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Thailand Country Guide

Education Group

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Nestled in Southeast Asia between Cambodia and Vietnam to the East,

Laos to the north, and Burma the west, Thailand is a tropical Southeast

Asian country that, despite a tumultuous political past, has been spared

the colonial rule of its neighbors in the region, and is a democratic nation.

Culture

Thailand’s abundance of elaborately detailed, flower-strewn temples (called wats in Thai) reflects the country’s devo-tion to Theravada Buddhist tradition and values. This Buddhist influence can be seen and felt throughout the entire country in sacred mountain retreats, colorful street festivals, dashboard shrines and of course, the ever-present waft of incense. Thai people, too, are notoriously warm and open in this “land of smiles,” and they place a strong empha-sis on the qualities of hospitality and generosity. Like other Asian cultures that have influenced Thailand, such as India, China and Cambodia, elders are held in high regard here and the social strata, for better or worse, is well defined.

Thai food is a cultural experience of its own. Magically combining rice or noodles with the flavors of a few fresh ingre-dients like lemongrass, chilies, seafood and lime, meals in Thailand are inexpensive and satisfying. Eat most meals with a fork and spoon, and order your food with intent to share, as is the tradition when dining with family or friends.

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things to Do anD see

Thailand’s infamously hectic capital city of Bangkok (home to 11 million people) has much to offer beyond its reputed bustling streets and untamed nightlife. Bangkok is a culturally rich city, brimming with temples (the most of any city in the country) and historic sites. Examples are the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s Old City, which can take a full afternoon to explore, and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the stunning Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image. A boat ride down Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is also a great way to see the city, or you can brave traffic as a passenger on one of the many three-wheeled, motorized tuk-tuks that weave noisily through the city streets. In Thailand’s northern province, the greener, calmer capital of Chiang Mai is nine hours and a world away from Bangkok’s clogged streets. Popular with tourists and expats, Chiang Mai rivals Bangkok with over 300 temples within its moated perimeter. Outside the city, nature beckons trekkers who are drawn to not only to the natural beauty of Doi Suthep Mountain (“the lungs of Chiang Mai”), but to its fabled mysticism as well. From Chiang Mai, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a great way for adventurers to see the surrounding countryside. It is a four-day hike through the scenic northern Mai Hong Son province.

When it comes to nature, however, Thailand is known perhaps most of all for the beaches of its southern shores. Those who saw the movie The Beach might recognize the paradise of Ko Phi Phi, which has seen a rise in de-velopment since its “discovery.” Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Samui are some of Thailand’s best known white sand shores, with rich, green mountain peaks rising from clear, turquoise waters.

Currency/Cost of living The currency in Thailand is called the Baht (THB). For the most up-to-the-minute conversion rate to your country’s currency, click here: currency converter.

sample Cost guide, Bangkok (in USD) A small local beer- $1.75A gallon of milk- $5.50Lunch at a local restaurant- $2.50Rent for a one-bedroom apartment- $400 Public transit (one-way fare)- $.1.00

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| teaching in thailand

DemanD for teaChers

Demand is very high for teachers, especially in Bangkok. Countrywide, a push has been made by the Thai govern-ment to include English instruction in public schools, and native English speakers are sought for these positions. Opportunity also exists at the many private language institutes throughout the country, which cater to both young students (whose parents encourage English study) and adult professionals looking to develop their English skills for the fields of business or tourism.

major tefl Cities

Bangkok is the number one city for TEFL jobs, in part because of its population size and concentration of business and tourism. Chiang Mai is also popular, as are cities in other outlying provinces, such as Nakhon Sawan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Pathumthani. Teaching jobs aimed at those in the tourism industry may be found in beach locations such a Phuket.

typiCal stuDents

In Bangkok, most teachers teach children, either at private institutes or public schools. Opportunities exist to teach adult professionals as well, though less commonly.

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typiCal salary

Salaries in Thailand are nowhere near as high as some other countries in this region, but cost of living is low and the lifestyle here is more laid-back. A teacher here can expect to a monthly salary in a range equiva-lent to about $750- $1,500 USD.

Factors that affect salary include the job’s location (salaries are higher in Bangkok- but also cost of living), the teacher’s qualifications and experience, and whether or not the job includes housing as part of the contract.

typiCal Benefits

Schools in Thailand will usually assist teachers with the visa process and will help them find appropriate housing. Some employers will pay the cost of teachers’ housing, but this varies from school to school.

teaChing hours

A typical teaching schedule at a language institute includes a flexible schedule that can accommodate those taking English classes before or after school or work. Expect to work 25-35 hours per week, with some mornings and many afternoons and evenings. Teachers in public or private K-12 schools can expect a full-time schedule, such as would be worked in their home country.

ContraCt length

Employers prefer hiring teachers for one-year contracts, though it’s also possible to find six-month contracts in many cases.

peak hiring season

The best time to get hired at a private language institute in Thailand is mid-March through mid-May, since public schools are on holiday at this time and many parents enroll their kids in extra English classes.

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October is also a good month, and those wishing to start then should begin applying in August or September. January/February is a slow time for hiring.

preferreD hiring requirementsA bachelor’s degree is required in order to be eligible for the work visa in Thailand, and employers also seek teachers with a TEFL certificate of at least 100 hours. Teachers in Thailand now have to present a clean criminal background check as well. Women are generally preferred over men for teaching positions that involve children.

how to finD joBsTeachers usually line up positions in advance, from home. You can do this by taking part in a program that includes TEFL certification and job placement, or you can get certified first, then use online TEFL job boards or a teacher recruiter to arrange a job.

These online TEFL job boards advertise plenty of teaching positions to which qualified teachers may apply directly. In addition to these general job boards, Thailand-centered sites like www.ajarn.com are a good resource to search jobs.

Another way to get teaching jobs prior to arrival in Thailand is to go through a teacher recruiter, a common means of finding jobs in Asia. Recruiters do not charge teachers a fee and can match you with the right teaching location based on preferences for a certain region, city or and student age group.

interview tips For job interviews, which will likely take place via Skype, dress conser-vatively in very professional clothes. Keep in mind that while an outgo-ing personality is a quality sought in foreign teachers, projecting calm and confidence should be your goal when interviewing. Avoid too much gesturing or any loud expressions, as this type of behavior is considered impolite. Also, don’t be put off if the director asks personal questions

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about your age, marital status or family members, as this information is not considered as private as it would be in the West.

If you are in Thailand, the same interview tips apply, but also be sure you bring your resume (with a current photo of you on it) and your passport.

work visa proCess

The process for obtaining this varies depending on your country of residence, but most can apply for this at the Royal Thai Embassy in their home country. For the Non-Immigrant B visa application, teachers will several documents, including a copy of their university degree, an official invitation letter from the institute where they were hired, a copy of the teaching contract, and a clean criminal background check. The embassy will then grant the non-immigrant B visa and the teacher may enter Thailand for and stay for up to three months. Once in Thailand, the school that hired you can assist you with the required next steps of extending your visa for a longer-term stay.

reCommenDeD Courses

For most TEFL jobs in Thailand an online certificate of 120 hours will meet TEFL requirements.

Another option, especially if you prefer intensive, hands-on learning, is to take the onsite TEFL course offered in Thailand, and then apply to teaching positions upon graduation. This is helpful for two main rea-sons. First, you’ll get personalized job placement assistance from the staff at the TEFL center where you were certified. Second, the kind of certification you receive in an onsite TEFL course will make you a more competitive candidate for jobs.

One more option, for those who prefer a supportive program that includes TEFL certification, a pre-arranged job in Thailand, orientation with other participants, housing, and other benefits, is the Bridge Teach in Thailand Internship Program. This is an attractive option for prospective teachers who may be nervous about the prospect of finding a job in Thailand on their own.

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| Contact us

If you have additional questions about teaching in Brazil and would like to speak to an advisor, call 1-800-437-0413. You can also visit our TEFL Resource Page for other helpful information about teaching abroad or to message an advisor online.

Copyright © 2017 Bridge Education Group, Inc. All rights reserved. The Bridge name and logo areregistered trademarks of Bridge Education Group, Inc. in the United States. All other trademarksheld by their respective owners. This brochure, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced

without the express written permission of Bridge Education Group, Inc.