LINKS: Jobs and all info: www. ajarn.com Teaching in Thailand Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/191266720914268 Worksheets: en.islcollective.com/ PDFs of many popular textbooks: [you'll need to subscribe to the downloading site for $25] frenglish.ru/ Mooncake English Channel: ru-vid.comvideos Apartment rentals of all budgets: www.renthub.in.th/en
I'm looking for a ESL teaching job in Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, japan . I'm a non native speaker but i don't have a English language proficiency certificate ilets or tofel , i don't have strong Indian accent and my major is not education it's bachelor of science in nursing and i did free TEFL certification in online. I would like to know is there any schools hire without IELTS and another question is as you recommended that TEFL program is it still available. Thanks in advance sir 🌻
I was hired to work at one of the best schools in the country. Salary, housing allowance, insurance and if you worked the "summer " holiday session then you got paid time off in the "fall" holiday. The students came from mostly high-so Thai families. No foreign students. I was supposed to have a teaching partner. That happened for the first week. I made the most of it. We were treated like second class citizens from the tenured Thais. I got an award from the Ministry of Education for my creativity and a picture in the paper. The Thai English dept. was not happy. My award went into the Trophy Room of the school. After working the summer session we were told that they were no longer letting us have paid leave for the fall break. I was told that my contract would not be renewed the following year if I did anything to stand out and that awards should only go to Thai teachers. They said I was too popular. A few of my more influential students heard about it and made a big stink so I was allowed to teach another year. If it wasn't for those students I would have told the school to stuff it. I did my second year and vowed to never teach again. I'm not bitter BTW. I became the Executive Chef at a major beach resort through school connections and currently own and operate a very popular restaurant in the country. Thanks for the vid Pat!
I've been teaching in Chiang Mai for nearly 5 years. I have a BA in Elementary Education and Special Education. My take-home salary is 75K baht a month. I also tutor Chinese online. I make about 100K a month total. It's basically the same salary I made teaching in America. Love Thailand!
Living the dream! lol I'm kicking myself for not majoring in Education. I make about half of your salary at my current job in BKK, hoping to get my Diploma of Education and a raise in the future.
As a 58 year old without a TEFL certificate, but a degree, I found it VERY easy to get a job offer in Bangkok outskirts on THB 45,000 pet month. I only applied (well, half-applied) for one job and got the offer straight away. I think anyone else in a similar situation would have got the same offer. (This was 2018 .. pre-COVID). So for anyone looking, I don't think it's too hard.
@@danobpastyandbakeryingredi8610 Kasintorn Academy, Bang Khae, Bangkok. You don’t need a TEFL but you must have a degree (any subject) and a print of your transcript.
I've been teaching here in Bangkok for 4 years and I love it. If you're looking to teach here in BKK listen to Bangkok Pat, his info is right on the money. Literally everything he said I've experienced to be true. I kind of felt like maybe he worked at my school with all the specifics he went over 555 I'd recommend making sure you can communicate well with the HR department before you decide on a school. My school handles all my documents and keeps me in good standing with immigration - they literally do everything for me like I'm a kid its fantastic. Another important thing to consider is location. Make sure getting to your school isn't a pain in the ass day in and day out. Next thing is pay make sure you're getting around 3- 4 x your rent. That should keep you pretty comfortable. Don't be afraid to make extra money as a tutor as long as you keep it discreet. I make around 16,000 baht /mo just doing extra Zoom classes with students. Last but not least Healthcare - luckily it's only a fraction of the price I was used to paying in the US BUT if you have any medical emergencies you could really take a financial hit if you're not insured. I was in the hospital and my bill was 110,000 Baht my insurance paid 100% of it so happy days. Great Video Mate, Frank in Ladprao
A very nicely produced and informative video, as usual, Pat. A few years ago I looked into the whole TEFL thing, even enrolled into a course. I soon realised this just wasn't something I wanted to commit to. It's easy to romanticise the notion of becoming a qualified English language teacher, packing your bags and heading off into the sun to live a new life, but reality (always the unwelcome guest) soon has a way of interrupting the fantasy. In the end, I decided against continuing my TEFL studies (a decision I have never regretted) - I just couldn't see that this would be a good fit for me - and teaching is a vocation, after all, so if your heart really isn't in it... I wish others good luck.
Thanks Phil, I agree, if you're not into it 100% then it becomes a drag. In 2018-20 worked in a vocational college and evenings at a cabin crew school and those were the kind of teaching jobs I'd look forward to doing, topics I had an interest and experience in, hospitality. Then covid killed the whole thing and I took a few jobs in schools, it wasn't much fun.
I’m an English native speaker, I have a PGCE, a bachelor’s degree in management and a master’s degree in international business. I have 25 years experience teaching business studies in UK universities. Now aged 62 I’m interested in taking a ‘gap year’ or two to teach in Thailand. What are my prospects of finding a teaching job at my age?
Totally my opiniin but teaching in Thalland isn’t the best idea if you care about saving money with the exception of a handful of international schools
It's hard for me to believe they are still paying teachers what they paid me 10+ years ago. In 2010, 35k baht was a decent wage, I don't think the same could be said today....
Yet another great video, Pat. I arrived from 5 years teaching in China and expected to lose 33% of my income. That's the financial trade off for all those Thai benefits. I had 3 interviews, set up in advance, in my first week. I took the first job purely because the Manager was highly professional, sensible and experience guy. The second interview was part-time only but the best company in Bangkok. The 3rd was an American company who thought they were god's gift! I've never taught in a "State School" in any country and I've avoided all the pitfalls. Cheers.
Great video, Pat! My first instinct when I think of moving to Thailand is to teach English, but the more I learn from people like you, the more I see myself doing something else. Lol. Thanks again Pat.
@@BangkokPat Yes and that sucks because some turn 50 and are stuck in Thailand because nobody back home will hire them. At the same time, Thailand routinely gets rid of teachers who are "too old."
Fun facts: 1) Teaching salaries have declined over the past 20 years. 2) You need 55K baht a month to have a decent life in Bkk. 3) Most schools hire Filipinos exclusively because school directors can pay them 15-20K/month and pocket the rest. 4) Most schools won't process your nonB visa anymore, so after 90 days you're out and the next backpacker is in. 5) Student-centered learning and Western pedagogy have been dumped in Thai schools. You're expected to stand there with microphone and blah blah blah at students whilst they play video games on their phones.
Having taught in 53 schools and language centres over the past 20 years - I found this vlog to be a very well researched, balanced, and comprehensive look at TEFL in 'The Land of the Smiles'. That's, I am suitably impressed!
I was waiting for your verdict! This was the video I wanted to talk to you in, Richard. Could have made it more informative....but there could be a more in depth part 2.
@@BangkokPatHi Pat, I had one of the worst fortnites of my life; in late April to early May. To cut a long story short, the school I'd been working at for 3 years got the wrong idea and thought that I wanted to leave, and gave my job to another teacher. Though, I didn't find this out until I went to sign my contract April 20, so I then frantically began applying, demoing, and interviewing for any teaching position going (I got a few offers but none were as suitable as my old job). Then my old school offered me a position May 3, as another teacher had left. (It has all left a bad taste in my mouth, and I'm still not in the mood to praise teaching in Thailand.) However, I can't really see where an interview with me would've fitted into your vlog - that's I think it works really well as it is.
I'm not exactly sure why I love your vlogs so much Pat. I watch many vloggers on RU-vid and I think you and Loucouse are my favourites. Keep up the good work!
Excellent vlog, possibly the most informative I've watched from a Thailand vlogger. Given you were covering working in LOS and budgeting, both contentious topics!! Great stuff Pat.
Thanks Bob, gota be thorough with this kind of topic, although I didn't mention the visa situation, which can be cloudy at the best of times, there are experts who can explain all that and I'm not one of them....
I am a Software Developer from Fiji who graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Computing Science and Information Systems back in 2014. Worked for my first company from 2014 to 2019. Then after working for my second company from 2019, I got chased away after 3 years in 2022 and now got chased away by so many companies in 2023 to 2024 in various IT roles. Wish I could quit my IT career and study Accounting but have no money to study again. But I have bought Thai-English language books during my trips in Thailand in 2017, 2018, 2023 so might be a good idea to teach English in Thailand rather having a stressful unemployed poverty life in Fiji in IT.
@@BangkokPat Street food such as Pad Thai Gai was only 10 baht and a Lady Drink down Pat Pong was only 25 baht, a bus ride was 1.5 baht, however the bus ride took forever as there was no BS or MRT
It would be nice if you create a video about working at top international schools as a qualified and specialist teacher. Not teaching English, but teaching science, math, music, PE, economy etc. Especially at recognized IB or Cambridge schools. It would be an eye opener to some people, as those teachers can earn anything between 100k-200k baht / month, at very organized schools, reasonable workload, and amazing facilities.
Periods per week?? No, it’s the number of types of classes that matters. 24 periods teaching only A2 in a single subject is boring but very little work. 16 periods of 9th and 10th grade ig and as and a2 is brutal.
If I need to work in Thailand, it wouldn't be teaching English. I will probably be a bar manager in Pattaya. I have tattoo's on my face, half of my teeth are gold & the other half are either broken or missing, I don't like children, I have an uncontrollably vulgar vocabulary & I don't like being in a school environment (hence the reason I dropped out in the 9th grade)... Yea, i'm totally bar manager material ;)
Good to hear a bit of honesty John. Teaching ican be a necessary evil for some, a bit like visa runs, a necessity to tick boxes, it's neither enjoyed or looked forward to but can be made into a lot of fun if planned correctly.
@@NZMuzz Salaries haven't changed in years, but what is this "terrible reputation" that you're talking about? And "reputation with locals"? I've taught in Bangkok for six years and I've never seen anything like that. Teachers are well - respected by students and parents.
Great comprehensive video Pat! Very informative . What about volunteer opportunities ( teaching English or otherwise) in Bangkok for those of us here on retirement visas? Might make a good video in the future. Hint… hint. 😂
Wonder if you have any vlogs about jobs in Thailand for qualified teachers like me with MA, QTS, CELTA and teaching experience. I am currently teaching at public school in Taiwan and thinking of trying Thailand. Are there any government organizations that prepare all the papers for you? Thanks
Thanks for the video. Regarding its theme: If you want to be a skilled teacher of English, you should master the language well both orally and in writing (of course), but also have the ability to teach. It's called pedagogy. I myself am a professional teacher, but can not teach English as I did not have that subject when I took my education. I suspect that for many years there have been many unqualified "teachers" from abroad. Or maybe I'm wrong?
Hi there Bangkok Pat 🙂 thanks for this video! Very insightful and informative. Just a quick background I'm from California, hold a Bachelor's Degree, almost 40, and interested in teaching English in Southeast Asia but at the moment im gathering info until im sure its right for me. Going through an agency seems much more secure. I've heard you can arrive in Thailand and apply to schools in person but I've also seen comments of people saying they're still jobless in Bangkok and haven't had luck 😢 However, we don't know their individual situations and qualifications that led to that. If I were to arrive in Thailand without a job and plan to apply in person instead, what would you say is the minimum amount of money in US dollars to arrive with to secure a very basic and minimal lifestyle for a couple months? How much longer do you think this industry will last where foreigners can plug in and teach? Given that artificial intelligence and technology is rapidly encroaching on common services. Do you know if its commonplace to begin teaching English initially but then move onto other ventures like business later on? I just like the idea of long term because coming back what be daunting considering the rising costs. California in my opinion is becoming uninhabitable for everyday earners. Would you say Thailand is the ideal spot for this line of work overall in Southeast Asia? From my understanding Vietnam pays more but has strict visa requirements, and although Cambodia is more relaxed on qualifications that pay is lower and less resources/infrastructure which is understandable due to recent history but the culture is hospitable. Happy belated Thai New Year by the way and hope you enjoyed the water festival 😎 Thanks in advance 🙏
Same here. I graduate in December and already bought the plane ticket. I already bought the ticket to Cambodia though, just because of their cheap $180 1 year visa and $50/month rent. It's only $108 for a roundtrip plane ticket to fly from Cambodia to Bangkok for a quick vacation over school holidays. The pay was a no brainer too. Cambodia pays $1200-$1600 compared to only $900 in Thailand. Everyone wants to live in Thailand, so they don't need to pay teachers much. Know what your worth. If they won't pay enough, walk away.
Hi. If the person/establishment renting to you has more than five rooms (or five bedrooms) then they are only legally permitted to ask you for one month deposit. So, this is why apartment blocks only ask for one month deposit plus one month rent up front (two months wprth to start-up). Landlords owning one or two condos for rent can ask for two months deposit plus one month upfront (three months worth to start-up), and generally will do.
Question please : I m from morocco with a canadian passeport, i have a Master degree in computer science, i have 5 supply teacher experience in canada. Do I have more chances because I have a canadian passeport? Thanks
Yes,you can tell them you are native speaker so don't need a TOEIC score. Do you have a Canadian accent? You can advertise privately for French classes but l don't know what demand is like but you can charge about 600-800 bahr per hour.. Look up Facebook teaching groups too.
Teaching English does not pay well. With just a certificate easily obtained you are sent all over Thai living in mainly substandard conditions and earning not enough money to survive. I was offered 3,000 baht a month and a place to sleep in Korat to teach English, hardly enough to survive or eat well. School districts have little money to pay out so only if you get rich families to hire as a personal tutor you will eventually go broke and go home. Thailand has pages of jobs Farangs cannot by law engage in, English you can teach, pay double taxes to Thai and home, but I would recommend starting a business instead.
Extremely informative. I have no plans to be a teacher of any kind but I enjoy learning about other industries. I ,m sure this will give food for thought to any aspiring newbies.
Thanks, nice overview! Would one expect to pay about the same in a place like Chiang Mai? What are other attractive places price/quality of life wise to live apart from Pattaya/typical tourist destinations? Pollution and noise would be a concern for me also. Thanks again!
A informative video for people who want to be a teacher. Did they search teacher also for other languages or are Thailand schools only interested in english teachers?
Thanks Frank, I suppose the English teaching industry in Germany is very healthy compared to the situation in Thailand. Other languages are taught, I've met French, German, Spanish, Italian and Persian teachers.
I remember after a few biz trips to Thailand in the mid 90's I started exploring ways to make a permanent move and after exploring all of the possible routes teaching was one of the only ways to do it... but coming from a Silicon Valley lifestyle and making good money in the tech sector there was no way I could see myself making the drop in salary and living standards and living in relative poverty compared to my lifestyle here in Cali so I passed... I was still able to work in BKK 3-4 times a years so I was still able to get my Thailand fix...
Very informative. I just took early retirement halfway through Covid after 15 years of teaching in Thailand you’re right about the salaries when I started 1516 years ago it was 30 35,000 it’s still 30 35,000 luckily over the time that I was at school same school as it goes. My salary increased. Pretty much 24 periods a week every week lot of work but you’ll get used to it I miss it greatly it was great fun. Moved on now just do some online teaching and have a few kids round on the odd day or two you’re never going to make a fortune but it’s a great life
Very sound advice in this episode Pat. The Thai education system has been the biggest eye opener to me in all my travels around Thailand. I have over a number of years spent a couple of weeks of my Xmas holidays 'volunteering' at a Thai secondary school in Isan. I am sure you will probably know where I am coming from but nothing can prepare you for walking into a classroom of 40 M1 students. The standard of behavior, maturity and knowledge is just so far behind a European equivalent school. Having said that the friendliness and kindness of some of the pupils and staff has been absolutely delightful. Covid put a stop to my Thai travels but fingers crossed in the not too distant future I will return to the 'Land of Smiles'. John
Thanks John, I've not stood in a class of 40 students recentky, I did for a week's worth of classes briefly in 2019. Not a job I'd ever do permanently. The kids were great but as you say, the standards are very low educationally. The assistant teachers used plastic things to discipline the kids.
I'm 59, UK native speaker, M, degree, cert tefl, 15 yrs teaching experience, but don't want to teach kids - what are my chances? Thanks for any replies!
@@Paul-dv4dr My apologies, I read that without my glasses on my phone and saw the Uk and native bit blurred together and thought it said Ukranian (!) But as said you should have less issues with a degree finding work, good luck.
Gee the cheaper 20m rooms are better than what I'm livin in now, but don't tall anybody I said so Eh! Nice 1, I did find it interesting, even if I'm not going to teach in Thailand. Keep up the good work bloke!
Yeah, I heard, I met and had a chat with him once in a DJ store in Kentish Town where I worked in 1995. I showed him and Martin Gore how to plug 2 Technics 1210s into a mixer when they hired some equipment for a house party. I think they knew already but it's a box we had to tick, that we'd instructed them on how to set it up. He was a straight talking but affable guy who wasn't up his own arse. ''Our singer is a junkie'' I recall him saying. I don't think he realised that I was a huge Depeche Mode fan.
When I was 28-29, I simply took the BTS to AUA English language school and got a job. That was easy. I also went over to Chulalongkorn's Sasin Graduate School of Business and landed a job teaching Business English. In that case, I just showed up and introduced myself to the head of the program. Sometimes assertiveness is what gets you through.
I plan on moving to Thailand & opening my own business there. After learning about all the obstacles you need to go through to "own" property, i've come to the conclusion that I can do what I want to do by RENTING. It's WAY cheaper to rent & operate a business vs where I live. For example, I've found many bars or restaurants that are vacant & up for rent. Cost under $1000 usd a month, & come with living quarters above the bars/restaurants!
A good thing to consider is that your net profits will probably be relatively low as well. That's I rented a unit, and refurbished it, whereas my wife ran it as a 'minimart' - back in 2002. (The rent, and utility bills were small in relation to Uk costs, still, so were the takings).
@@richardconstable6780 True, it also depends on the location & clientele. I was thinking a fast food restaurant with my style american cuisine. I know food is popular there, but i'm not sure. I want to go check out different areas sometime soon & hopefully find a befitting location. Thanks for the info as well, cheers.
Belts are essential, 10 years ago at least, even loosely fitting. pearsonpte are the most modern available tests. Top tip, wear a 7/11 white t-shirt under your work shirt to soak up the sweat
Question please: I have a canadian passport, 5 years experience as supply teacher in french and english. Can I teach in schools and even in international schools ? Thanks a lot.
Excellent video once again, I am looking to stay Thailand long time having lived here for 10 months now and teaching is something I am considering. I know most of what you said for example Ajarn and TEFL which I have but there was some other points you gave me which will help me greatly . You have the best Thai website so nice that you talk about Thailand and not about the party scene which is get so boring after 2 weeks if you know what i mean . I would be great If you expand you travels to Chonburi and cover the better part of me area rather than you know what .
If you have the qualifications and some experience, you should perhaps avoid those jobs that do not pay year round, and offer some form of health insurance.
I love the jobs opportunity for the younger generations It would be an excellent idea to live and working there too Looks conveniences now a days. Thank again for your Experience with the city .
Another great piece, mate. I was just in BKK for a couple of weeks trying to lock down a house to live in for the first year we’re living in Thailand. Didn’t find anything appropriate, so I’ll be back in late July or early August to try and lock one down. If you’re not too busy, grab a beer with me and have a chat on some ideas floating around.
Is there any hope for someone with only an Associates degree I help teach inmates in a prison in America that have learning disabilities or was just pushed through school and have landed in my office because they can’t write home without help. So I work with them on language, reading, phonics and even math on an elementary level.
Hi, thanks for the video. I've just completed Tefl course and have a degree. However, I want to know if you think Thailand is a good location for Black female teachers?
I've met a few over the years, who didn't really have any issues finding work. But there will be certain establishments who prefer to have the stereotype white blonde so it looks good for the school and the parents. Shallow and pathetic but a reality.
Hello Ken Pat we like to watch your channel it is different from another channel I am Thai person but I am learning Bkk from you and thank you so much for more information it is useful ขอบคุณมากค่ะ🙏🇹🇭
No degree only works in remote areas of Thailand. Bachelor degree is required by law. Average pay is around 30k baht. Good luck finding an air conditioning class. One month TEFL/ TESOL course in Thailand works best.Thai cultural course for Private Teacher Association also a bonus. Looking young helps. Private schools which pay almost double require a real teaching degree or math and science degree which is highly sought after. Good luck!
@@BangkokPat Ohh I see. You're the origin UK. You sifted in Thailand with family and got citizenship there. That's it? So how long have you been living in Thailand, sir?
Great vid, again. How about the sexpat teacher? I had a co-worker who would go into the filing cabinet when the staff had left the office to get phone numbers of woman he wanted to hook up with. He would call them and ask if she would be interested in doing a private English lesson. He wasn't motivated by much else.
I started out in a nice studio apt near the Victory Monument. Walked to the BTS to get to the school. It was all so fascinating. Now twenty years later, I can't imagine doing it all over. Lol
I'm a little confused. Been working in sales for a while now, but have been starting to looking into teaching jobs instead. However, I was under the impression that while a TEFL for sure will make it easier to find jobs, it's not necessarily needed to get a WP or Non imm B visa as far as I've understood? While holding a grade is needed to be eligible for a WP, or have I got that all wrong? (EDIT - Wrote a bit too fast, just heard the part about degree) I'm a Masters graduate from an international program at Thammasat. My major disadvantages are 1. I don't have a TEFL, I do however have experience making English lessons from my internship working with urban migrants. 2. I'm Swedish, so that puts me in the non-NES bracket. Been living here for about 11-12 years and know Thai well enough to speak, read and write (albeit with some typos). I know that doesn't help much, but just putting it out there if anyone has similar experiences and know how to go about moving to teaching. I have gotten some offers, mainly as tutor, which is fine, but would prefer to be tied to a school. Furthermore, I got a Non imm O visa based on marriage/family, if that makes any difference. Anyway, fantastic video as always!
