Teach English in Thailand

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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.

In Thailand, there are about 35,000 temples. In order to visit the temples you must wear modest clothing, which means no shorts or sleeveless shirts. One of Bangkok's largest and oldest temples is Wat Phra Chetuphon. This temple complex is home to a massive 46-metre-long reclining, gold Buddha and also holds the most Buddha images in Thailand.

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.

The school year begins in May and ends in March, with breaks in October and April, plus several local holidays. The majority of hiring is usually the month before each term, but it takes place year-round. Most schools and agencies will allow teachers to sign only a six-month contract, so if a short-term option appeals to you, Thailand is a wonderful place to start.

Government schools offer a Monday-Friday teaching schedule with very little obligations on nights and weekends, and the opportunity to celebrate all local, public holidays. Language institutes often pay higher, but require you to work nights and weekends because the majority of students are business professionals or students studying after school.

We also have a Thailand Internship that is open to anyone who has enrolled on our TEFL courses and meets the requirements listed for the opportunity.

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 required3-12 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)
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)

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