Job Discussion Forums

Dmnson · Joined: 30 Dec 2010 Posts: 4

I am interested in teaching in Thailand and I was wondering if anyone can refer me to a legitimate site that will help me find a good job. I have found a couple of sites but I would love to hear from anyone who has experience teaching in Thailand and knows how to go about finding a good ESL job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

tttompatz · Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 11:48 pm Post subject: Re: Finding Jobs in Thailand

Dmnson · Joined: 30 Dec 2010 Posts: 4

Thanks for the reply tttompatz. I hold both a 4 year degree and a TEFL certification. I did some more job searching and I see you are absolutely right about the plethora of job opportunities in Thailand. I was wondering if you have any experience with some specific reputable recruiters or schools that service Thailand. With all the options out there it would be greatly appreciated if I could get some advice as to the legitimacy of many of these recruiters, i.e. MOD EDIT would also be a great help Smile

thanks again!

tttompatz · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 11:40 pm Post subject:

timmy69 · Joined: 09 Jan 2011 Posts: 15

tttom - I just wanted to say thank you for all your insights here on the forum. I've been a lurker for awhile and it always seems that you are able to answer most of the queries asked aloud.

I am finishing up my M.A. this year (unrelated field to ESL) and am going to take the year after that to pursue TEFL to see if I like it enough to do it for few more years after that. Right now it looks like I will get my cert done in Costa Rica and work there for a year, but I have lived in Thailand previously (volunteered for a summer with an NGO) and really want to go back. I had a few Thailand-specific questions if you don't mind (or anyone with pertinent information feel free to chime in).

My preliminary plan is to get the 60 day tourist visa, and then land in BKK and search out a job. The way I understand it, you need at least 21 days left on the tourist visa in order to switch to the "B" visa..is this correct? If so, do you know what kind of paper work I would need? I have searched many sources and have found myriad answers, some contradicting one another so if anyone has anything definitive it would be of great help...obviously the B.A. degree but does it need to be notarized and apostilled or can I just bring the original degree or any copy of it?

I have also heard it might be easier to get the "B" in the home country (USA) but my concern is I think I may have a blip on my CRC. Petty theft charge from a few years ago that ended up only being a violation (lower than a misdeamenor), I actually dont even know if its on the CRC for sure but I'm assuming it is because I was fingerprinted at the time and I am worried that I would be denied the visa by some faceless diplomat at the consul in NYC. I have heard they are a little more leinient at the Immigration office in Thailand. Any light to shed on this?

Additionally, I will have my M.A. in Political Science and was wondering about possible positions lecturing in Thai universities for that subject. Is anyone familiar with that or know if it would be possible?

Thanks again.

tttompatz · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 1:06 am Post subject:

1st:

Get your CRC done. Coming from the US your offense may or may not show up in a state level check and may or may not be included in an FBI check. Such are the joys of living in a country with such a fragmented legal system.

If you have a positive finding on one (state level), try another (different state or FBI).

Otherwise you plan seems fine. Land, find a job, change your visa status.
Try to get a double entry visa and with the 2 allowed extensions will effectively give you 6 months in the country. Lots of time to find a job, change your visa and not worry.

Bring your original degrees AND a couple of university issued "official" transcripts. An apostille (at present) is not necessary. Official transcripts are not absolutely required but may save you some grief later.

I don't know of any universities who offer undergrad programs in Poli-sci IN ENGLISH so lecturing in your field may not be an option. If you had an MBA it would be different (several universities offer undergrad programs in Business that are taught in English).

.

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

While I agree with most of what has been said about recruiters here, there are a few exceptions.

ms.ashleyk · Joined: 17 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

I have the same question...how difficult is it to find work in Thailand, most likely near or in Bangkok? Except, I my situation is a bit different....

I will be arriving April 22nd in Bangkok. I am enrolled to take the CELTA course from IH in Bangkok, which starts on 4/25 and ends 5/20.

I have a few interviews, via phone this week. The school(s) have fairly good ratings (at least when compared to most other schools), on the TEFL School Review site (Is that site very reliable?). They have also already sent me some introductory information about the school, which I was impressed by. However, the two schools I am interviewing with are requesting start dates of April 25th, and May 1st. Therefore, if I am offered the job, and there isn't any flexibility on the start date, I would either have to drop the CELTA course, or turn down the job offer. Neither options sounds very appealing, and I am not sure what to do.

So, I guess my question(s) are this:

1.) If I stay in the CELTA course, how difficult will it be to find a job if I cannot start work until after May 20th, considering the term starts early/mid May?

2.) Would it be wise to drop the CELTA course, to accept a job offer (if I am presented with one) from a school that has good ratings, structured training/curriculum, and health insurance?

3.) Also, I have a friend who is moving to Thailand with me, and we are both registered for the same CELTA course. We would also like to find jobs near one another, so we can be housemates. Will it be likely or unlikely that we will be able to find jobs in the same vicinity?

Decision, decisions....

Any advice appreciated! Thanks!

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:31 am Post subject:

IF you have a degree, look presentable and are easy to understand (don't have a really strong, local accent) then finding a job in Thailand in May is about as hard as stepping off a curb.

If you don't have a degree the story is different; hard to get any legal work but lots of poorly paid illegal and/or part-time work is available.

You mention 2 schools. Are they (a) real schools (k-12) or (b) just language academies (after school and weekends)?

IF (a) then they will have a start date in mid May and may not be very flexible on their start dates. They need to confirm the butt at the desk and get the visa/WP done before the start of school. If (b) then there are lots of jobs to still be had in late May, June and July.

Finding 2 jobs close to each other may or may not be easy. It really depends on what area of the city you are in and how early you can start. Late May and most schools have their warm body for the term so the chances are less likely for a real school and about the same for a language mill.

.

ms.ashleyk · Joined: 17 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 2:29 am Post subject:

ms.ashleyk · Joined: 17 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

Warning Bells · Joined: 10 Mar 2011 Posts: 87 Location: Always Changes

1st, language schools hire all year round. So there is no peak hiring season as far as they are concerned.
2nd, IH is a language school and they hire their own graduates. Why not ask them since you are paying to take their CELTA course?
3rd, an FBI check or CRC is rarely required by schools and not at all for the visa process. But things change all the time!
4th, this 'CELTA + degree = 100% chance of finding a job and the probability of finding one within a week or two of ending your course is still VERY GOOD.' is not 100% true! Age is a big factor in Thailand. If you are over 45 years old, you will definately have a much harder time finding a position regardless of your qualifications. I've seen 60 something retired school teachers have an impossible time trying to get just an interview. Also, take into consideration what's happening in Japan. If things get any worse, those teachers over there will be on the next plane over to Thailand etc. looking for jobs. Think of that competition! Already, I received an email from a potential employer who explained to me that he had over 400 applicants for a position paying 35,000 Baht a month plus overtime!
5th, Taking any job paying under 40k a month in Bangkok is not good. There are lots of jobs paying under that, but not many qualified teachers who would be willing to sell themselves so short, unless desperate.
Finally, why on earth would anyone want to share an apartment with a 'friend' in Bangkok? Apartments are usually tiny one room studios that are fairly cheap! Two bedroom apartments cost a fortune in downtown BKK!

ms.ashleyk · Joined: 17 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

ldragon · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 32

Hey people.

I am in a similar situation and have questions so I want to jump in here.

I am coming to Thailand at the end of April or early May and would like to find work in Bangkok. I have a BA in English, 2+ years teaching experience in a classroom environment, and 5+ years social work experience. I will be brining my degree and transcripts with me.

Questions:

Do I need to bring a criminal background check with me?

Do I need to obtain any kind of special visa before I arrive in Bangkok?

What is the best way to get started on my job search before I leave USA?

Is there anything else I need to know?

Thanks in advance for your help and patience because I know some of these questions have already been answered in one form or another. I just want to be sure.