Work & Travel Abroad: Get paid to Teach in Thailand

Teach in Thailand is an exciting and affordable opportunity to live and work in a country which boasts a rich history and cultural background. As a Teach in Thailand participant, you will not only be teaching but be able to participate in everyday Thai life. All positions are to teach English to learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Thailand. There may be some opportunity to teach additional subjects, such as Social Science, Humanities etc. Positions will be in both private and public schools at mostly High School age. We will place you based on your background and availability. Depending on where you teach, your workload will be between 20 and 40 hours a week, with approximately 20 - 25 contact teaching hours. Class size ranges from 20 to 40. You will receive confirmation in the form of a contract prior to your arrival.

Program Value

Experience a unique culture, giving you a wealth of knowledge and warmth in your heart from the welcoming people of Thailand, the land of smiles. The Teach in Thailand program offers you a unique chance to share your culture, and in addition to wanting to learn the nuances of the English language, your Thai students will be eager to learn about your family, work, and hobbies.

Curriculum Highlights / Setting Description

Thailand, with its rich culture and traditions, incredible sense of history, beautiful beaches, tropical interior and national parks offers more than enough to satisfy the soul of everyone. From temple-hopping to bar-hopping, experiencing the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Bangkok, the hustle and bustle of busy markets, tasting the rich array of food and spices or just relaxing there is a great deal to see and do in Thailand. Take a course in Thai massage or cooking and develop unknown skills! Those with specialized interests can indulge to their hearts' content, and those without will find no better opportunity to develop them.

Salary

You will be paid approximately 20,000 - 30,000 baht per month, which is about $500-750 (varies by placement). You are typically paid the first week of each month. Although this may not seem a large amount, this is a subsidized training program, with accommodation included in some cases, and costs are very low in Thailand, so this amount will go far! You may also engage in private teaching which is widely in demand, and will give you additional income.

Length of Program

One year. The school year is 10 months - two semesters. This is the optimum length of contract to be of benefit to both you and your students. You may also have the opportunity to work in Summer Holiday Camp for additional income, or to do independent travel. However, positions for one semester are also available.

Cost:

Dates

The school year runs from May until February the next year. The spring semester for Thai schools starts in the middle of May and ends in late September. The fall semester starts at the beginning of November and ends in late February. Apply minimum 2 months before departure. It is in applicants' interest to apply as early as possible to offer placement to match needs.

Locations

We have positions in many locations all over Thailand. The location depends on your dates, experience, education, and the school's need. We try to match you to the best position. We take geographic wishes into consideration, but we are not always able to accommodate your request, so please try to be flexible.

The average temperature in Thailand is roughly 75-85 degrees year-round

Tsunami Disaster Relief

Those who are interested in volunteering to assist in the disaster relief efforts in tsunami-damaged areas of Thailand may request to be located in the southern regions of Thailand. While placement in these areas cannot be guaranteed, every effort would be made to attempt to place you in an area where you could volunteer your time when not fulfilling your teaching obligations. Local support staff will be able to assist you in becoming a volunteer.

Requirements

Native English speakers. A Bachelor's degree is required for most positions in order to obtain a work visa. You should hold a TEFL Certificate or Diploma, or a similar equivalent, or be prepared to complete a course here. Teaching experience is desirable and very helpful, but is not essential, as you will have completed teacher training in TEFL or on your degree course, and we provide some basic orientation and training to teach in Thailand.

Support

You will be met and welcomed on your arrival, and will have the opportunity to attend an orientation and training short program that is designed to help you adjust to teaching and living in Thailand. You will receive full details and information of your placement before you leave, but this orientation period gives you the chance to discuss all points more fully and to learn all you need to have a truly successful experience. During your placement you will have full on-going support and assistance from the Director of Programs / Teacher Advisor, and your local teacher representative based in Thailand.

Accommodation

We can arrange accommodation with Thai host families, often with a teacher from your school, and all placements are carefully checked and selected by our representative staff. You will have a private bedroom, and all other facilities will be shared with your host family. Meals will be included and you will be provided with 2 meals on weekdays, and three at weekends. Some schools may provide you with vouchers for lunch to eat in the school cafeteria, which is very inexpensive in any case. Thailand has a huge variety and range of inexpensive food available widely. Some schools may be able to offer accommodation on the school campus, or in some cases, an apartment or shared house can be arranged. It is very easy and inexpensive to find. You may be required to pay a housing deposit of 2 - 3 months rent at the start of the lease. If you choose this option you will receive an income supplement towards your rent costs.

Monthly Expenses

As with any new job, you are generally not paid until after the work has been completed. You will need to bring enough money with you to cover at least one month's expenses, plus any extras such as travel, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment. Generally 5,000B (@ $125) a month should be sufficient for extras. The exchange rate is approximately $1 = 40 baht. Here are some example prices:

Visa/Work Permit

You will need a non-immigrant B visa to work and to apply for your work visa. Your school will help you with your work visa, which could take up to two months to process once you are in Thailand. A year work visa will also give you social security and local health insurance benefits. Once your placement is agreed, your school will send you a contract and the visa paperwork before your arrival, so that you can apply for your non-immigrant B visa, at your nearest Thai consulate in the U.S. If there is not enough lead time to process the visa, you may arrive under the tourist visa and will have to do the process of application for your non-immigrant B visa by exiting the country for 48 hours to apply at a Consulate in a neighboring country.

Support during your Placement

All participants are expected to complete orientation before placement. We will be available to give you any support, advice or guidance you may need with any issues to do with work, visas or general living. Often, there will be a local representative located near your placement, who will meet you regularly, and a representative from the international representative's Head Office will also visit you at periodic intervals. There will always be an emergency contact number for you to contact.

Certification

At the end of your teaching contract you will receive official certification from the school indicating how long you have taught with all details of your teaching experience, and references.

What is included in the program fee?

What is not included in the program fee?

Orientation and Training Course:

We require all participants to join this course. This course is designed to give you all the information you need, to help you to prepare and be comfortable with your position in Thailand and understands all regulations, visas etc. The daily training program runs from 9:00am to 12 noon. Afternoons will include cultural visits and orientation, and evenings are free. Time is set aside so that you can visit the numerous places of interest in Bangkok. Breakfast and lunch are included, plus dinner on your first day, but dinner on days two and three is not included for a practical reason. You will probably be sightseeing, and you may also want to taste a variety of cuisine in local restaurants. You will be provided with hotel accommodation in a shared twin bedroom, or possibly home stay.

SEC Orientation and Training Course

This course is designed to give you all the information you need and to help you to prepare and be comfortable with your position in Thailand. The daily training program runs from 9:00 AM to 12 noon. Also included are cultural visits and orientation, and evenings are free. Time is set aside so that you can visit the numerous places of interest in Bangkok. Meals are included but dinner on day 2 is not included for a practical reason. You will probably be sightseeing, and you may also want to taste a variety of cuisine in local restaurants. If you don't need accommodation your cost will be adjusted.

Program Summary