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What qualifications and visa do I need to teach English in Bangkok?
May 21, 2020
6 years ago
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm looking into teaching English in Bangkok possibly next year and I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction of where to start. What's better to have under my belt TESL, TESOL or CELTA? Also what visa would be best to apply for? I'm considering doing this for a year. Thanks in advance.
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you're considering teaching English in Bangkok, it's important to have a recognized certification such as TESOL, TESL, or CELTA. Among these, CELTA is often recommended as it provides comprehensive training, especially for teaching adults, but it can be more intensive and expensive. Most schools will require a bachelor's degree for a work permit and usually organize your visa, which is often a Non-Immigrant B visa (business visa). It's advisable to apply directly to schools to avoid agents and contact them to confirm their requirements.
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Terary **********
When I did what you are planning I went through an agency. The deal was, I had to cough $600 (or so) to get started. They covered school (for me to get certified), food, lodging for 6 weeks (time to get certified), some other perks. I then was required to work for about 70% standard pay for 3 months.
The certification, accommodations cost more than the $600. The agency covers the difference and thats why I worked for 70% normal pay.
You will also need some money in the bank to to live off of until you get paid (6 weeks or so), and of course you cover the cost of travel.
PM me if you want more information.
The certification, accommodations cost more than the $600. The agency covers the difference and thats why I worked for 70% normal pay.
You will also need some money in the bank to to live off of until you get paid (6 weeks or so), and of course you cover the cost of travel.
PM me if you want more information.
Li ****
Tesol is cheap and easy to pass but Celta puts you in a good place if you want to think further than "just getting a job to teach" for one year if you see it as a long term career. Celta is harder and expensive in terms of assignments and exams, but you learn a lot and is preferred over tesol if they would want someone with substance. But if you just want to swing it and have a visa to stay in Thailand and it's just a temp experience, then tesol would be enough for Thailand.
Oliver ********
If you mean teaching English as a foreign language I think you just need to look foreign and have a pulse. I met a headmistress of a Thai school once. She asked me if I thought I would be a good teacher. I said no. She offered me a job.
Stan *******
That's about right. White with a pulse does it every time.
Reply to
Stan *******
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Jane ***********
I have CELTA and found a range of jobs in Thailand easily, from University to private tuition. Be aware most places want at least a year commitment and it’s hard work with long hours and poor pay.
Philip **********
Contact a school and see what requirements they want you to have. A school in China I applied to didn’t want me to have anything because they wanted to teach me how they wanted their students to be taught. Their only requirement was that I be a native English speaker. But it’s entirely up to you. You can take a TESOL or CELTA however it’s quite expensive and not necessary. Having said that. It would give you some tools on how to teach, complete lesson plans and speak in front of others.
Jane ***********
@Philip *********
very hard to get a decent job in Thailand without some kind of degree (needed for visa) and ESL qualificationReply to
Jane ***********
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James **************
You would need a degree ( in any subject) having a tefl helps aswell.
Search the website ajarn.com for jobs
Search the website ajarn.com for jobs
Alex **********
Great that you meet the govt requirements for obtaining a visa. Do you think you would do a good job at teaching grammar, syntax, and phonics? Would you be able to explain why to use a certain tense over another tense, and provide examples? If not, get ahead and research it before you try inserting yourself into childrens' potential livelihood. If you do, though, please DM.
Henry *********
CELTA is a TESL/TESOL course, run by Cambridge. It's the most internationally accepted TESL qualification. You can do it at IH in Bangkok. It's not really necessary for teaching in Thailand, particularly as it is for teaching English to adults, not kids. But it's a great course, especially if you've never taught before. It's not cheap, takes a month to complete and is intensive. You have to produce lesson plans, teach observed classes (and accept the feedback from your peers) and do written assignments.
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Stan *******
Go for CELTA so you have a better chance of teaching adults.
Avoid government schools.
Expect to work 7 days a week to make decent money.
Don’t believe anyone.
You’ll need a non-immigrant visa B (business)
Google and call the Hull Thai consulate website if you’re British which will set you on the right path.
I take it you’ve been to Thailand at least once before?
Avoid government schools.
Expect to work 7 days a week to make decent money.
Don’t believe anyone.
You’ll need a non-immigrant visa B (business)
Google and call the Hull Thai consulate website if you’re British which will set you on the right path.
I take it you’ve been to Thailand at least once before?
Phill ******
you wont get a non B visa until after you get the job , you need there company paper work to apply for the visa .
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@St**
thanks for your reply ! I've been there twice for 7 weeks in total and a beginner at speaking Thai. I'm Aussie and work my ass off already here. So looking for a short change of scenery. So the TESL course isn't appealing for adult learners? Reply to
Adam ******
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Garrett ***********
Hey Adam, in terms of getting a job they are all the same. The ministry of Labor requires a bachelor's degree for any foreign teacher to be issued a work permit. And TEFL (or tesol or celta or any of the other certs) are nice to have, but are all one in the same.
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gar****
thanks for your reply. I've got my bachelor's in nursing and will possibly have my TESL. Have a rough idea what the beginner noob teachers could make?? Reply to
Adam ******
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Phill ******
your visa and work permit would /should be organised by the school . best thing to do is apply directly to the schools . and avoid agents .
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ph***
they'll just want a piece of the pie. Thanks for the tip! Reply to
Adam ******
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