Korean Job Discussion Forums

butter808fly · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: Northern California, USA

I am thinking of doing this month long course (http://www.teflintl.com/thailand_phuket.htm) to get my tefl certificate. When my contract is up I can go live in Thailand for a month, complete this, then come back to Korea with more teaching experience and skills. I would probably do this course to improve my skills, more than to expect higher wages. Although, I assume I could get a bit of a wage increase (but the course costs 1500 anyways so might even out).

Has anyone had experience doing something similiar and was it worth it to complete this course? Im looking to brush up on my English grammar and teaching stretegy. My BA is in Psychology, not English OR teaching Smile

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

You're in the exact same boat I was in 18 months ago. Right down to the psych degree. I went to Thailand and did a TEFL cert with Text-and-Talk. The big selling points with that cert was that it was 6 weeks, I really liked the trainer, and it was cheaper than the competition. Don't expect to get out for a vacation while you're doing the training. If you have that kind of time, you're doing it wrong.

Over all, it was well worth it. Lots of people here say training won't help you in the job market, but that's not really true. It will get you into the better jobs in the long run.

butter808fly · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: Northern California, USA

hrm, well sounds like you learned something from it. I did hope to get a vacation out of it though Smile

well.. at least I could study while sitting at the beach or something. As for job market, well it seems like Korea is the place that make the most money anyways, tefl or not. Id really like to go to another country, but if Thailand, for instance, requires a TEFL they still dont pay like Korea does.

Thanx for your input...

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

Zark · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 1:06 pm Post subject:

Paji has it right - don't expect to vacation/party much while doing your TEFL Cert. One of the advantages of the Text-and-Talk program is that it runs six weeks - and gives you a bit more time to absorb a very large amount of material. The program on Phuket usually runs on a four-day week so you might have a little free time - though not a lot. Imagine jamming that super busy six weeks into four - and you won't have much time to enjoy yourself.

The job market in Thailand is quite open - there are lots of job available - even in desirable locations such as Phuket. But . . . wages are very low -as Paji suggests. You can expect to live decently on what you earn - but don't plan on saving even a dime (that's why I teach in Korea seven months a year). Only the really cr*p jobs pay hourly (though I will concede that when you first start - this is the type of work you may encounter). Decent jobs will pay in the B30-50k range. Easier to find in BKK, harder to find on Phuket.

There are good jobs available in Thailand - but they will require some patience and networking to find - and land. Thailand has many more long-time expats - who know where the good jobs are and what they pay - and wait patiently for the opening. Even Phuket has its share of good jobs - I will snag one of them when I return there full-time in about a year. But then I have kept and cultivated my contacts - from when I worked as a teacher-trainer there.

I do have to say though that Thai students are great fun - wonderful people - and make teaching a joy. There is a reason why so many people love it there - and it isn't all just sun, sand, and sea.

butter808fly · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: Northern California, USA

Yes, I know what you mean about the people of Thailand.. its one of the biggest reasons I want to work there! I went there for my first time in February, and the kindness and joy of the people in Bangkok and beyond was amazing! I felt welcome and like a friend to most everyone I met. It was so great, and a huge contrast from what I feel here in Korea. I guess I will have to be patient, as you said, and really do some networking if I want to land a job there. What lovely people, I wouldnt mind taking a small paycut.

Zark · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 3:03 pm Post subject:

butter808fly said, "I wouldnt mind taking a small paycut."

Just to be realistic - it would most likely be a 50% pay cut (if you are currently teaching in Korea) - and you won't get free housing nor a plane ticket. So, sadly, it would be much more than a "small" pay cut.

But . . . most people teaching in Thailand are not there for the money (obviously!). Most people would agree that if you need to pay off debts, or need to save - Thailand ain't the place. Once you are somewhat financially secure though - it is THE BEST place.

butter808fly · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: Northern California, USA

Okay, I gotcha... thanx for the tips.