Thailand Expats

tommys93 · #1 20-04-2009, 05:37

is there any chance to teach english in thailand?
i am not native speaker but living in the us for 11 years
most of the schools looking for native speakers...too bad

seafox · #2 20-04-2009, 05:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommys93

is there any chance to teach english in thailand?
i am not native speaker but living in the us for 11 years
most of the schools looking for native speakers...too bad

Not a high paying job but if Alfie can do it most people can. 55555555

I am sure that someone with more knowledge of the requirements will steer you straight.

11 · #3 20-04-2009, 06:13

Your homework starts here ...

Teaching English in Thailand

jamus · #4 20-04-2009, 09:46

You say that you've been living in the US for 11 years so the first question is do you have a US passport? If you do then you will qualify as a native speaker.

tommys93 · #5 20-04-2009, 10:04

yes i do have a US passport...
and thank you guys for your help, i`m thinking about moving to LOS for a year or two...money is not the most important thing, all i need is to make enough to pay the rent, food, go out sometimes and dont use my US credit card too often...

jamus · #6 21-04-2009, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommys93

Yes I do have a US passport
Thank you guys for your help. I'm thinking about moving to LOS for a year or two. Money is not the most important thing all I need is to make enough to pay the rent, food, go out sometimes and not use my US credit card too often.

While your US passport will get you through the paperwork hoops convincing an employer of your English skills is another thing. I had a boss who would throw applications in the bin if there were basic grammatical errors.

I know this is only an internet forum but be careful.

jamus · #7 21-04-2009, 15:59

The next hurdle is qualifiactions. Ideally you need a Bachelors degree (in anything). While it's not impossible to find work without one it's more difficult and it's a very grey area legally.

I'd advise you do a 120 hour TEFL course as well.

Try Ajarn Forum - Living and Teaching In Thailand for more help.

aussie45 · #8 21-04-2009, 16:12

Is it possible to "teach" english in a local school? I'm not looking for any payment but would just like to help in a school perhaps where they do not have the ability to pay. I was thinking one or two weeks per year and not necessarily in a tourist area.

LivinLOS · #9 21-04-2009, 16:19

Problem is you cant legally work without a work permit.. That means volunteer work too..

And the work permit is non trivial to get.. So catch 22..

Dodger · #10 21-04-2009, 17:15

and 2 weeks of lessons will teach them very little??

steve w · #11 21-04-2009, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger

and 2 weeks of lessons will teach them very little??

wrong! easy to learn"you buy me dink" and" i lub you" and " my buffalo sick" in 2 weeks,innit

TheNewLife · #12 21-04-2009, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Problem is you cant legally work without a work permit.. That means volunteer work too..

And the work permit is non trivial to get.. So catch 22..

You said it. Can you get yourself a work permit? A work permit, for teaching, is going to mean that you have a degree. This can be worked out of course, but may require some "creative steps". If you are to be employed legally, be ready to show a degree in an education field, or something of equal value, a crime free history, and a school/company that is setting all of this up for you. You will need their information/support to help make the paper work slide right on through. Doing this on your own would be quite the task, and I would imagine it would not be worth it for only one year.

Coming over to teach English is a risky one, but if I were to do it I would get the TEFL and then show up and look for something. The odds of getting something before hand are low, but if you are here and can show some competency then you may have a chance. Start networking asap and be prepared to support yourself for the initial stage. It can be done, but should be planned out to the best of your ability.

One last, opinionated note, if you are not already TEFL certified there is a place in Phuket, Rawai more specifically, that does these courses. They do an online version as well. If you are interested I can give you my opinion/experience.

Good luck.

pawellech20 · #13 26-04-2009, 23:19

Hi.I am going to be prepared to Ielts exam by the end of this year and I hope that I will pass it.If I pass this exam I will start studying.I have not decided which country I choose yet.I have just started thinking of studying in Thailand,and on saturday and sunday I could teach English.As far as I remember,many people do this in LOS.Does anyone know how much study costs in Thailand?And If I passed Ielts would it be enough to teach english?

Thanks

LivinLOS · #14 27-04-2009, 08:47

Teaching english legally is a mon - friday type (or part time within that) job..

Many english teachers supplement thier income with freelance lessons on the side but these are not covered by the work permit..

Suggest ajarn.com etc..

marc26 · #15 27-04-2009, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawellech20

Hi.I am going to be prepared to Ielts exam by the end of this year and I hope that I will pass it.If I pass this exam I will start studying.I have not decided which country I choose yet.I have just started thinking of studying in Thailand,and on saturday and sunday I could teach English.As far as I remember,many people do this in LOS.Does anyone know how much study costs in Thailand?And If I passed Ielts would it be enough to teach english?

Thanks

are you fcuking kidding me?
how you suppose to teach english if you can't even write a paragraph yourself??

TheNewLife · #16 28-04-2009, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

are you fcuking kidding me?
how you suppose to teach english if you can't even write a paragraph yourself??

Practice what you preach.

TheNewLife · #17 28-04-2009, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawellech20

Hi.I am going to be prepared to Ielts exam by the end of this year and I hope that I will pass it.If I pass this exam I will start studying.I have not decided which country I choose yet.I have just started thinking of studying in Thailand,and on saturday and sunday I could teach English.As far as I remember,many people do this in LOS.Does anyone know how much study costs in Thailand?And If I passed Ielts would it be enough to teach english?

Thanks

That is a fairly broad question, and assuming you received any sort of response it would probably not be the norm.

Legally teach, no. Teach to people who pay very little for your time, maybe.

If you do go through with your plan, make sure you have some money to support yourself.

marc26 · #18 28-04-2009, 12:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewLife

Practice what you preach.

why, i don't propose going to teach kids
this isn't some joke people can do to appease their travel bug
these are kids that need to learn, it's not a joke

Denver · #19 28-04-2009, 12:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Teaching english legally is a mon - friday type (or part time within that) job..

Many english teachers supplement thier income with freelance lessons on the side but these are not covered by the work permit..

Suggest ajarn.com etc..

That is where the bulk of your income is derived if you are serious about trying to make a living at teaching in SEA or anywhere for that matter! IMHO.

It was this fact that turned many of the teachers I met in HCM off the idea eventually.

They wanted all the glitz and glamour of travelling but not willing to put in an eight our day at the poorly paid 'official' school post followed by three or four hours of 'one on one' teaching at night to boost their income to a 'livable' salary............these were the people who were 'qualified' and had been in the business for quite some time.

Not the 'fly by night' wannabees, who normally undo anything previously taught by 'qualified' TEFL tutors as they haven't the first clue as to what these kids need, are able to assimilate. Poorly turned out hippy types standing in front of a class of willing kids only to try 'cuffing' it with no lesson plans or training aids etc. I could go on and on ( I know I usually do!)

If I could warn parents with little money of the dangers of putting thier children in front of these people who would take their hard-earned cash for thier drinking and travel expenses then I would. I have in the past, quite vocally, if in that part of the world.

If you are serious, then contact TEFL in your part of the world (It isn't difficult) Speculate to accumulate by getting yourself taught formally how to teach and once 'up-to-speed' go out there and give it a try!

LivinLOS · #20 28-04-2009, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewLife

Practice what you preach.

Hes not considering teaching the subject tho is he ?

r3aps · #21 28-04-2009, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

this isn't some joke people can do to appease their travel bug
these are kids that need to learn, it's not a joke

unfortunately for most people going out there to teach it is a joke.they just want beer and bird money.
no thoughts for the kids at all.
steve

TheNewLife · #22 28-04-2009, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Hes not considering teaching the subject tho is he ?

5555555 nicely said.

My point being that when one calls out someone about anything, they should not be in the same boat. It is hypocritical, IMO.

This guy has a plan to do something and Marc26 is playing Debbie Downer even though he is no better. That is like me telling you how to live in LOS after being here for two weeks. That's my only point. It did not appear that he understood it, so at least someone did.

marc26 · #23 28-04-2009, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewLife

5555555 nicely said.

My point being that when one calls out someone about anything, they should not be in the same boat. It is hypocritical, IMO.

This guy has a plan to do something and Marc26 is playing Debbie Downer even though he is no better. That is like me telling you how to live in LOS after being here for two weeks. That's my only point. It did not appear that he understood it, so at least someone did.

why shouldn't i play Debbie Downer with someone that wants to teach thai kids English and can not even write a simple paragraph asking about the information? sorry, i have a step-son and a niece that i care about a lot, and although they are in schools that would not have english teachers, i do care about the quality of people coming to teach kids in Thailand and there intentions
again, i have no intentions of being an English teacher, so how am i being hypocritical?

nelsonone · #24 29-04-2009, 05:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewLife

Practice what you preach.

Thing is M26 is a "native" (sic....as the OP describes it) speaker of english (well US english anyway...555) but he's writing on a message board here....he could write English in a proper manner if he wanted to but as we all do in here....its a mix of shorthand and txt style stuff

to those who would like to teach english to non english speakers....whether "native" speakers or not.....follow the advice and do a TEFL course or similar....it will be the difference between being able to get a work permit and possible employment or not

Mai Chob · #25 29-04-2009, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

x(P)are you f x(sp)cuking kidding me?

x(P)how you suppose to teach english if you can't even write a paragraph yourself??

P=Punctuation
sp=spelling

I have spoken to you quite enough about your outbursts young man, let alone your gutter language!
Your spelling needs improvement, your punctuation even more so, report to Detention in Room 101 at the beginning of recess,
Miss Chob.

marc26 · #26 29-04-2009, 09:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mai Chob

P=Punctuation
sp=spelling

I have spoken to you quite enough about your outbursts young man, let alone your gutter language!
Your spelling needs improvement, your punctuation even more so, report to Detention in Room 101 at the beginning of recess,
Miss Chob.

that is some weird role playing, MC and i am quite uncomfortable with it, i must say 5555

and fcuk my outbursts, better to cull these guys just looking to waste these kid's time with my outbursts than appease them

by the way, this is obviously not aimed at all English teachers because i am sure there are plenty serious one's out there

nelsonone · #27 29-04-2009, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

that is some weird role playing, MC and i am quite uncomfortable with it, i must say 5555

and fcuk my outbursts, better to cull these guys just looking to waste these kid's time with my outbursts than appease them

by the way, this is obviously not aimed at all English teachers because i am sure there are plenty serious one's out there

still only 6/10 M26...555

Mai Chob · #28 29-04-2009, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

that is some weird role playing, MC and i am quite uncomfortable with it, i must say 5555

and fcuk my outbursts, better to cull these guys just looking to waste these kid's time with my outbursts than appease them

by the way, this is obviously not aimed at all English teachers because i am sure there are plenty serious one's out there

dun mine me i werea ninglish tesha wiv teful an degreez ina prevous life

landofsmiles · #29 29-04-2009, 13:55

Here's your first English lesson from the Master...Professor Stanley Unwin>>>

YouTube - Stanley Unwin - Goldyloppers and the Three Bearloaders

Jasetheace · #30 06-06-2009, 00:37

If you are serious about teaching english in Thailand you dont need a degree but it helps if you want a work permit. I would def recommend doing a tefl course. I found that requirements and how serious you are taken as a farang teacher varies from school to school but also found they take it more seriously in Bangkok than in Phuket which i always found ironic given Phuket is such a big tourist destination. I moved to Thailand in July 2004 and did a Tefl course at Patong language school, cost me around $1000 aud and was one month full time mon - fri, good course. It is not easy to get work in Phuket (esp if you are not an experienced teacher) however it is much easier in Bangkok. You will be expected to have a teaching degree but you can obtain fake ones easily enough in Bangkok (just dont go for the Khao san rd ones out of the folders as chances are you will be caught out). I myself got my first contract in Bangkok but eventually got a job in Phuket town later on only because I was recommended by a teacher who was well known in Phuket. If you dont have experience I would suggest starting off in Bangkok and getting some skills and experience under you belt. The most important attribute as with any job is attitude. If you are going to be paid more than the kids parents to stand up the front of a class and attempt to teach them something then at least put in the yards. This means preparing every night for the following days classes and genuinely wanting to teach them. You cant be an effective teacher if you are hungover everyday.. save that for the weekends. In closing as long as you are seen as a native speaker and are well presented (very important) you should get work in bangkok. Phuket you will need some contacts or good luck. PM me if you want any further info. All the best.

osmar · #31 07-06-2009, 10:37

You need that degree. Local educaton office, labour office, Thai Consulate where you get buisness visa and local immigration ofice will all want to see original copies and a recent cover leter from the University Registry stating it is genuine. You will also need a recent police clearance certificate. Those who say otherwise are either out of date or not "legaly" in the education buisness.

Jasetheace · #32 12-06-2009, 00:02

Yeah the degree makes it alot easier but when I was teaching not essential. Maybe this out of date as I finished teaching in Phuket in 2005. I worked for a reputable company which has branches all over Thailand and I only had the 30day tourist visa. Myself and all the other teachers I worked with had to do a visa run every 30days. When I started with them they asked for a copy of my degree, my fake one was good enough as they only photocopied it along with my (real) tefl cert. I was allocated a pratom school and started teaching straight away. I only left as the Tsunami closed the school for a while and i was being paid per lesson so was effectively out of work for a while and decided to return to the real world and earn some real money.
Maybe this has tightened up now?

Denver · #33 12-06-2009, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasetheace

Maybe this has tightened up now?

I, for one, certainly hope so.

osmar · #34 13-06-2009, 10:46

I know the truth/law as it stands at the moment, because I employ teachers.

Jasetheace · #35 09-08-2009, 01:22

Ok Osmar, update me mate as I would be interested to know if things have changed since I was teaching in LOS. I worked for two well known companies (Siam Computer & ECC). One of them required me to go through the process to obtain a work visa, one of them was happy to keep me on a tourist visa. As mentioned previously i was there in 2004/2005 so maybe things have changed.