surviving as a teacher, and getting ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

surviving as a teacher, and getting around

Replies: 9 - Last Post: 27-Nov-2007 16:49 Last Post By: losing_touch

jump to

Posted
23-Nov-2007 07:43
by: smac82

Posts: 5
Registered: 23/11/07

surviving as a teacher, and getting around

hi everyone, i'm wondering if anyone has experience teaching english in thailand. i don't have a degree, but will have a tefl certificate. is it reasonable to think i'll be able to support myself in thailand on a teachers salary? i need to cover basic living costs and weekend excursions. a little to save would be nice too. are there certain regions/cities that may pay higher than others? am i better off heading north to korea or japan?
also, is it very difficult to travel throughout asia? do they have a rail system similar to europe? is it affordable? reliable? are there issues with border crossings for canadians?
any info would be appreciated
cheers

Posted
23-Nov-2007 07:58
by: Cyberia

Posts: 911
Registered: 15/08/07

1

Just guesswork. Would you need a permit? Visas only last upto 3 months so you would need a way around that. Pay is not great for teachers anywhere, and there are lots of foreigners who think they can make a living teaching English in Thailand. How is your Thai? You are going to have similar problems anywhere in Asia.

Easy to travel around Asia with cheap airlines like AirAsia and such. Some railways which are usually more expensive. Border crossings should be no problem although visas are sometimes necessary beforehand (Thailand has a 30 day visa on arrival).

Travel. It broadens the mind and narrows the wallet.

Posted
23-Nov-2007 08:22
by: travelhappythailand

Posts: 22
Registered: 20/11/07

2

My girlfriend has worked as a TEFL teacher in Japan, Korea and Thailand, and is currently managing English teachers in Bangkok.

She wrote guides to getting a TEFL jobs in Japan, Korea and Thailand here - although the bit about Nova in Japan is now out of date as they recently went bust.

These guides should give you a good idea of salary expectations, visa requirements, qualifications needed and where to look to get a job.

http://travelhappy.info
http://divehappy.com

Posted
23-Nov-2007 09:18
by: mim95

Posts: 200
Registered: 18/02/05

3

Google ESL cafe, it is one of the best source for teaching English info. I wouldn't go to Japan at this time with the recent closure of a major English tutoring company.

Posted
23-Nov-2007 09:30
by: JJack

Posts: 3,797
Registered: 11/03/05

4

Quote
I wouldn't go to Japan at this time with the recent closure of a major English tutoring company.

Well it depends on if you prefer to earn over $4,000/month in Japan, or $1,000/month in Thailand.

The boy with the filthy laugh

Posted
23-Nov-2007 12:02
by: chitralguy

Posts: 4,953
Registered: 10/05/05

5

salut mes amis,

You better check with the

Indian Masala restaurant at Rumbuttri road, Khaosan, there're some people, who're looking for English teachers.

Bon voyage,

Mountains of Pakistan

Posted
23-Nov-2007 14:05
by: TedKarma

Posts: 342
Registered: 19/04/05

6

Korea, Japan and Thailand will all require a degree to get legal working papers.

Sometimes in Thailand - way out in the weeds - some local schools can get you legal, but in major cities - degree is required these days.

Recession-Proof Jobs Great Jobs Overseas
TEFLBootCamp.com FREE TEFL Training Online
TEFLDaddy.com: for people thinking about teaching English overseas
Teach English on Phuket Island, Thailand

Posted
24-Nov-2007 01:04
by: Stickman

Posts: 279
Registered: 12/04/00

7

As an inexperienced English teacher carrying a TEFL qualification a realistic salary would be in the 30,000 - 35,000 Thai baht per month range. This is enough to live on and have a pleasant although basic life. As far as saving much and doing much travel, you might be a bit tight. It all depends on the lifestyle that you wish to lead. For more info, there's a 60,000 word article on teaching in Thailand at my site below.

Stickman

Stickmanbangkok.com

Posted
27-Nov-2007 09:23
by: smac82

Posts: 5
Registered: 23/11/07

8

hey stickman....thanks for the info. your site is not listed below, can you send it again?
thanks

Posted
27-Nov-2007 16:49
by: losing_touch

Posts: 7,833
Registered: 13/01/05

9

Stickman's site is: www.stickmanbangkok.com

Thailand Visa Information
Some Hotels - Suvarnabhumi Airport

Subscribe to the latest messages in this branch.

Your Recent Threads

Announcements

Website speed - Facebook...
Posted By: VenessaP -- 07-Oct-2009 16:30

Latest Community News

	Speaking in Tongues Messages: 66,150 Last message posted at: 22-Nov-2009 18:36
	On Your Bike Messages: 28,934 Last message posted at: 22-Nov-2009 17:26
	Travel Tech Messages: 27,854 Last message posted at: 22-Nov-2009 10:56
	Kids To Go Messages: 25,777 Last message posted at: 22-Nov-2009 14:51
	Like a Sore Thumb Messages: 22,513 Last message posted at: 20-Nov-2009 14:04
	Trekking & Mountaineering Messages: 21,987 Last message posted at: 21-Nov-2009 18:22
	Travel on a shoestring Messages: 20,868 Last message posted at: 22-Nov-2009 19:21

Destinations

Thailand: Destination information

The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust c...more »

See » | Map »

Shop Online