Looking for advice in teaching in thailand ,
So I’m looking to pivot into teaching and I thought teaching english in thailand might be the easiest way to start considering my background isn’t in teaching or childcare- manufacturing/food/skincare, marketing/writing/startups mostly.
I also have an undergraduate degree in business and canadian citizenship so my first question is whether i’d need TEFL certification or even just a free course to understand the style of teaching.
Secondly which areas would be best to earn over 1000USD, and still be able to save a few hundred USD a month ? Also, as a first timer would it be better to go through a hiring agency or platform? (Or chain of known international schools)
Lastly is it better to secure the job & visa first, or visit thailand and get the job in person, and then change the visa from tourist to working after?
I know there are a lot of questions i’m probably missing but i’m hoping these will give me a clearer picture to start the process on my end.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on transitioning to teaching English in Thailand, highlighting concerns about needing TEFL certification, best regions for job opportunities and salary, whether to pursue job offers through agencies or directly, and the best approaches to securing a visa—whether to obtain a job and visa from abroad or to enter Thailand as a tourist first. Community responses suggest that a TEFL certification is beneficial, especially without teaching experience, with pay expectations ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 THB monthly, and recommend that applicants typically get jobs once in Thailand to ease the visa process. It's noted that most international schools prefer experienced teachers, and that the work environment can vary significantly.