What do I need to know about teaching English in Thailand with a non-teaching background?

Jan 29, 2024
10 months ago
Donna *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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.
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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.
Ken ******
you probably know all the

pros including cheaper

housing N living cost, friendly people,

and culture. As to the cons, air quality,

floods, public road safety

and road/ pavement conditions

need your attention (just

look up internet for more info/details).

Air quality can be checked

real time downloading

some apps. For long

stayers, there are some

reporting requirements

such as 90days report on

residence, which is not very

convenient. Starting this

year, new tax on remitted

income earned abroad , could have some tax implication for monthly remittance
Ken ******
i mean expatden.com
Ken ******
browse Expats in Thailand
Jorge ****
The ad below is for a past job opportunity teaching at a university, but it is a typical example of what is available. Also try the "Dave's ESL Cafe" website. By the way, foreign teacher's pay may seem peanuts in comparison to western standards, but the minimum wage here is just over $300 US/mo. Foreign teachers usually make 3 to 5 times more than that. And >10x at an intl school.
Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
I would love to teach in Thailand too, but that “not over 50” seems to be the thing preventing me from doing so.
Jorge ****
@Ruth ******
that's one school. Some others are not that strict. Then TIT, if they need you, they'll bend their "rules". Good luck!
Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
I’ve seen the age requirement a lot. What is TIT (teach in Thailand?)?
Jorge ****
@Ruth ******
This Is Thailand. You'll be surprised to see how fluid the situation can be. I had many a coversation at coffee shops with expats. One of the teachers was 70. If I remember, you are female and from Canada. That nearly overqualifies you.
Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
just a bit south of Canada, but I lived in Seattle. Is that close enough :-)?
Jorge ****
@Ruth ******
both teachers and schools would like for the applicant to meet the highest qualifications, doctoral degree in English and Post Graduate Cert in Ed., PGCE. Both are very difficult to find in one person, and such person would be teaching at Oxford earning Google $, not in LOS for peanuts. The bachelor's degree is a government requirement for the work permit. Schools will accept a 6 week TEFL training certificate in place of the PGCE. The school may even help waive the local teaching permit by asking for waivers from the Ed ministry or whatever. The above represents a facade. Now, ideal requirements aside (and at the expense of ruffling a few feathers by exposing this), the schools really are looking for young beautiful non-colored females, skinny and without tatoos, who can put up an entertaining act in front of the kids, and keep them entertained till lunch time. The most important part is for the teaching to be fun and lively, as the kids (and school staff) must be happy happy. Remember the happy happy mantra while in LOS. Also the word "edutainment".

From the teachers who were fuming at the coffee shop after being dismissed, I gather the following: they were serious, they lectured, were grammar heavy, mean, authoritarian, said "no" to management, even if only once, and would you believe, the kids complained the teacher did not smile. They also did not introduce games, singing of songs, etc. In other words, they bored the kids to tears. Some teachers complained of lack of respect, expectation of attendace to weekend activities with no pay, and total disregard to follow up on immigration visa renewals, 90 address reporting, housing issues, etc.

Please note that teaching English outside an English speaking country bears very little resemblance to the usual English class we had in high school and college in the US, CAN, UK, etc. This is one of the reasons for the TEFL course. Obviously experience in other fields, commercial or academic is of little use. They want and value outside appearances, not academic knowledge. If you look and act the part, you qualify. And yes, if you are not of color, you may be asked to stand at the school main gate in the morning to show they have foreign teachers. No joke.
Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
I’m going to pm you
Jorge ****
Diane **********
Take a Google look what skilled jobs are wanted in Thailand as well as ' international" jobs for companies that might need your experience.
Al ****
You can try teaching online to get some experience . Youre a native English speaker with a degree , you could find work online to help you get started . Lots of teaching English videos on YouTube you can learn from as well . A lot of English learning games and activities you can use.
Henry *********
TEFL qualification not required, but if you've never taught grammar and pronunciation before, it's a good idea to do a course.
Richard *******
I make 30k, no tefl, as a native speaker from USA with a bachelor’s degree. I got my first position through CIEE and then hired directly with schools here after my first semester
Fra *****
You will be paid somewhere between 15k to 25k , plus you pay for visa , workpermit and taxes monthly about monthly 6k to 8k
Madz ******
If you have no teaching experience, international schools will be extremely tough. You will / should need a TEFL, your degree cert and transcripts and some experience of working with children.

Money wise will vary a lot, but it's not usually well paid - completely manageable don't get me wrong and some schools do pay well, but usually to actual trained, experience and qualified teachers. I taught pre-K through to high school, in an international school, did extra tutoring, planned the majority of the curriculum for English, so good work is out there for qualified people 🙏🏽
John **********
Always better and easier to get a job here and they will help you get the visa. As to jobs and salaries take a look at ajarn.com and you'll get a good idea of what is on offer
Graham *******
I think u need the TEFL and also a teaching permit. If no experience, you may well not get paid much and there will be little job security.
Donna *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham ******
thanks just trying to get info so tefl is the way to go 😁
John *******
@Donna ******
Try a University. No teaching cert required. U have to apply in person as job offers are usually in Thai. Free electric and water. Can live on campus for less than 5000 baht per month. They will not show you all of the benefits until aftet you visit them and go through the interview.
Graham *******
@Donna ******
search teaching groups, I was a teacher in China, do not think that if u open your mouth, you are a teacher.
Damo ***********
@Graham ******
exactly what the Thai kids need 🤦🏼‍♂️ person more interested in the $ rather than the standard of teaching and learnings they can pass on to the kids ☹️
Ruth *******
@Damo **********
some people are capable of teaching without a teaching degree or training. I have over a decade of teaching experience and I’ve never been taught to teach (although I have taught others to do so).
Damo ***********
@Ruth ******
and others are unable to do what you have explained 🤷🏽‍♂️
Ruth *******
@Damo **********
yes. Not everyone can teach, even those who are taught to do so :-). I had numerous teachers throughout my schooling who had no place being in those positions.
Richard *******
Good questions 😊
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