some experience with children before investing in PGCE or equivalent, it'll be a good experience. If you're more career-minded, look at what you want to get out of the post and see if/how it lines up with the job. In their ad, they request newly certified teachers, keep that in mind.

I've tried to keep it broad for forum purposes. PM me for specifics.

michael1986 · Joined: 03 Mar 2011 Posts: 3 Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

I agree with warda. I worked there a few years ago for 6 months as my first teaching job. It was good experience and easy hours. Having said that if you have all your documents in order (degree & CELTA) and some experience, I think there are better places out there as the salary is really low.

MADAMELEACH · Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 46 Location: WELLINGTON

It's a sweatshop though there are worse.

What I mean by that, is that it means you will be working your butt off on the weekends -so remember that. Usually Saturdays and Sundays make up the bulk of the classes.
I doubt if you would be able to go out for a drink or social after work as you'd be shattered.

Then week work hours are scattered due to the lower class turnover.