Jobs as an English teacher in Thailand

What is required to work as an English teacher in Thailand?

In order to find a job in Thailand as an English teacher, you must present a document confirming that you have a higher education. A special advantage is a diploma of a related specialty: translator, linguist, philologist. In addition, a certificate of completion of TEFL/TESOL. The conditions for studying on the courses are the presence of a work visa and confident knowledge of English at the B1 Intermediate and above.

You can also complete certification courses in Thailand - their main advantage is the guarantee of employment as an English teacher in one of the Thai schools. Representatives of the administration of educational institutions get acquainted with course participants at the stage of studying the program. The employer will take care of obtaining a work visa for subsequent employment.

However, if you are not yet sure about the terms of employment or want to come to Thailand already with all the necessary documents, then the best option would be to complete the courses in your hometown and gradually complete all the necessary documents, search for vacancies, study forums for expats.

In addition, you can try yourself as an online English teacher for Thais. Some certification courses provide the opportunity to select the desired job from a list of verified employers.

So, the algorithm of actions for employment in the field of education in Thailand includes the following steps:

• Translation of higher education documents into English and Thai with apostille.
• Completion of TEFL/TESOL teacher training courses and obtaining an international certificate.
• Preparation of a resume in English and a portfolio of a teacher.
• Analysis of the labor market on the Internet, mailing letters "job application".
• Online interview and discussion of working conditions.
• Receiving a letter from the Thai Ministry of Labor and an invitation from a Thai employer.
• Collection of other documents for obtaining a work permit in Thailand.
• Applying for a visa at the Consulate of Thailand in your country for legal employment.

What does an English teacher in Thailand need to know?

Here are some up-to-date tips that will help you.

Independent job search

Finding a job locally is fraught with risks, so it is better to look for a place where you plan to work in advance, while in your hometown. Where can I find job offers?

• On special sites
• In groups in social networks, where you will meet teachers who are already working or are also looking for vacancies and job offers.
• Communities dedicated to different cities of Thailand will help you find work and compatriots and ask them all your questions.
• With the help of recruiting agencies.
• Employment through certification courses - some courses open access to the database of vacancies for those applicants who have successfully passed the exam and received a TEFL / TESOL certificate.
• Create a professional profile on Linkedin and indicate that you are looking for a job. Also, a search on a social network can give you profiles of potential employers, recruiters, or those who have already got a job as a teacher.

List of dedicated job sites in Thailand

• bangkok.craigslist.org
• HH.ru
• monster.co
• th.jobsdb.com
• jobthai.com
• jobtopgun.com
• thailand.xpatjobs.com
• thaiembassy.com
• doe.go.th
• thaijob.com

In the process of searching for a job, you can study the features of the Thai mentality, weather conditions, food and traditions. This information will help you make your final decision.

Along with teachers, promising professions are:

• Programmers and developers.
• Automotive engineers.
• English translators.
• Working areas of tourism.

Careful preparation

Before offering your services as an English teacher, it is by no means superfluous to carry out preparatory work. If you have found a vacancy or received an invitation for an interview, then experts in local traditions strongly recommend that you take the following steps to successfully land a job:

• Make inquiries about the educational institution, read reviews on the Internet, find out who worked there from your compatriots on the forums or in the comments.
• Learn business etiquette. Thais appreciate not only a good knowledge of the language, but also developed Soft Skills - politeness, smiling, sociability, sincerity.
• Find out the working conditions in different places: there are public schools Thai Government School, schools with English programs Thai Government Schools with English Program, private schools Private schools, bilingual schools Bilingual Schools, international schools International Schools, language courses for foreigners, as well as kindergartens.
• In some cities there are Russian schools ("Diploma", "Knowledge" in Pattaya) - this can serve as the start of your career in this country.

To start a career, you can choose one of the schools in the province or a kindergarten - the requirements here will be quite acceptable. Jobs in commercial schools usually require a native speaker. However, several years of experience, a confident command of methods, and the availability of an author's pedagogical program can be advantages for obtaining a position in a private educational institution.

Tenacity and perseverance

First of all, it should be noted that in this country it is considered quite acceptable to repeat the application for a particular vacancy if more than a week has passed and there has not been a response. Also, even if you don't have a certificate of completion, but have extensive language teaching experience, you should try your luck: many school leaders prefer having practical skills over a formal document.

Well, courses can be completed using online training - this way you can save a lot and get a document that will be insurance for you in case of dismissal.

Don't be shy

It doesn't matter where your interview will take place - online or in a Thai school, it is important to show that you can speak fluently and confidently. You will make the best impression if, in combination with free-sounding, flowing speech, you are polite and tidy.

The requirements for applicants here are the same as in other countries of the world - business dress code, demeanor and knowledge.

If you do not meet certain criteria, for example, being over 45 or having only a secondary education, do not despair. If you find an approach to a Thai employer, demonstrate knowledge of English or declare an author's teaching method, then it is likely that you will be hired. Therefore, it is necessary to competently compose an English teacher portfolio, translate a and resume prepare the most dazzling smile.

Experience is always a plus

At the interview stage, it is very important to prove that you have experience. Moreover, it can be varied:

• Private tutoring.
• Pedagogical practice at the university.
• Teaching in private language courses.
• Volunteering with foreigners.
• Participation in trade union organizations, assistance to foreign students at their university.
• Work as a nanny or assistant in a kindergarten.
• Writing diploma or competitive works in English.

A huge plus in the eyes of employers will be a demonstration of your knowledge of the language and skills of a teacher. Do you have experience working with children? Attach a photo or video to your resume. In addition, the following arguments can enhance the effect of a resume:

• Drawings of children with your image as a teacher.
• Certificates, diplomas, letters of thanks from your students.
• Your social media profiles that position you as a professional teacher.
• Mention in the summary of highly specialized terms and methods appropriate for the age of students.
• The presence of scientific publications or your own blog dedicated to the study of English, child psychology, pedagogy.
• Certificates of completed courses that may be relevant to your activity (computer literacy, Internet technology, oratory or craft courses in scrapbooking, origami, modeling).

Other employment options

In addition to teaching English in schools, you can get a job as a tutor. A home English teacher in Thailand can earn from 250 baht per hour. The average cost of lessons is 500 baht. Thus, the rate of a private teacher is from $8 to $16 per hour.

Of course, do not forget about the high competition in the market of tutors. On the net you can find a huge number of ads for the search for students. This is facilitated by a high salary, and a relatively free schedule. Therefore, work as a repeater in this country is rather an additional source of income, and not the main one.

Today, one of the opportunities to teach Thais and gain experience in parallel is online teaching.

Benefits of teaching in Thailand

• Relatively low cost of living.
• Knowledge of Thai is not required, it is enough to know English at a high level.
• The working day of the teacher lasts from 8.30-16.30, which means that you will have enough time to study the fascinating culture of the Thais, relax by the ocean and walk.
• Salary starts at $1000 per month.
• Duration of academic semesters - 5 months, the rest of the time - holidays.
• The cost of rented housing ranges from $ 100-300 per month.
• Favorable climatic conditions, tasty and healthy food (fruits, seafood).

What else might a teacher need to work in Thailand?

Some institutions may require you to take an additional TOEIC (Test of English for International Communications).

Work Permit visa, you will need the following documents:

• Valid passport.
• Certificate of good conduct.
• Letter of recommendation from a previous job.
• A package of documents from the employer.
• Special questionnaire.
• Medical documents, including a number of mandatory tests.

A small life hack

Some TEFL/TESOL certification courses offer assistance in finding the right vacancy and further formal employment. Therefore, if you are interested in a quick and high-quality result, and also want to cooperate with proven employers, then the choice of courses should depend on the availability of the service of assisting novice teachers.

Becoming an English teacher is a great choice, don't be afraid of possible difficulties. Remember that with the right approach - they can be overcome.