How to Begin Teaching in Thailand

The Land of Smiles

Thailand is an excellent place for teachers due to the friendly students and slower pace of life

Thailand is known as the Land of Sunshine, due to its warm tropical climate. It also has many places to explore. These include Bangkok, the beaches of Phuket and Hua Hin, deep jungles and its floating markets. Visitors to this country can also savour the intricate wood carvings of elephants and other wildlife, and the Buddhist temples. Monks, in their brightly coloured orange gowns, are a common site in Bangkok, weaving their way in and out of the crowds.

Thailand is also known as the Land of Smiles, with some of the friendliest inhabitants on earth. Despite Thai people staring at you because of your facial features, it will not seem as uncomfortable as it might if the same thing were to happen to you in Japan. The reason for this is because the people in this country, despite their open curiosity, reach out and include you in their lives, rather than keep you at a distance. The slow pace of the country also offers welcome relief from the faster-paced lifestyle of other nations in the region.The Thai language, with its delicate script curving across the page, and its tones, can offer a challenge to the uninitiated. However, unravelling this language will also create a new adventure. Thai food, full of subtle flavours and spices, will give you plenty of opportunities to experiment and taste something new.

Teaching Opportunities

Due to its popularity, Thailand is a competitive place to find a job, but it also means that there are plenty of opportunities for those who have a 3-year degree. It has become harder and harder to get a work visa in this country without a degree, and would mean working illegally on a tourist visa.This degree requirement is sometimes overlooked if you can demonstrate to the authorities that you have years of teaching experience. Thailand, however, due to the friendly students and slower pace is an excellent place for teachers who are newly certified, to learn and hone their teaching skills.

It is possible to apply for a job outside of the country. This means that, generally, you are more likely to be given assistance with your visa, airfare and accommodation. The more qualifications and experience you have, the more likely you are to receive a good salary with a solid benefits package.Teaching jobs are available in private language schools, state schools and universities. Jobs are generally located in Bangkok and Chang Mai. Surat Thani is also another possibility. With the tourism sector booming in Thailand, there are also new opportunities opening up in hotels for in-house TEFL teachers, where you might also be asked to give basic business courses.

Teaching Requirements

Degree Requirement	Typical Contract Length	Peak Hiring Seasons	Visa Info	Typical Students	Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency	Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency

BA/BS required

3-12 months

All year round

Work visa

Business professionals, children

20,480 - 30,725 THB (400 - 600 GBP)

21,107 - 31,661 THB (650 - 900 GBP)

Degree Requirement

BA/BS required

Typical Contract Length

3-12 months

Peak Hiring Seasons

All year round

Visa Info

Work visa

Typical Students

Business professionals, children

Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency

20,480 - 30,725 THB (400 - 600 GBP)

Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency

21,107 - 31,661 THB (650 - 900 GBP)

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