Answered4 months ago
Is it easier to get an English teaching job in Thailand while already there, and how do I transition from a tourist visa to a teaching visa?
Hello 👋 I wanted to ask for some advice. I applying to schools in Thailand to be an English teacher, I have my TEFL and a bachelor’s degree so I do have the requirements.
I heard that it is easier to obtain a teaching job while you’re in Thailand, rather than coming from your country (USA). Is this true? I know they visa free for tourist have recently changed from 30 from. 60 days. Would it be an easy process to go from tourist visa to the visa required for teaching?
I heard that it is easier to obtain a teaching job while you’re in Thailand, rather than coming from your country (USA). Is this true? I know they visa free for tourist have recently changed from 30 from. 60 days. Would it be an easy process to go from tourist visa to the visa required for teaching?
Answer summary
The post discusses the process of securing an English teaching position in Thailand, highlighting the belief that it's easier to find jobs while residing in Thailand rather than applying from abroad. The individual has the necessary qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification. However, comments advise caution, noting that many schools may not assist with visa processes, and emphasize the importance of verifying the school's credibility. There are discussions about visa requirements and working conditions, including the common transition from a tourist visa to a work visa—suggesting it often requires leaving the country. Various personal experiences and advice on pay rates and local job markets are shared, indicating that salaries in Thailand are generally lower than in Western countries.
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James *******
Visa Exempt is Still 60 days for citizens of the USA
Ian **********
There are 'Teaching in Thailand' groups on FB where you will get good advice
Anthony ******************
Not sure a tefel qualification is sufficient. Talk to your employer and a lawyer.
Mike ******
'I applying to schools'; 'I know they visa free'; 'rom 30 from. 60 days.' - they will require a higher standard of English expression than this.
Jason ****************
I've taught here for 10 years now. Government schools usually pay 30k. Private around 35k and international 42 to 60k
Lisa *********
If you apply for a teaching position in Thailand you will get local rates. If you apply for a post from your own country, you're more likely to get paid rates that are much higher. Local teaching pay is peanuts!
James *******
**********************
Hanine *********
OPJames Smith thank you!!!
David **********
Be very careful about the school.you go with. Many will ask you to start without a visa, promising to do it later. Not only is this illegal but often, the visa never comes. If there is a problem, you will be at fault rather than the school. Look for a decent salary but also at the hours and working conditions. Talk to someone who works there or uses to work there first. Edit: I mean work.permit never comes not visa
Nongnuch ********
David Williams it is not the "visa that never comes". It is the WORK PERMIT that never comes
David **********
Nongnuch Kamdee correct, thats what I meant to say
Hanine *********
OPDavid Williams thank you so much! I’ll definitely keep that in mind, and I’d definitely wouldn’t want to work without any proper visa
David **********
@Hanine ********
no worries. You will find the hours are long and salaries very low compared to western schools.Hanine *********
OPDavid Williams Ive worked a lot in nonprofit, so I’m used to working long hours. I’m aware the salaries will be less, but the cost of living is also not as high like the west so hopefully everything will workout just fine!
Christer *****
Try kruteacher.com or the many teaching in Thailand groups on FB. They usually wants you to be a native speaker.
Hanine *********
OPChrister Bau born and raised in America, I’m a native speaker!
Christer *****
@Hanine ********
sometimes I wonder about that requirement. Many people from "Aw-stry-ya" or "Murica" are hardly teacher material.Donna **********
We're coming back to Thailand after a year away and the first time we entered was through covid and you did not need to leave the country and we're hearing from the same school that we worked at previously that this time around that you have to leave the country in order to switch your visas. And it also seems like they're requiring a bit more details and the Visa process than they did during covid.
Hanine *********
OPDonna Olivares thank you! that’s good to know! I do know that once you are a teacher you have to leave the country every 90 days and come back
Donna **********
@Hanine ********
no not for an American. You have to report every 90 days and that's done virtually unless you leave the country and then within your first 90 days after leaving the country you have to report physically. Every Foreigner has to report every 90 days but it's done virtually.Donna **********
@Hanine ********
or he was a teacher and he didn't leave within the few days they give you after his contract expired... if you don't renew your contract you have to leave very quickly.Hanine *********
OPDonna Olivares ohhhh! I didn’t now that! I heard of a teacher that got arrested bc he didn’t leave, I’m guessing he didn’t report online either
Andi ***********
The school helps with the visa process so it's not that hard to switch.
Hanine *********
OPAndi Traveller i heard that it depends on the schools, not all schools help you with visa requirements! some that i applied to mentioned that there is no visa assistance
Andi ***********
@Hanine ********
The school needs to provide paperwork to submit to immigration if they are sponsoring your visaHanine *********
OPAndi Traveller that’s good to know!
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