Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand

If you're seeking an exciting experience and a chance to make a beneficial difference, becoming an English instructor in Thailand could be the perfect opportunity for you.

To begin with, what makes Thailand an appealing destination?

Essentially, it's an exquisite nation with a vibrant heritage and welcoming locals. The cuisine is exceptional, the coastlines are breathtaking, and there's an abundance of activities to suit all preferences. Additionally, the living expenses are substantially lower than those in the West, meaning you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still managing to save money.

Let's investigate the experience of teaching English in Thailand and why it could be an ideal chance for you.

Teaching English in Thailand is a special and fulfilling opportunity that offers various advantages. Among these benefits is the chance to fully engage with the local culture. By teaching in Thailand, you will have the opportunity to learn about Thai traditions and customs, savor the delectable local cuisine, and discover the many wonderful things that this stunning country has to offer. Not only will you be able to experience a new culture, but you will also be able to form lasting connections with the local people.

Getting to know new people is one of the advantages of teaching in Thailand. Regardless of whether you're teaching in a public or private language school, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with instructors from various parts of the globe. You'll also have the chance to build relationships with your students who are frequently enthusiastic about learning and interested in getting to know you.

Food glorious food. Thai cuisine is widely known for its distinctive tastes, which include a blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors. If you work as a teacher in Thailand, you will have numerous chances to sample various foods and diversify your taste preferences. Whether you eat at a modest food cart or a sophisticated eatery, you are bound to discover something that delights your palate.

Teaching in Thailand can be a wonderful opportunity to create a beneficial effect on others' lives. By assisting your students in enhancing their English proficiency, you will equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in their academic and career pursuits. Moreover, you will contribute to narrowing the cultural divide and fostering harmony and amicability between individuals from diverse regions of the globe.

What difficulties arise when teaching in Thailand?

Undoubtedly, being an English teacher in Thailand has its difficulties, and it's not always easy-going and trouble-free. You'll have to overcome various obstacles while teaching in Thailand.

Teaching in Thailand can be challenging due to the language barrier. Although some Thai people speak English, not all are proficient, making it difficult to communicate inside and outside the classroom. Nevertheless, with persistence, determination, and an eagerness to learn, you can conquer this obstacle and enjoy a gratifying teaching experience.

Getting a work visa and completing the necessary paperwork can be a challenging aspect of teaching in Thailand. The process can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it is essential to work legally in the country. Fortunately, many schools and language centers in Thailand have experience in guiding foreign teachers through the visa process and can offer support to make it easier.

Classroom management can be difficult, even in your home country, and it can be particularly challenging in Thailand due to cultural and language differences. Setting clear rules and expectations from the outset and being patient and adaptable as you get to know your students is crucial.

Adapting to local culture is crucial when traveling to a new country, especially when the culture is vastly different from what you are used to. In the case of Thailand, the country's unique customs and traditions should be respected and observed to avoid offending the locals.

How to apply for a teaching job in Thailand?

The process of applying for a job as an English teacher in Thailand is not very complicated, however, there are some requirements that you should fulfill before you begin the application process.

Here are a few requirements to become a teacher in Thailand:

Firstly, you need to possess a bachelor's degree in any subject. Secondly, being a native English speaker is preferred by many schools. While having a TEFL certification is not mandatory, it is preferable. It can give you an edge in securing the job and help you prepare for teaching English to non-native speakers.

If you are not a native speaker, you should have a TOEIC score of 750 or higher. Non-native speakers can find work in Thailand too. In fact, there are 40% more Filipino teachers employed in Thailand than western teachers. There are other nationalities teaching in Thailand too. Most non-native teachers teach subjects e.g. ICT, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, and Science.

If you do not have a TEFL certification, you can take a course online or in-person. The course typically takes about four weeks, and it includes both theory and practical training, which will give you an idea of what to expect in the classroom. Online degrees, diplomas, and certificates are not accepted as legal documents needed to apply for a teacher’s license and a work permit in Thailand, only the original degree with original transcripts is. A TESOL or a TEFL certificate is not a legal requirement to teach in Thailand.

Teaching in Thailand may pose some difficulties, however, it can also bring about great satisfaction. The students are enthusiastic about learning and usually display a high level of respect. You will have the chance to teach various age groups, ranging from young kids to grown-ups.

In Thailand, the approach to teaching is usually more relaxed compared to Western nations, providing you with a significant amount of independence in your classroom. Although this can be challenging to adapt to if you're accustomed to a more organized teaching setting, it also allows you the flexibility to be innovative and experiment with new teaching methods in your class.

It is important to remember that Thai schools have high standards for their teachers. This means that you will need to dress professionally and arrive on time every day, as well as take part in school events and extracurricular activities.

There are various opportunities to teach English in different locations throughout Thailand, and the following are some of the most prevalent positions available:

Teaching English in Thailand can be done in public schools, which are known for their organization and structure compared to private language schools. Working in public schools provides a stable job with a predetermined schedule and curriculum. It's a popular choice among English teachers who want a reliable income. These schools hire foreign teachers to teach English to students from kindergarten to high school, aiming to enhance their language skills.

Working in a public school in Thailand means you'll be in a well-structured and organized work environment. You'll be given a predetermined curriculum to follow, and there will be strict teaching standards to adhere to. This is an ideal option for individuals who prefer a conventional educational atmosphere.

One of the benefits of teaching in a public school is job security. Government-funded public schools need a certain number of foreign teachers every year, which means that once you're hired, you'll have a stable job for the entire academic year. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to teach students from diverse age groups, ranging from young children to teenagers, which can be a rewarding experience that allows you to make a significant impact on their lives.

You can also find work at one of the many private bilingual schools scattered around the country. The pay is often much better than the pay at government schools and the head of the department is almost always a foreigner. Thai bilingual schools are known to hire many non-native-speaking teachers to teach subjects.

A popular choice for teaching English in Thailand is working at a private language school. These schools are smaller and more flexible than public schools, and teach students of all ages. Private language schools offer more flexibility in terms of teaching hours and curriculum, allowing you to create your own lesson plans and tailor your teaching style to the needs of your students. However, working in a private language school may be less stable than working in a public school, as they are run as businesses and may be subject to changes in ownership, management, or enrollment, requiring you to be more proactive in finding new teaching opportunities.

If you're seeking a more challenging and fulfilling teaching experience, consider working at an international school, which are commonly located in major cities and have a diverse student population from different parts of the world. Compared to public or private language schools, these institutions maintain high academic standards and might require additional qualifications or experience from their teachers. However, they also offer better compensation and perks. One benefit of teaching at an international school is the chance to collaborate with enthusiastic students who are eager to learn and with other international teachers, which can boost your professional development and networking opportunities.

Living in Thailand offers a unique and exceptional experience, thanks to its exquisite natural beauty ranging from verdant forests in the north to clear waters in the south. The cuisine is delectable and inexpensive, and there is always something to keep you entertained.

For most English teachers in Thailand, the salary may be modest, unless they’re working at one of Thailand’s top-tier international schools of course.

The cost of living is significantly lower than in Western countries, ensuring you can live comfortably. Furthermore, the rent, food, and transportation are also affordable. Besides, there are numerous opportunities to travel within Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, with low-cost flights and accessible train and bus services to nearby locations.

Here are some pieces of advice that could assist you in achieving success if you are thinking about teaching English in Thailand:

To communicate effectively with locals and navigate daily life in Thailand, it is useful to learn some basic Thai vocabulary and phrases. Embracing Thai culture by trying local food, participating in festivals and events, and learning about customs and traditions is important.

Patience is key while teaching in Thailand, and staying positive can make a significant difference in students' lives. It is important to stay organized and keep track of all paperwork during the visa and work permit process. Networking with other teachers within the large expat community in Thailand can be beneficial in terms of advice, support, and job opportunities.

--------------------------------------

Blog by Kru Jackie

--------------------------------------

Note that the author of the blog is expressing personal thoughts and musings, which do not necessarily reflect those of KruTeacher. Therefore, KruTeacher.com cannot be held responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may be present in the blog.