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Can I teach dance in Thailand without a degree?
Thailand visaNon-B visaWork permitTeaching regulations in ThailandDance teachingTEFLTeaching without a degreeExpat life in ThailandEmployment for expats in Thailand
Jun 6, 2023
3 years ago
Darcy *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, this may be a bit of a long shot but I’m hoping someone can help.
I am moving to Thailand soon from the uk and want to work teaching dance classes for children and adults. This is my full time job in England and I do it as a freelancer.
I think for this I need a Non B and work permit however it’s unclear if I would need a teaching license too. I have seen you need a Degree to teach. Which unfortunately I don’t have. I studied a degree but was unable to finish it so only have a level 4 certificate for the time I completed.
All the information I find online and YouTube seems to contradict other things people are saying. Lots of people have said you can teach without a degree- getting a TEFL etc.
It’s also unclear if needing a degree is mandatory if the employer doesn’t mind that you don’t have one.
I have a potential job offer but unsure if not having the degree will complicate things.
I have also seen you can teach in schools without a degree if you work as a ‘classroom assistant’.
And I’m hoping subjects that are not necessarily mandatory to learn (like sports after school clubs or diving, or dancing for example) maybe a degree is not necessary.
So does anyone know if I can work as a dance teacher/instructor without a degree? And the best way to apply for my visa and permits.
Is my best option to complete a tefl?
Would a strong Cv and testimonies help towards getting a permit as a teacher?
I have over 7 years experience teaching all ages and putting on performances and have worked for Netflix, music videos and choreographed dance for tv programmes. I also have experience teaching dance for people living with dementia and I am also trained to teach specialist dance classes to help ease and improve symptoms for people who have Parkinson’s and would love to run classes for anyone who could benefit from them.
I only mention the above in case experience can count towards anything and perhaps I will be allowed to teach if I can offer something different that not many are doing.
Thanks for any help. 😄
I am moving to Thailand soon from the uk and want to work teaching dance classes for children and adults. This is my full time job in England and I do it as a freelancer.
I think for this I need a Non B and work permit however it’s unclear if I would need a teaching license too. I have seen you need a Degree to teach. Which unfortunately I don’t have. I studied a degree but was unable to finish it so only have a level 4 certificate for the time I completed.
All the information I find online and YouTube seems to contradict other things people are saying. Lots of people have said you can teach without a degree- getting a TEFL etc.
It’s also unclear if needing a degree is mandatory if the employer doesn’t mind that you don’t have one.
I have a potential job offer but unsure if not having the degree will complicate things.
I have also seen you can teach in schools without a degree if you work as a ‘classroom assistant’.
And I’m hoping subjects that are not necessarily mandatory to learn (like sports after school clubs or diving, or dancing for example) maybe a degree is not necessary.
So does anyone know if I can work as a dance teacher/instructor without a degree? And the best way to apply for my visa and permits.
Is my best option to complete a tefl?
Would a strong Cv and testimonies help towards getting a permit as a teacher?
I have over 7 years experience teaching all ages and putting on performances and have worked for Netflix, music videos and choreographed dance for tv programmes. I also have experience teaching dance for people living with dementia and I am also trained to teach specialist dance classes to help ease and improve symptoms for people who have Parkinson’s and would love to run classes for anyone who could benefit from them.
I only mention the above in case experience can count towards anything and perhaps I will be allowed to teach if I can offer something different that not many are doing.
Thanks for any help. 😄
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by an expat moving from the UK to Thailand wishing to teach dance classes. The poster is uncertain about visa requirements, specifically whether a Non-B visa and work permit are needed without holding a degree, as contradictory information exists regarding the necessity of a degree for teaching. Respondents highlighted the importance of securing a job offer first, mentioned potential teaching roles, and shared insights about the legalities surrounding work permits and visas in Thailand, emphasizing that without a degree, obtaining a work permit could be difficult.
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Leo ******
You shouldn't have trouble finding work in Thailand as a freelancer..
Darcy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leo *****
thank you, do you know if I can apply for my own work permit through my freelance business? I’m unsure how I could work as a freelancer but will do some research now 😇Tulip ********
@Darcy ********
I fear his remark is meant as a joke. Freelancer is a term some expats use to describe women who sell them selves privately rather than out of a bar. Ignore the creeps. And the creep.Darcy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tulip *******
ah yes, clearly I misunderstood and thought it was a comment actually offering help 😅 never mind! And thanks Tulip xLeo ******
@Tulip *******
Yeah each to their own... I'm a freelancer and I'm not a woman who sells her body... Maybe for you.Reply to
Leo ******
Reply
James **************
No degree no WP
Rod *********************
🤣yeah right good luck
Bonnie *********
Get the correct visa.
VaiAna **********
Before moving , learn the law of Thailand first . Of course anyone can move to Thailand and I have also met a lot of expats that freelance and work under the table ( illegally ) . When Immigration showed up and they did once in a while they all scurried away like rats .
Jean ************
It depends on where and which class you will teach. Normally, you need a degree to apply for a visa, but it can also be waived in some cases. There are loads of dancing school here, many of them are successful too.
Would a strong Cv and testimonies help towards getting a permit as a teacher?
It won't have an impact on the visa decision from the immigration, because it's your employer who will issue the letter of request (in theory, requesting you as a teacher). but it will have an impact on decision of your future employer for giving you a job of course.
Wish you all the best.
Would a strong Cv and testimonies help towards getting a permit as a teacher?
It won't have an impact on the visa decision from the immigration, because it's your employer who will issue the letter of request (in theory, requesting you as a teacher). but it will have an impact on decision of your future employer for giving you a job of course.
Wish you all the best.
Kisma ******
Get police check, enter as Tourist, find an employer, get a job contract (probably with language school or rural) visit Thai embassy in Lao, re-enter with B visa, get work permit, no degree?: good luck, as you'll need it!
Dianne *****
The problem you will face is that some jobs (if you are working in Thailand legally) are preserved for Thai people only. Not sure if dance teacher is a job that a Thai person can not do? English teacher is definitely a job that a foreigner can do legally, but to work legally as a teacher you need to have a bachelor degree ie to get a work permit. And as others have intimated you can probably teach dance or work as a teacher without a work permit and get away with it, or get deported your own cost. Or you could study Thai on an education visa and be in Thailand legally
Mark *********
@Dianne ****
In Thailand legally but not work - at anything - legally.Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Jessica ********
I would consider contacting dance academies directly, I know there are several in Phuket for example. The well established ones might hire foreign teachers and the paperwork for a work permit would probably be different than if you were applying for a teaching job through a school, where you are meant to have a degree by law. However, as you said there are some schools who can process your work permit as a Teaching Assistant, but it's not a guarantee. With a lot of experience under your belt it's a good idea to contact schools directly with a cover letter explaining your situation, but don't be disheartened if some don't respond due to not having a degree. It sounds like you've already done a lot of research and a school or academy would be lucky to have you! Don't listen to people commenting who clearly have no idea what they're talking about 🙄. Good luck!
Darcy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jessica *******
that’s really helpful thank you! 🥰Reply to
Darcy *********
Reply
Jamie ********
Hi
I have a lot of friends in Bangkok and other provinces who are teachers and they are very well paid. Some of them have degrees and some don’t. There’s a lot of international schools in Bangkok and some schools like St Andrews have a special needs department and do dance lessons. There’s a lot of opportunities here for good teachers. I would recommend applying and showing your experience as that sometimes works more in your favour than a bit of paper to say what qualifications you have. Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it, just apply for the roles and cross the bridges when you get to them. The schools will take care of your work permit and visa so you don’t need to worry about that. Good luck and wish you all the best 🤞🏻
@Darcy ********
, Don’t take any notice of most of these comments. There’s a lot of negative and clueless comments here. I have a lot of friends in Bangkok and other provinces who are teachers and they are very well paid. Some of them have degrees and some don’t. There’s a lot of international schools in Bangkok and some schools like St Andrews have a special needs department and do dance lessons. There’s a lot of opportunities here for good teachers. I would recommend applying and showing your experience as that sometimes works more in your favour than a bit of paper to say what qualifications you have. Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it, just apply for the roles and cross the bridges when you get to them. The schools will take care of your work permit and visa so you don’t need to worry about that. Good luck and wish you all the best 🤞🏻
Darcy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie *******
thank you so much! Really appreciate it 🥰Kool *******
@Darcy ********
understand that now you can not get a work permit to teach without a certified as being real university BA degree at the very least. This was changed about a year before covid, and those teaching before this were grandfathered in and still allowed to teach without a degree, but any new teachers must have a university degree. There are no exceptions, unless you happen to be an internationally known professional, and even then it is difficult. You can not get a type B visa, or a work permit, without a job first. You could open up your own business, but to do that you must have at least bt2million in registered capital, and hire at least 4 Thai employees. Now, you might find a way around this if you quit calling yourself a teacher, and start using the term "athletic trainer in dance". Using the same premise as a workout trainer at a gym. They do not need a university degree. Also, any TEFL course does you no good at all without a certified as real university degree. This "certified as real" degree was put in place to stop those simply buying a degree on KhaoSan Road. The Labour department isn't stupid. They know all the tricks people try. Good luck, but you're trying to fight an uphill battle. No degree equals no work permit to teach.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Ian *********
@Jamie *******
agree. I’m not a teacher, but have worked in industry in Thailand for more than 10 years. Too many people on here giving ‘advice’, but never actually worked in Thailand!!Reply to
Ian *********
Reply
Victor ***********
Either through an employer or setup a firm accordingly. Via agents, company setup is about 155,000 baht for setup. 50k or so a year to keep it going. Is not a task for the under prepared. Check out Integrity Legal.
****************************
Jeffrey **********
@Victor **********
Seems like rabbit pulled from a hat numbersReply to
Jeffrey **********
Reply
Bob **********
You’ll need the job and paperwork from an employer before you can start the visa process and hoping your not doing this for income you’ll need to live in Thailand good luck
Tulip ********
Getting a TEFL is easy online for someone with your ability. Lots of schools would be lucky to get you. Best wishes
Tulip ********
Of course I know that, but there's little chance of a full time dance role in the average Thai school. But it could be an extra offered beyond a TEFL job, that would enable her to do what she loves and maybe build on that.
Jeffrey **********
@Tulip *******
TEFL would be worthless in this situation because she wants to teach dance not EnglishReply to
Jeffrey **********
Reply
Pete ********
It really can be quite complicated here in ways to be honest but def not impossible provided you meet the various criteria.s. Just want to wish you the best of luck in your efforts & hope it all works out for you😇
James **********
You say you have a potential job offer. I suggest you ask them about you working legally and your visa.
Andy **********
@James *********
what's a potential job offer. You either have a job offer or you don't.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Us *****
I am going to keep it real. There is no money in teaching dance here in Thailand. You will be living in proverty and good luck finding a company to support your visa. I have a degree in dance but I work in finance. But please do come and teach dance for free and spead your knowledge if you don't have to worry about money.
Us *****
I forgot that you cannot volunteer here for free.
Jeffrey **********
@Us ****
You can volunteer for free however you still need the proper Visa and the proper work permitReply to
Jeffrey **********
Reply
Mark *********
@Us ****
Technically even for free would require a work permit.Jim ********
@Us ****
I think this is probably the best answer here. I mean it is not impossible in theory but you would need a miracle.Brett **********
@Jim *******
you'd still need a work permit even doing it for free as you'd potentially be taking work away from a ThaiReply to
Brett **********
Reply
Will ************
At present you will be in for a very big shock with the actual requirements and paperwork required to get your visa and job. Plus the fact your pay will just about cover your living costs.
John ********
I believe that you will have to apply for an job outside of Thailand and your new employer will have to do the paperwork for you, I think the best way forward is to start with a job as school teacher teaching English but you will need to be able to speak thai as well as getting a job in Thailand with the paperwork, getting the TEFL would help.
Once you are here in a job you can look into the job you really want to do
Good luck
Once you are here in a job you can look into the job you really want to do
Good luck
Jeffrey ************
@John *******
You do not need to speak Thai.John ********
@Jeffrey ***********
ok but it would help himJamie ********
@John *******
*herJohn ********
@Jamie *******
you can't be sure about that today 🤣Jamie ********
@John *******
sounds like you’ve spent too much time hanging around the ladyboy bars in Nana you moronFrank **********
@Jamie *******
I think John Harper must be drinking, 555.John ********
@Jamie *******
have a good look in the mirror if you're talking about a moronJamie ********
@John *******
brilliant come back, well done 👏🏼Reply to
Jamie ********
Reply
Av **********
For teaching you have to have a BA
Jeffrey **********
@Av *********
incorrectJamie ********
@Av *********
No you don’t. 😤Reply to
Jamie ********
Reply
John *****
I think your main concern shd be who will be hiring you and apply for yr Non B and work permit
Peter *********
Wow before your book your flight suggest you look into Thailands visas as not a simple process
Darcy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
thanks, I have been looking and researching and know the requirements for the type of visas but still feeling a bit unsure if I can be accepted (with the information I gave above) which is why I wanted to ask for advice here😇 it’s very complicated isn’t itPeter *********
@Darcy ********
I am afraid it is if over 50 years of age a bit simplerReply to
Peter *********
Reply
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