If you are thinking about working overseas, why not consider the opportunity to Teach English Abroad in Thailand? Whether you are seeking overseas jobs or the Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification and courses, teaching English in Thailand brings you to Southeast Asia. Both rich in history and recent economic growth, Thailand can boast being the most visited country in the region in 2013, according to the World Tourism Organization[i]. This is only one of many reasons to find out more about teaching jobs in this fascinating and exotic location.
Teach English Abroad in Thailand: Basics
Teach Abroad in Thailand programs vary. Some offer placement to volunteer educators, some are TEFL certificate courses, and some offer paid teaching jobs. Figuring out what your needs are can help you identify the type of experience you are looking for. Teaching English Abroad is considered an ‘easier on the budget’ way to travel, not to mention Thailand is a unique backdrop! You can select the city you want to go to – Bangkok, Phuket, Surin and others. Next you can choose the amount of time you have to spend. Finally, you can select an audience. Ultimately this makes the process tailored to your needs and goals.
DID YOU KNOW? The traditional Thai greeting, the wai, is commonly offered first by the younger of the two people meeting, with their hands pressed together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch face to fingertips, usually coinciding with the spoken words "sawatdi khrap" for male speakers, and "sawatdi kha" for females.[ii]
Teach English Abroad Paid Placement Programs
If you already have teaching experience and a familiarity with teaching English as a Foreign Language, looking into a paid placement teaching job in Thailand might be a great idea. This type of experience can involve interacting with the local school systems and communities, teaching about 20-25 hours a week, with the rest of the time to absorb the cultural diversity.
Volunteer Teach in Thailand
If you are interested in gaining practical teaching skills without necessarily having professional qualifications, you might consider volunteering as a teacher in Thailand. While the local teachers teach the actual courses, you may be extremely helpful and encouraging in terms of pronunciation skills and talking about North American culture. Or maybe you are talented in arts, a good soccer player or enjoy theatre. Your talents in other areas than language may be valuable too, and service work can be both personally rewarding as well as stand out on a resume.
TEFL Certification Courses
Many job placements for teaching English in Thailand start with taking the TEFL and TESOL certification courses. English language instructors may be recruited by the Thai Ministry of Education; after taking these courses, your placement is guaranteed.
Why Consider Thailand?
If you have a passion for travel, a Teach English Abroad in Thailand placement offers you the opportunity to build up your resume, learn teaching methodologies, and get some international work experience while you explore the country.
Thai Culture
Thai culture is diverse, with influences that include Indian, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian and Chinese heritages. Known for its national religion, Theravada Buddhism, the Thai people are generous, spiritual, hospitable and have a strong sense of family hierarchy. Visit Wat Phanan Choeng, the Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya to see the gilded 19 meter high seated Buddha from 1334 CE[iii].
Getting Around
Tired of your usual routines? Travel to work on a motorbike or a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) in the city or an elephant in the very rural zones. Transport in Thailand is chaotic; streets are shared by cars, buses, motorbikes, rickshaws and motorcycle taxis.[iv]
T is for Trek
Thailand is known for its sandy beaches, diving sites, tropical islands and nightlife, true. But it is also a popular destination for adventure trekking in the mountains. While work is going to take up some of your week, you can decide where to go on your time off.
Markets
Certainly if you have a paid stipend, it makes a difference in terms of where you go and what you do. Do you visit the shopping malls of Bangkok, the floating markets, the night markets or get a Thai massage?
Food and Festivals
If you are living with a host family, it may be one of the best ways to taste authentic local fare, but either way, Thai cuisine is a special combination of 5 basic tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Lots of lemongrass, jasmine rice, fish sauce, garlic and chili peppers will liven up your palate. And on that note, depending on how long you stay (full-year, semester, weeks) you may coincide with some of the numerous Thai festivals, from the Surin Elephant Round up in November to the Rocket Festival in Spring.
Find a Teach English Abroad in Thailand Placement
A Teach English Abroad in Thailand placement may be an enriching way to build credentials, visit a breathtaking location, meet new people, and personalize a travel adventure. The best way to find a program is to read through descriptions, and make a list of what is being offered (courses, paid expenses, health care, support, work or volunteer commitments). Keep in mind too that there are often deadlines for applications and visa requirements. Want to get started? Scroll through sponsored listings such as TEFL Heaven, WorldTeach and API Paid Teach in Thailand. Request more details from the providers to be able to make an informed choice.
