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What do I need to know about teaching English and getting a work visa in Thailand?

Teaching English in Thailand Work visa for teachers Visa rules Job agencies in Thailand Teaching certifications International schools in Thailand English teaching requirements

Oct 12, 2023

3 years ago

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello all,

I’m moving to Thailand in December and I am hoping to teach English. 

I’ll be living in Jomtien area and I wanted some advice about teaching English in Thailand.

I have a degree and I’m from the UK, can anyone who has been an English teacher let me know how to:

1. Go about getting a job, are there agencies, if so contacts would be great?

2. Will schools help with getting at work visa?

Any other advice, from those with experience in this area would be great.

Many thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around moving to Thailand to teach English and the necessary steps to take, including job acquisition and visa requirements. Key points include the importance of schools in assisting with work visas, the need for a TEFL certification along with a degree, and various recommendations regarding job agencies versus direct school applications. It is highlighted that having relevant qualifications is crucial for securing a position in international schools, and most schools will require an employer to sponsor a work visa.

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Terary **********

Agencies pay crap. And they only pay crap eight months of the year. However, they can find you a job easily and they can work out your work visa. You need to be careful about the agreement you enter into. If you having a falling out with the school they can effectively boot you from the country. Once you are fired your work visa is invalid and you must leave the country quickly, a matter of days I don't recall, maybe one week.

I would try to find a agency that will provide you a 6 month contract if possible. 12 months is ok, if you going to be paid for the full 12 months. The idea here is to get into something short term until you figure out your best next move.

Once you are here you will develop contacts and have a better understanding of the job market, rules and options.

3 years ago

Terry ********

Use an agency as a last resort

3 years ago

Nick ********

I taught English for a year with an agency. Steve, if you want a quick start you can contact an agency and they will fill you in an open position. I had zero luck with direct to school applications 2 years ago. Turnover for teachers at schools that use agencies is quite high due to many factors. Agencies have pros and cons. In Bangkok with no experience you can expect 35-40 thousand. Not sure about Pattaya. Also it is very difficult to get a work visa with an agency as there is a lot of paperwork from many places needed. You will be asked to work on a tourist visa for the first couple months possibly. If you like the school and the agency is alright, you will really need to push them to get you a work visa. Also if they provide you with one. You will be expected to fulfill your contract. You also don't need a TEFL or an English degree. You will be expected to perform well though. You're going to want to post in the Facebook groups "teaching jobs in Thailand" and theres a couple other groups recruiters are looking at daily. They will contact you after you post.

3 years ago

Dennis *********

A bit confusing post. If you're moving to Thailand and planning to work/teach you're required to have the proper visa which you only get through your employer.

Teaching English even with an English degree you're most likely going to also need a TEFL certification which, at best will take many months to complete.

3 years ago

Bob ********

Send your CV to all the International Schools, much better salary and conditions than the state schools.

3 years ago

Christine *******

@Bob *******

International schools require you to have a RELEVANT degree. For example, to teach elementary, you need a degree in elementary education. To teach high school English, you need an English degree. Most schools won't even look at your CV unless you have teaching experience or, at the very least, student teaching or an internship completed.

3 years ago

Bob ********

@Christine ******

I am aware of this having taught at an International School in Thailand myself previously. The guy says he has a degree which is why I recommended what I did.

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Bob *******

he didn't say a degree in what. A degree is required to teach at any school in Thailand. That doesn't mean op has a relevant degree or teaching experience.

3 years ago

Mark *********

@Brandon ***********

In fact for serious international schools qualified teacher status from the home country is expected.

3 years ago

Reply to

Mark *********

Kool *******

This site is the main site dealing with everything teaching, and job listings.

Ajarn.com

3 years ago

Sophie *************

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3 years ago

Brandon ************

If the school doesn't help you get a work visa then you won't get one, since the only way to get a non-B visa and extension is with supporting documents from your employer.

3 years ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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