Teach English in Thailand

Thailand is the hub of southeast Asia and in the last 20 years, it has developed into the popular destination we all know and love today!

It’s a vast country, with most of the population in and around the Bangkok area and neighboring provinces. There are only 2 cities in Thailand! Bangkok and Chiang Mai. One south, one north. They each have a population of approx 8 million, the size of London, UK. Outside the city, you’ll find small towns and villages. All with the essentials; a school, shop, bank, doctor and so on.

To the south of the country are the amazing islands! Over 1,000 in total, it’s best to choose wisely. Koh means island in Thai. The most famous and packed with things to do include Samui, Pha Ngan, Phi Phi, Tao, Samet, Khood, Lipe, Lanta.

You’ll find beaches that are out of this world and will be able to explore the lush forests and stunning waterfalls.

Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country, Monks hold extremely high rank, only the Monarchy being higher. The temples are out of this world and you’re likely to see a statue of Buddha around every corner.

You’ll be amazed by the plentiful, fresh and cheap street food! A meal costs around $1 USD from a street vendor and there’s something to suit everyone’s taste! Thai people don’t generally cook, or have kitchens in their homes and with fresh, cheap food so readily available, it’s not hard to understand why!

Be sure to brush up on Thai etiquette before you arrive!

Thai people are extremely laid back – horizontal in fact! This may be a world away from what you’re used to, but we can assure you that you’ll enjoy it after a while.

You won’t find a friendlier nation. It’s called the land of smiles for a reason!

Thailand is a very inexpensive place to live. Western food and drinks can soon mount up however so you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the delicious, plentiful local street foods.

As a rough estimate, you’ll spend approx 15,000 Thai Baht per month on all your living costs, including that’s including rent, food, bills, transport – all the essentials! Leaving you with half your salary each month as disposable income and to travel!

Asia is a great place to save cash or spend freely with no worries. Mai pen rai! – You’ll hear that a lot as it translates loosely to ‘no worries’!

The price and duration of the accommodation you choose starts from the day before the course until the day after the course. If you arrive earlier, we recommend staying in a hostel, or booking for an AirBnB, as the previous course won’t have checked out yet. We are always on hand to help and guide you through the process of finding accommodation.

OPTIONS DURING THE COURSE

Bay Beach Hotel is right on the beach and about a 300m walk to the training center. The rooms have king-size beds, air-con, free wifi, hot water showers, TV, fridges, safes and small balconies. You will have use of the hotel’s pool and gym, and the hotel has a beachfront restaurant. Please note that the rooms at the reduced rate are NOT the seafront bungalows or rooms, but those closer to the back in the garden. The rate is 15,000 / 20,000 Thai Baht for the 4-week period, dependent on high / low season. www.baybeachkohsamui.com

Choeng Mon Residence is about 200m from the beach and about 200m from the training center. This lovely family run hotel has the option (subject to availability) of twin rooms or queen beds. Rooms have air-con, free wifi, hot water showers, TV, fridges and kettles, and small balconies The rate is 12,000 Thai Baht for the 4-week period. http://www.choengmonresidence.com/rooms.htm

Sirin Samui Boutique Hostel Rates: A great new boutique backpacker hostel near the training center, across the road from the beach, with many facilities. There are multiple dorm options, and private rooms also! The rates start at 9,240 Thai Baht and the most expensive 11,480 Thai Baht. There’s an option for everyone! Free wi-fi, Free Flow Coffee/Tea, large swimming pool with sunbeds, Common room, shared kitchen, laundry and washing line. www.sirinsamui.com

OPTIONS AFTER THE COURSE

Usually, your school will have teachers’ accommodation. Where they don’t have housing, you’ll have full assistance in finding somewhere local that’s clean, safe and close to your school. Typical rent in Thailand averages at 6,000 Thai Baht per month (approx $190 USD), for a one-person apartment.

• Course format

The TEFL course is 120 hours in over a 4 week training period. You will be in class Monday to Friday, from around 9:00 am to 16:00 pm. Teaching practices are organised by the team, you’ll have practise on your coursemates beforehand!

• Teaching practices

There are opportunities to teach lessons with your fellow coursemates, then with real Thai students. You’ll be observed and given feedback and constructive points to work on.

• Type of assessment

You will be constantly observed and assessed throughout the course. There is an exam and coursework. If you receive a pass mark of merit or higher, you’ll also gain a personal letter of recommendation for future employment.

• Course location and centre

The training centre is in the north of the island, 300 metres from Choeng Mon beach. It’s a fantastic location, in a sought after area, There are lovely hotels, restaurants and boutique shops close by.  

• Requirements

To do the TEFL course need to be at least 18 years old (although each case is considered on a case by case basis. You can also be a non-native speaker of English as long as you have a level C1 or above, which will be tested during the interview. In order to work in a school or language centre in Thailand, you need to hold a Bachelors degree, in any discipline.

• Job market and employment possibility

There are hundreds of TEFL jobs throughout the country. You’ll have full assistance in securing your TEFL role after training. The team will ensure your needs are met. Most jobs are in schools, ranging from kindergarten to high school. Occasionally there are summer camps and language centre positions, as well as online teaching opportunities.

• Visa Requirements

Visa information changes all the time. Most candidates enter on a pre-purchased tourist visa. Following the course and once you’ve secured your new job, you’ll be guided through the process of applying for a work permit. This is correct at the time of publication, for accurate up to date information, please email/contact us.

Most teaching jobs in Thailand are in public schools, with ages ranging from kindergarten, through to high school.

You can expect to work on the mainland, Monday to Friday, from around 8am to 4pm. You’ll be teaching around 20 hours per week, and lesson planning and marking in your free periods.

Peak hiring season is May and November, as there are only 2 long terms in Thailand each year. There are jobs all year round in English camps, summer camps, language centres, and online teaching.  A usual contract length begins around 5 months.

You can expect to earn 30,000 Thai Baht [LINK TO EXCHANGE RATE], per month as a minimum. Some schools do pay more, dependent on experience.