Teach English in Thailand
Teach English in Thailand
Tefl Jobs In Thailand
Teach English in Thailand Overview
Would you like to teach English in Thailand? Thailand has long been a favourite location for TEFL teachers, especially those travelling on a budget and looking to see as many different areas as possible. In the past, being a native speaker may have been the only need for employment, but now entering teachers must apply for the appropriate visa and, as a result, have the necessary qualifications. However, there is a wide range of positions available. While experienced, trained teachers may find themselves in top positions as the principal of an international school, there are lots of options for people with little or no experience.
While Bangkok is undoubtedly the most popular and offers the widest variety of TEFL employment, don’t rule out other destinations where your money will stretch further. Some people enjoy the energy of the capital, but there are also more predatory employers in the major cities. You might be able to find a more genuine and reasonable experience somewhere else. Siam Square in Bangkok is a TEFL hotspot, and language institutes will be used to see teachers with CVs looking for work. Before scheduling an interview, double-check the location of the school.
Bangkok is large, and you won’t be in great form if you have to travel for long periods of time without air conditioning on public transportation. If you wish to avoid the tourist regions of Bangkok, look for jobs in cities like Khon Kaen, Nakhon Sawan, Pathumthani, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani, where competition is low.
This guide will help you understand the application process for those wanting to teach English abroad in Thailand. It runs through the qualifications, the locations you could choose to teach, and covers the lifestyle with the cost involved. Teaching English in Thailand could be the perfect next step for you, so read on to learn more about this wonderful country and its opportunities.
Types of teaching jobs in Thailand
Private schools
These are usually available in big cities and tourist spots. However, you may have to have a degree to get a job here.
Public schools
If you don’t have an educational background, this is your best option for finding work quickly.
International schools
These positions are often higher-paying than others, but they require that you earn the right qualifications first before you can teach English in Thailand in an international school role. They’re also more competitive because there’s more demand for them among expats and locals alike.
Universities or colleges
If you’re looking for something more long-term with benefits like health care coverage and retirement plans, this could be your option! The downsides are that finding one with openings might take some time, and university teaching positions tend to be harder to get because of stricter qualifications.
Classroom Assistant
You assist the lead teacher by helping with activities, grading papers, tests, etc. while learning from their experience and observing their techniques. This is a great way to secure a job teaching English in Thailand if you do not have experience or qualifications.
Private lessons
You’ll teach English in Thailand to one or more students in your own home or theirs in private lessons. This is a popular option for ex-pats who don’t want to work with large groups and can offer small classes individually.
How to find a job teaching English in Thailand
There are numerous opportunities to teach English in Thailand. The most typical route is through an agency, which frequently provides TEFL certification, housing, and other benefits. You can also contact schools directly to discover work on your own, although this takes more time and effort.
When to apply for jobs to teach English in Thailand
You must apply during the application season to get a teaching job in Thailand. This occurs every year between February and March. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the school or organisation before applying.
The application process
Most agencies will require a CV or résumé, as well as updated photos and transcripts from your degree programme, if relevant. Expect to offer similar information and samples of previous work or references if you apply straight to a school without through an agency intermediary.
Depending on how quickly they react, the application procedure can take anything from two weeks to many months. As a result, you should wait at least four weeks for them to assess your application before contacting them. If necessary, you may be asked for additional materials such as transcripts or letters of recommendation, so be prepared.
Popular locations for English teaching jobs in Thailand
Bangkok
Because of its size, affordability, and public transportation, Bangkok is one of Thailand’s most popular cities for teaching English abroad. Because schools hire teachers, including English teachers, on a temporary basis, it’s simple to come here for a few months before moving on, or you can renew your contract if you find you love it. Teachers might save money by sharing an apartment or house with other teachers, and there are some smaller apartments suitable for single occupancy if you prefer to live alone.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, in the north, is becoming increasingly popular among expats looking for long-term jobs teaching English in Thailand. There are many positions available to teach English in Thailand here, but you’ll need at least some conversational Thai language abilities because many schools prefer native speakers. Although it is not as inexpensive as Bangkok, there are other advantages, like being closer to nature!
Phuket
Phuket is a tourist-friendly island with an international airport and several attractions. White-sand beaches, traditional markets, and native cuisine are just a few of Phuket’s highlights. You might also want to consider visiting adjacent islands such as Koh Phi Phi or Koh Tao, which have stunning lagoons and coral reefs with abundant marine life.
If you want to be closer to nature and the beach, islands off Thailand’s west coasts like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have lots of possibilities. Consider travelling north towards Isaan for those seeking quiet away from the masses!
Obtaining a work visa
If you are not from a European Union nation, you will need to apply for a non-immigrant B visa in order to be able to teach English Abroad in Thailand. This is for persons who are temporarily in Thailand for educational or commercial purposes. To apply for a work permit, you’ll also need a letter of acceptance from your school. Because they support your job and file everything with the Thai government on your behalf, your school will assist you with this process.
The next step is to have your background checked by a Thai government-approved agency before submitting everything to the Ministry of Education, together with your application paperwork. Depending on how quickly they work through their backlogs, this could take anywhere from one to three months.
LIVING COSTS
Thailand, while no longer as inexpensive as it once was, remains in the cheaper half of Asian countries, making it a favourite backpacker destination as well as a top place for new TEFL teachers. Top tourist destinations (which include scenic, off-the-beaten-path rural regions, picturesque islands, and major cities) are more expensive than places where few tourists go. Living like a native is the cheapest way to save money and have a wonderful time wherever you go. Local cuisine offers excellent value for money; however, Western imports are significantly more expensive. On second thought, places with fantastic deals could be tourist traps.
Rather than going somewhere with an easy-to-read menu, observe the clientele and ask for local recommendations. Night markets can have great prices, so don’t limit yourself to the fancy shopping malls.
Even on a low salary, most TEFL teachers in Thailand can save a portion of their earnings for retirement, with some managing to save up to 50% of their earnings. While Thailand’s TEFL industry is still thriving, earnings have not improved as much as they have in other Asian countries.
However, the cost of living remains cheap, making it possible for an experienced teacher to find a well-paid post teaching English in Thailand.
Figures have been taken from Numbeo.com the world’s most extensive cost of living comparison website.
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: €3.03
- Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: €20
- Cappuccino (regular): €2.10
- Milk (regular), (1 gallon): €5.87
- Loaf of Fresh White Bread: €1.14
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport): €0.83
- Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment: €48
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: €302
- Water (1.5-litre bottle): €0.44
Tefl Jobs In Thailand: KEY POINTS
AVERAGE SALARY
€935–€1050
EDUCATION NEEDED
Bachelors degree
TEFL CERTIFICATE NEEDED
120-hour TEFL qualification
MAIN JOB TYPES
Public & private schools
KEY FACTS
- The average salary for EFL teachers: The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of 30,000 THB to 40,000 THB (£740–£980/€935–€1050) per month at a language school, but closer to 50,000 THB (£1,230/€1,400) in other positions. International school positions can pay experienced teachers from 60,000 THB to 150,000 THB (£1,475–£3,700/€1,737–€4,100) per month. Hourly teaching rates are usually around 250–400 THB (£6–£10/€7–€11).
- TEFL qualification requirements: A 120-hour TEFL qualification is required for most positions
- Requirements to teach English in Thailand: Prerequisite university degree: a BA degree is a visa requirement
- Term times: May–October and October–March
- Currency: Baht (฿) (THB)
- Language: Thai
- Teaching programmes: The English Program in Thai Schools, University, Language Institutes, International Schools, Private Tutoring, Volunteering, Summer Camp
- English Teaching Job Age restrictions: None
- Previous teaching experience: Not essential, but those with experience can earn more
The TEFL sector has exploded in recent years, especially in the field of teaching children English in Thailand, thanks to the government’s introduction of an English programme in Thai schools. These teach in Thailand programs have had their regulations strengthened, ensuring that roles are filled by competent professionals rather than tourists trying to make a quick buck. Thai students are outgoing and cheerful, and it’s not just the kids who enjoy playing classroom games. Except for Business English classes and university roles, expect your sessions to focus on spoken fluency rather than accuracy. Despite the relaxed atmosphere of TEFL classes, you will be expected to dress neatly, and you may be startled to learn that even university students must wear a uniform.
Make sure you’re dressed smartly and appropriately for the weather. In addition to educating children, there are many opportunities in the tourism business to teach adults, particularly corporate lessons at large hotels.
Salaries and positions differ significantly. A newly qualified TEFL instructor should have little trouble finding work but should focus on language institutes rather than higher-paying positions. There will be a variety of international or bilingual schools, as well as the more lucrative language school roles, for people with high qualifications (a master’s degree or PGCE is occasionally required) and several years of experience. Be careful to mention your experience with CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning). Especially if you are looking at jobs teaching English in Thailand at international and bilingual schools where English teachers can also teach something like art, math, and science in their native language are in high demand.
Facts about Teach English in Thailand the Complete Guide for TEFL Teachers | Reviewed May 2022
LANGUAGE
Thai
POPULATION
69.8 Million
TEFL TEACHER DEMAND
High
CURRENCY
Baht (฿) (THB)
CAPITAL
Bangkok
OUR THAILAND TEFL RATING
5/5 Stars
Tefl Jobs In Thailand: FAQS
Can you teach English in Thailand without a degree?
All English teachers in most schools will be required to have a four-year bachelor’s degree. Volunteering might be a wonderful approach for non-degree holders to gain classroom experience.
How much money can you make teaching English in Thailand?
Salaries differ based on whether you teach at a public, private, or foreign school. Public schools may pay as little as €748 per month, while private international academies may pay as much as €5147 per month.
What are the requirements for teaching in Thailand?
Most teaching jobs in Thailand will require you to be a native English speaker with a Bachelor’s degree, though this is not always the case. Teaching overseas with a volunteer group is a fantastic option to gain teaching experience in Thailand without having to meet these requirements.
How can I teach English in Thailand?
A near-native level of English fluency, as well as a Bachelor’s degree, are required for most jobs teaching in Thailand. Teaching jobs in Thailand can be found in a variety of ways: you can go through a recruiter, a third-party organisation that will find you a job, or you can apply directly by searching for international schools on job sites.
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