surviving as a teacher, and getting around

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

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smac82

23-Nov-2007 07:43
Posts: 5

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

Cyberia

23-Nov-2007 07:58
Posts: 948

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.

travelhappythailand

23-Nov-2007 08:22
Posts: 22

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wrote guides to getting a TEFL jobs in Japan, Korea and Thailand here - although the bit about Nova in Japan is now out of date as they recently went bust.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

mim95

23-Nov-2007 09:18
Posts: 202

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.

JJack

23-Nov-2007 09:30
Posts: 3,959

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

chitralguy

23-Nov-2007 12:02
Posts: 7,610

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

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TedKarma

23-Nov-2007 14:05
Posts: 342

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

Stickman

24-Nov-2007 01:04
Posts: 284

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

smac82

27-Nov-2007 09:23
Posts: 5

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

losing_touch

27-Nov-2007 16:49
Posts: 7,978

Stickman's site is: www.stickmanbangkok.com

Thailand Visa Information
Some Hotels - Suvarnabhumi Airport

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