Educators who want to teach English in Thailand will find it a very enjoyable experience. The country offers residents promising teaching jobs in Thailand, but also an experience of a lifetime.
Teachers can experience the country’s rich culture and tradition and indulge in its world-famous, pristine beaches and tropical climate.
For teaching options, teacher’s salaries, and other essential information about teaching in Thailand, visit this page.
However, some things can only be applicable to the classroom, while there are other cultural standards and societal expectations in Thailand which should also be kept in mind. You must know the common practices in to avoid most challenges.
If you want to teach English in Thailand, here are some pointers that can help you.
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Take note that government schools offer a Monday-Friday teaching schedule. Language institutes may sometimes require you to work nights and weekends since most of the students are business professionals or students studying after school.
Native English speakers usually head schools and employ expatriates as teaching staff. If you are employed under a government school, you will be working under a director who speaks very little English.
If you want to expand your application and apply through a local website in Thailand, you can visit Ajarn or find teaching jobs in Thailand. The start of the school year is in May and ends in March. Students have a break in the months of October and April and other local holidays. Most schools hire a month before the term starts.
The average starting salary of teachers in Thailand is around 30,000 Thai Baht per month (about $1,000 USD). It’s more than enough to live with the necessary amenities and more than what local teachers earn in Thailand.
The cost of living in Thailand is not expensive. Even with a low pay-scale, you can live comfortably in Thailand.
You will need at least a four-year university, plus a TEFL or TESOL certificate (English teachers). Previous experience is preferred by most schools. However, it’s not a mandatory requirement. You would need a TEFL certification to teach English.
Remember that in Thailand, your shoulders should be covered. If wearing dresses, make sure it’s at least knee length. This is because Thais are fairly conservative in their dress standards. Male teachers are expected to wear full button-up shirts.
A sign of respect, ‘wai’ is used to greet people, bid farewell, apologise, give thanks, and in a whole host of other social situations. Learn how to return the gesture when someone performs “wai” to you. You should wai them first if he or she holds a higher position.
Before entering a home, office, or shops, it is customary to remove your shoes. Sometimes, you will be obliged to remove your shoes before stepping into the classroom.
Learning a few basic Thai phrases can help you survive your year teaching in Thailand. It can also be helpful in places where locals cannot speak any English.
The Thai way of life is not like Western – it’s more slow. Be patient and accept the differences. Don’t forget to have fun while working in this awesome country!
One useful tip is that Thais love to share food. They will go out of their way to find you some wonderful food that meets your needs. Take time every few days to grab some fruit from a local market or just pick up some treats that you can share at your school.
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The starting salary listed is the very bottom for what a university graduate can get. If you are a qualified teacher (with a teaching license/certification), it can be significantly higher - anywhere from 50,000 to 200,000 baht per month depending on your qualifications and the school. The top end is admittedly only offered by a very small number of the top international schools, but it's still possible. Thailand is a great place to be if you're a professional teacher!
By Daniel (Jan, 2019) |