Job Discussion Forums

jimi1999uk · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 63

Hi all.
I've just finished and passed a Trinity certTESOL course a few weeks ago and I'm midway through an English Language and Literature Open Uni distance degree. I'll have a degree without honours by June 2012 after I get two more modules out of the way (one of which will be a doddle) if all goes to plan.

I'm looking into working in BKK and I'm wondering if any of you fine people could lay some of your wise on me Wink

(wise is the more distilled form of wisdom so you know lol)

I'm wondering what the job market would be like for someone like myself teaching in Bangkok? I'd be fine with illegal work, not the best paid, best conditions, etc but I just need to know that I'd be able to earn a liveable income and more importantly that there are JOBS out there for bums such as myself Smile

Could I go out for a month or so and be able to find somewhere that has a liveable wage with a high degree of certainty do you think as long as I had a bit of a nest egg? I'd imagine I'd be going out there sometime between Oct and Jan. Would I be able to sell my part-completed English degree and get a legit visa/better jobs?

A bit of information about myself. I'm male, 30 years old, Scottish. I used to be a huge travel hound in my 20's and I've stayed in BKK for a number of months in the past just taking in the place, I LOVED IT. Obviously having to work will be different to that but still. I've no criminal convictions, I'm white and a fairly average Aryan looking fellow (if that makes a difference. I know it does in China).

Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks all.

tttompatz

jimi1999uk · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 63

Thanks TT. Useful info.

So is BKK really off the cards completely then? It's Bangkok especially I wanted to go to.

I know what you're saying just stay around, finish my degree then watch the world open up for me in June 2012. The thing is I really want to get some experience in before then if possible. I've been on davesesl for a few years now gabbering about TEFL and have been thinking about it since 2004 I'd say. Now that I've finally got myself semi-qualified I really REALLY want to use it right away. I'm a non-drinker and I would say I could live pretty frugally. I have no debts to pay and wouldn't care too much about having to dip into some creditcards a tad.

I don't know though. June 2012 seems AGGGEEES away. I'm sure I could be in BKK in Oct with some cash if I get my save on Smile

Still no hope for me? Thanks again,

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:48 am Post subject:

jimi1999uk · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 63

Thanks alot for your replies TTT. That's a shame, still it's better I know now than get the bad news this Oct lol.

I'm in a pickle about my future from now until June. I'd really like to get some form of teaching experience under my belt.I don't fancy my chances of retaining all the (huge, huge, huge amount lolol) of ESL wisdom I've got without doing something.

Thanks again.

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 11:56 am Post subject:

NigerianWhisper · Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 176

June is not a good time of the year to be looking for the better paid jobs. Thai schools typically recruit from March/April for an early May start (new semester)

You should be ok with the language schools though.

Also be advised that the requirements for obtaining a teaching license in Thailand are going through some pretty significant changes at the moment (which, incidentally, does not affect universities).

The TCT (licensing body) are requiring Ed. degrees or a post-grad dip/cert in education. They are able to give a waiver of 2 years (temporary license) whilst further 'study' is undertaken...........but this is all under review at the moment.

By the time you graduate the picture over here should be a lot clearer.

charlie don't surf · Joined: 06 May 2011 Posts: 11

OP:

I concur with tttompatz. In terms of securing a well paying job in Bangkok, there is little to be gained by setting off to Thailand (or most countries) prior to completing your degree.

You indicated that your degree will be completed in 10 months. This is not a long time to wait. Look upon it as an opportunity to make yourself a more appealing candidate for some of those more desirable jobs in BKK. For example, start learning some Thai, or start researching and compiling activities for the classroom.

You stated that you are chomping at the bit to start teaching. As ttt suggested, you should look into the possibility of doing some volunteer teaching. Ideally, you could volunteer for an organization that has some experienced teachers on staff. This would provide you with an opportunity to shadow or teach alongside experienced teachers, allowing you to observe different approaches to teaching- good and bad alike. You will undoubtedly be able to learn and incorporate some worthwhile teaching ideas into your own arsenal, which may come in handy for Thailand. Additionally, you will obtain valuable feedback on your teaching. This will allow you to fine-tune your technique, and make you a better equipped teacher for Thailand.

If there are no local volunteer opportunities available where you live, you can look at online teaching opportunities.

Best of luck.